Acts 11

“And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.” Naming Gentiles keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,” Naming Jerusalem and Peter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” Naming Saying and Thou keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,” Naming Peter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great…” The number four makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts…” Naming Upon keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.” Naming Arise and Peter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.” Naming Not keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” The verse names God rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.” The number three makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me.” The number three makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into…” The number six makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for…” Naming Joppa and Peter keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” Naming Ghost and Holy keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles…” Naming Gentiles keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and…” Naming Antioch and Cyprus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians…” Naming Antioch and Cyprus keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas…” Naming Antioch and Barnabas keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they…” The verse names God and Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:” Naming Barnabas and Saul keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled…” This familiar narrative signal moves the clock forward. What follows is a new scene, consequence, or answer to an earlier tension.

“And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.” Naming Antioch and Jerusalem keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout…” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in…” Naming Jud keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” Naming Barnabas and Saul keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.