The Bible Recap — Day 324: Acts 11-12 (Year 7)

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble unpacks Acts chapters 11 and 12, exploring the pivotal expansion of the early church as Gentiles are welcomed into the faith. She navigates church growing pains, cultural tensions, God’s miraculous intervention, and the evolving identity of Jesus’ followers, with her signature relatable tone and scriptural insight.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Peter, the Gentiles, and Tension in Jerusalem

• Summary of the Situation:
  • Peter returns from Caesarea after the conversion of Gentiles, facing skepticism from the Jewish believers, especially a group called the “Circumcision Party.”
  • This group insists Gentile converts must adopt Jewish customs, especially circumcision, a longstanding symbol of being set apart.
• Host Insight:
  • Tara-Leigh compares the church’s struggle to adjust with Israel’s transition from slavery to freedom, noting their “clunky” journey learning new things.
  • The need for God’s visible approval (activity of the Holy Spirit) is emphasized, as the church cautiously navigates unfamiliar territory.

  “It can feel kind of clunky. It reminds me of the Israelites in the wilderness...” (02:02)

• Peter’s Defense:
  • Peter patiently recounts his vision and the Spirit’s clear leading, explaining everything in order.
  • He recalls Jesus’ teachings that make sense only now (time capsules of truth).
  • Peter’s summary:

    “If God is approving of them, who am I to deny them?” (07:08)

2. Turning Point: Spirit, Not Circumcision, as the Marker

• A Major Shift:
  • After Peter’s explanation, the Circumcision Party accepts his account and glorifies God.
  • This is presented as a watershed moment:

  “This is an important turning point in the early church. It’s where we start to see that more than anything else, the Holy Spirit is the marker of God’s people, not circumcision. He is the unifier of his people across all racial and cultural divides.” (08:00)

• Early Evangelism Expands:
  • Some Christians begin preaching only to Jews; others reach Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists).
  • The church in Antioch forms, in modern Turkey, and grows rapidly.

3. The First “Christians” in Antioch

• New Identity:
  • Disciples are first called “Christians” here (Acts 11:26).

  “This word is actually only used three times in Scripture, including here.” (10:10)

  • The church is marked by generosity (sending support to Jerusalem during famine).

4. Persecution Under Herod Agrippa

• Review of the Herod Line:
  • Tara-Leigh provides context: Herod the Great (Jesus’ birth), Herod Antipas (crucifixion), Herod Agrippa (now).
• Persecution Heats Up:
  • Herod Agrippa kills James (of Peter, James, and John), arresting Peter during Passover.
• Peter’s Miraculous Escape:
  • Peter is heavily guarded; the church prays fervently.
  • An angel wakes him (“punched by an angel”) and leads him out—chains fall off, doors open.

    “At some point during the night, an angel wakes him up by punching him in the side. I’m not kidding. The word here means a forceful blow—punched by an angel. Wednesdays at 8/7 Central.” (14:21)

  • Comic relief: Rhoda, the servant, forgets to let Peter in, leaving him in the street while she tells everyone he’s alive.

    “This is kind of funny, but also super dangerous. He’s an escaped prisoner...standing in the street in the middle of the night.” (15:32)

  • Peter relays the story, instructs them to tell “James, the brother of Jesus”—not the martyred James.

5. Herod Agrippa’s Pride and Death

• Herod’s Demise:
  • After failing to keep Peter, Herod is praised as a god by nearby rulers.

    “Immediately an angel of the Lord strikes him dead because he received the glory that belongs to God alone.” (17:10)

  • The church, despite persecution, continues to thrive.

6. Expansion and Transition

• Barnabas and Saul:
  • Saul (Paul) and Barnabas return to Antioch, now joined by John Mark (author of the Gospel of Mark).
• Growth Despite Opposition:
  • The Word continues to spread, affirming God’s sovereignty over all attempts to hinder the Gospel.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Gentile Inclusion:

  “If God is approving of them, who am I to deny them?” — Tara-Leigh (summarizing Peter, 07:08)

• On Church Transition:

  “This is an important turning point in the early church. It’s where we start to see that more than anything else, the Holy Spirit is the marker of God’s people, not circumcision.” (08:00)

• Comic Relief:

  “At some point during the night, an angel wakes him up by punching him in the side. I’m not kidding...punched by an angel. Wednesdays at 8/7 Central.” (14:21)

• On Repentance as a Gift:

  “We often think of repentance as something that we offer to God, but this verse says it’s something that he gives to us. He is the One who initiates our repentance. Repentance is a gift from Him.” (19:44)

Timestamped Breakdown of Key Segments

• [00:02] – [03:50]: Context for Gentile inclusion, Jewish cultural barriers, the problem with circumcision.
• [03:51] – [07:30]: Peter’s defense to Jerusalem believers, recounting his vision and the Spirit’s work.
• [07:31] – [09:00]: The marker of God’s people shifts from circumcision to the Holy Spirit.
• [09:01] – [11:00]: Growth of church in Antioch; origin of the term “Christian.”
• [11:01] – [13:30]: Herod Agrippa’s background, renewed persecution, James martyred, Peter arrested.
• [13:31] – [17:10]: Peter’s miraculous escape, comic moments, aftermath.
• [17:11] – [18:45]: Herod’s death for stealing God’s glory; church continues to multiply.
• [18:46] – [21:30]: Tara-Leigh’s “God shot”—reflecting on repentance as a gift, preview for next episode, Spanish-language resource note.

Tone & Style

• Warm, conversational, and gently humorous—Tara-Leigh breaks down complex church history and theology with illustrations and analogies.
• She frequently uses relatable metaphors and playful asides (“punched by an angel. Wednesdays at 8/7 Central”).
• Emphasis on the practical and spiritual implications for today’s listeners.

Final Thought & Reflection

Tara-Leigh’s “God shot” centers on Acts 11:18, highlighting repentance as God’s gift:

“What an incredible gift to be given eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to know the truth and to surrender to it. I’m so grateful he has granted me repentance. He’s where the joy is.” (20:02)

For more context or resources, visit the episode’s show notes or check out the Spanish version, La Synopsis de la Biblia.