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Acts 11:14 – The Speeches of the Apostles
The book of Acts could have been named, “Speeches” because it is not only a book of actions, it is a book of speeches and sermons. The inspired rhetoric reminds the Jewish people of their special heritage and subsequent responsibilities. For example, Peter called the Jews, “sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your forefathers” (3:25). To the Gentiles, they were offered salvation through the Jewish Messiah without first having to become a Jew (13; 17). To the Jewish rulers, the speeches condemned and corrected (7). And to the Roman leaders, the speeches plead innocence.
Acts features a number of extended speeches or sermons notably form Peter, Paul, with the longest from Stephen. In fact, I have read there are somewhere between at least 18-24 different speeches (haven’t personally counted), whether recorded or summarized, in Acts. These speeches comprise about 30% of the total verses. There are about as many speeches recorded as miracles.
Why is this important? None of the miracles performed by the apostles ever saved anyone. Even when the Holy Spirit descended upon the household of Cornelius, that didn’t save them – Acts 11:14 HCSB He will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.’
Here are two applications. First, if you need saving, don’t wait on God to perform some miracle. He has already given us the words needed to save us. Second, if you know someone needing salvation, don’t think that just your good example is enough. They need to hear the message of salvation.
That message of salvation is about the greatest miracle ever – the resurrection of Jesus. But that miracle will not save unless people hear about it first.
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