Day 35 — ACTS 11 —Tearing Down Walls, Building Up Lives

“And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” — Acts 11:26 (ESV)

Sometimes God tears something down in order to build something stronger and better in its place. That truth is woven throughout Scripture, and Acts chapter 11 gives us a clear and compelling example. Here we see walls that had stood for generations—walls of tradition, prejudice, and misunderstanding—being torn down by the Holy Spirit. And at the same time, we see something new being built up: a vibrant, Spirit-led church in Antioch that would become a launching point for world missions.

The wall between Jews and Gentiles was not a small one. It had been reinforced for centuries by cultural practice and religious law. But God had already made His intention clear through Peter’s encounter with Cornelius in Acts 10. Salvation through Jesus Christ was not confined to one people group. The gospel was for "all" who would believe.

When Peter returned to Jerusalem, not everyone celebrated what God had done. Some criticized him for associating with Gentiles and for eating with them. Before we judge too harshly, we should recognize how deeply ingrained these divisions were.

Change—even God-ordained change—often creates tension.

Peter’s response is instructive. He did not argue emotionally or dismiss concerns casually. He carefully explained what had happened, step by step, emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit. He pointed not to his own opinions, but to God’s clear activity. And when the believers heard the facts, Scripture tells us they fell silent and glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18).

This moment reminds us of an important principle: when God is truly at work, honest hearts will eventually rejoice—even if they struggle at first. Resistance often gives way to worship when truth becomes clear.

Acts 11 then shifts our attention north to Antioch, a large, influential, and deeply pagan city. As persecution scattered believers from Jerusalem, some traveled as far as Antioch and began preaching the Lord Jesus—not only to Jews, but to Greeks as well. And Luke tells us, “the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21).

God was doing a new thing. And once again, the question was how the church would respond.

The Jerusalem church wisely sent Barnabas to Antioch to see what was happening. Barnabas—whose name means “son of encouragement”—was the right man for the moment. When he arrived and saw the grace of God at work, he rejoiced. He did not criticize what looked different. He did not try to control what he did not initiate. He encouraged the believers to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.

Barnabas understood something crucial: when God is at work, our role is not to compete with it, but to cooperate with it.

Seeing the need for solid teaching and leadership, Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. This, too, is significant. Saul had been called by God, but he was not yet fully integrated into broader ministry. Barnabas believed in him, sought him out, and brought him into the work. Together, they taught the church in Antioch for a full year.

It was there, in Antioch, that believers were first called Christians. This was likely a term given by outsiders, not as a compliment, but as an observation. These people were so closely identified with Christ that they bore His name. Their lives, their speech, their love, and their devotion made it unmistakable whom they followed. What a testimony.

Warren Wiersbe offers a helpful framework for understanding Acts 11: “Throughout this chapter, we see people hearing from the Holy Spirit, we see people who make things happen, we see people who oppose things that happen, and people who help other people make some things happen.” That raises an honest and searching question for each of us: Which category defines you most often?

Are you listening for God’s still, small voice—and for His clear direction through His Word? Are you the kind of person who, when God speaks, steps forward in faith? Or do you tend to oppose change, question motives, and resist new direction?

Opposition does not always come from bad intentions. Sometimes it comes from fear—fear of the unfamiliar, fear of losing control, fear of change. Sometimes it comes from a lack of understanding. And sometimes, if we are honest, it comes from the discomfort of losing influence or authority.

Scripture exhorts us to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Testing is not the same as resisting. Discernment is not the same as criticism. The difference is posture. Are we sincerely seeking to understand what God is doing, or are we looking for reasons to dismiss it?

Barnabas shows us a better way. He encouraged more than he complained. He built bridges rather than walls. He helped others make things happen for the glory of God. And because of that, the church in Antioch flourished and became a sending church—one that would eventually send Barnabas and Saul on missionary journeys that would shape the history of Christianity.

Thank God for Peter, who was willing to listen to the Spirit and move beyond comfort and complacency. Thank God for Barnabas, who saw potential where others hesitated and invited Saul into meaningful ministry. Through their obedience, God tore down old barriers and built something new that would bless the world.

Now the question turns to us.

Who is it that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to move toward—beyond your normal conversations or routines? Who is outside your comfort zone, your circle, your familiarity? Is God whispering to your heart, “They need the message of salvation in Christ alone”? Are you listening? Are you ready to move?

Sometimes obedience requires us to let go of old assumptions, old habits, or old fears. Sometimes God tears down walls we’ve grown comfortable with so He can build lives that bring Him greater glory.

Today is an invitation. Listen for the Spirit’s voice. Examine your posture. Choose encouragement over opposition, faith over fear, obedience over comfort. Make the change. Answer the call.

This is the way forward.
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Prayer:
Holy Spirit, we thank You that You are always at work—tearing down walls that divide and building up lives that glorify Jesus. Search our hearts and show us where fear, comfort, or resistance has kept us from joining You in what You are doing. Give us ears to hear Your voice, courage to respond in obedience, and hearts like Barnabas—full of encouragement and faith. Lead us beyond our comfort zones so that others may hear and receive the hope found in Christ alone. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

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