Some observations on Acts 10-12, stimulated by student papers on the subject.

First, the narrative pattern in these chapters is intriguing. Chapter 10 and most of 11 are about Peter and Cornelius, but then Peter’s story is interrupted in 11:19 by the reference to the Christians who end up in Antioch preaching to Gentiles. The parallel is clear, but then the Antiochene Christians, Saul, and Barnabas, leave the scene for a bit while the narrative returns to Peter (12:1-24), before returning to Barnabas and Saul in 11:25. That narrative structure intertwines Peter’s ministry with Paul’s; Peter and Paul dance around for a chapter and a half, and then Peter leaves the stage and Paul’s ministry goes spinning out. That structure also places Peter’s rescue from Herod in the middle of Luke’s discussion of the Antiochene Christians, a hint of an intercalation.

Second, the movement in these chapters, and in the book as a whole, is notable. In chapters 6-7, the Jews put Stephen to death. Herod begins to do the same in chapter 12, but the Lord rescues Peter and instead of Peter dying Herod dies a rather horrible death. Stephen’s blood has, as it were, been heard and vindicated, and the “king of the Jews” dies. There is also a progression from Judea to the Gentiles. After Herod dies, the focus shifts to the Gentile mission of Paul. Herod’s death marks the final victory of the mission of Christians in Jerusalem, and it’s time to move on. The story carries a warning for any king who might oppose Paul’s ministry: He might end up eaten by worms like Herod. After Peter’s rescue at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, “Pharaoh” dies.

Finally, embedded in this section is the notice that “the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch” (11:26). That is not an accidental placement. Before the people of God can be identified with Christ as “Anointed Ones,” the gospel has to move out of Jerusalem and Judea into the Gentile world. “Christ” means “Anointed Davidic King,” the Anointing Davidic King who will rule the nations. “Christian” means “Anointed Prince,” and believers are Christians only when as they begin to share in their Lord’s rule over the nations.