The early expansion of Christianity: Philip, Cornelius and Antioch

Welcome to the Early Expansion of Christianity!

In this chapter, we explore one of the most exciting turning points in the New Testament. Originally, the followers of Jesus were almost exclusively Jewish and stayed mostly in Jerusalem. But something changed! Through the work of Philip, Peter, and a new church in Antioch, the message of Jesus began to break down barriers of race, geography, and tradition. We will see how Christianity transformed from a small Jewish group into a global movement.

1. Philip: Breaking the First Barriers (Acts 8)

After the death of Stephen (the first martyr), many Christians fled Jerusalem to avoid persecution. This actually helped the church grow! One of the key figures in this "scattering" was Philip.

Philip in Samaria (Acts 8:4-13)

Philip went to a city in Samaria. Historically, Jews and Samaritans did not get along, so this was a huge step.
• Philip performed miracles and healed people, which brought great joy to the city.
• Simon the Sorcerer: A famous local magician named Simon saw Philip’s power. Simon "believed" and was baptised, but he later tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Peter rebuked him, showing that God's gift cannot be bought.

The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)

An angel told Philip to go to a desert road, where he met an official from Ethiopia.
• The man was a "eunuch" (an official in the queen's court) reading the book of Isaiah.
• Philip explained that the passage about the "suffering servant" in Isaiah was actually about Jesus.
• The man believed and was immediately baptised.
Key Takeaway: This story shows that the Gospel was now reaching people from different continents and people who were previously excluded from full Jewish worship.

2. Peter and Cornelius: The Gentile Turning Point (Acts 10:1–11:18)

This is perhaps the most important event for the expansion of the church. Until now, most believers thought you had to be Jewish to follow Jesus. God used a Roman officer named Cornelius and the apostle Peter to change that.

The Visions

• Cornelius’s Vision: Cornelius was a "God-fearing" Gentile (he respected Jewish God but wasn't Jewish). An angel told him to send for Peter.
• Peter’s Vision: While praying, Peter saw a large sheet coming down from heaven filled with "unclean" animals. A voice said, "What God has made clean, you must not call profane." This happened three times.
The Meaning: Peter realised God wasn't just talking about food; He was talking about people. No person should be considered "unclean" or excluded from the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles

Peter went to Cornelius’s house and preached about Jesus. While he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentiles, and they began speaking in tongues.
• Peter was amazed because the Holy Spirit was given to Gentiles just as it had been to Jews at Pentecost.
• Because God had clearly accepted them, Peter ordered that they be baptised.

Defending the Decision (Acts 11:1-18)

When Peter returned to Jerusalem, some Jewish believers criticised him for eating with "uncircumcised men." Peter explained his vision and the fact that the Holy Spirit fell on them. The critics were silenced and praised God, realising that "God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."

3. The Church in Antioch (Acts 11:19-30)

While Jerusalem was the starting point, Antioch became the new "hub" for the mission to the world.

• A Mixed Community: In Antioch, believers began preaching specifically to Greeks (Gentiles). Large numbers of people believed.
• Barnabas and Saul: The Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to check on Antioch. He brought Saul (Paul) from Tarsus to help him. They taught there for a whole year.
• "Christians": Did you know? It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians."
• Unity in Action: When a famine was predicted, the church in Antioch sent money to help the believers in Judea. This showed that the different branches of the early church cared for one another.

4. The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35)

As more Gentiles joined the church, a massive problem arose: Do Gentile Christians have to follow the Law of Moses (including circumcision) to be saved?

The Debate

• Some believers (who were Pharisees) argued that Gentiles must be circumcised and obey the Law.
• Peter argued that God had already accepted Gentiles (like Cornelius) by grace, not by the Law.
• Paul and Barnabas told stories of the signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles.

The Decision

James (the leader of the Jerusalem church) made the final judgment. He decided that they should not make it difficult for Gentiles to turn to God. They would not require circumcision, but they asked Gentiles to follow four rules to keep peace with Jewish believers:
1. Abstain from food sacrificed to idols.
2. Abstain from blood.
3. Abstain from meat of strangled animals.
4. Abstain from sexual immorality.

Key Takeaway: This decision confirmed that faith in Jesus, not following the Jewish Law, was the requirement for salvation. This cleared the way for the Gospel to spread rapidly across the Roman Empire.

Quick Review Box

• Philip: Took the Gospel to Samaria and an Ethiopian official.
• Cornelius: The first Gentile convert; his story proved that God accepts everyone.
• Antioch: The first large "mixed" church (Jews and Gentiles) and the place where the name "Christian" started.
• Council of Jerusalem: Officially decided that Gentiles do not need to become Jewish (circumcision/Law) to be Christians.

Exam Tips for Paper 2

AO1 (Knowledge): Be ready to describe the specific details of Peter’s vision or the four requirements set by the Council of Jerusalem.
AO2 (Analysis): You might be asked to discuss why the conversion of Cornelius was a turning point. Focus on how it shifted the church's identity from a Jewish sect to a universal religion.
Common Mistake: Don't forget that James (Jesus' brother), not Peter or Paul, was the one who gave the final verdict at the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15!