Peter, typically portrayed as the bold leader making authoritative declarations, here assumes the rare posture of a defendant carefully justifying his actions to skeptical Jerusalem believers.
Acts 11
Peter Explains His Actions
1Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,
3saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”
4But Peter began, and explained to them in order, saying,
5“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me.
6When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky.
7I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter, kill and eat!’
8But I said, ‘Not so, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.’
9But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, don’t you call unclean.’
10This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.
12The Spirit told me to go with them without discriminating. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house.
13He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying to him, ‘Send to Joppa and get Simon, who is called Peter,
14who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.’
15As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.
16I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’
17If then God gave to them the same gift as us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?”
18When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!”
The Church in Antioch
19They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.
20But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,
23who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.
25Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.
26When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28One of them named Agabus stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius.
29As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea;
30which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Font Size 17pt
Line Spacing
Theme
Peter defends his ministry to Gentiles by recounting his vision and the Holy Spirit's clear confirmation at Cornelius's house, leading the Jerusalem church to accept that God grants salvation to all peoples. Meanwhile, persecution scatters believers who establish a thriving church in Antioch, where Gentiles are first systematically evangelized. Barnabas is sent to oversee this work and recruits Saul from Tarsus, marking a pivotal expansion of the early church's mission beyond Jewish boundaries.
Context
This chapter follows Peter's groundbreaking ministry to Cornelius in chapter 10 and sets the stage for Paul's missionary journeys beginning in chapter 13.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-3 Criticism from Jerusalem Jewish believers question Peter's association with uncircumcised Gentiles.
- 4-17 Peter's Defense Peter recounts his vision, Cornelius's angelic encounter, and the Holy Spirit's confirmation.
- 18 Jerusalem's Acceptance The church acknowledges God's extension of salvation to the Gentiles.
- 19-21 Gospel Spreads to Antioch Scattered believers begin preaching to Greeks, resulting in many conversions.
- 22-26 Barnabas and Saul's Ministry Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch, who recruits Saul for a year of teaching.
- 27-30 Famine Relief Antioch sends aid to Jerusalem through Barnabas and Saul during a predicted famine.
Peter Explains His Actions
11:1–11:18 narrative speech contemplative
Peter defends his actions in preaching to Gentiles by recounting his vision and God's clear direction. The Jerusalem church accepts that God has granted salvation to the Gentiles as well as Jews.
person_contrast
Peter, typically portrayed as the bold leader making authoritative declarations, here assumes the rare posture of a defendant carefully justifying his actions to skeptical Jerusalem believers.
The Church in Antioch
11:19–11:30 narrative narration hopeful
The church expands to Antioch where believers are first called Christians, and the community responds generously to a prophesied famine. Barnabas and Saul minister together for a year, strengthening the growing church.
person_contrast
Barnabas shifts from his typical missionary role to become a church-building mentor, spending an unprecedented full year nurturing the Antioch community's spiritual maturity.
Insights
Barnabas shifts from his typical missionary role to become a church-building mentor, spending an unprecedented full year nurturing the Antioch community's spiritual maturity.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
Acts 11:1 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 8:14 Lexical
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to…
Acts 15:7 Lexical
When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made…
Acts 28:21 Lexical
They said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers come here and repo…
Acts 15:23 Lexical
They wrote these things by their hand: “The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Genti…
Luke 8:13 Lexical
Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a wh…
Acts 11:2 1 reference
Acts 11:4 1 reference
Acts 11:5 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 10:11 Lexical
He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth…
Revelation 21:10 Lexical
He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out o…
Revelation 21:2 Lexical
I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 18:1 Lexical
After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated wi…
Revelation 20:1 Lexical
I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.
Acts 11:6 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 10:12 Lexical
in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.
Romans 1:23 Lexical
and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed…
James 3:7 Lexical
For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and sea creature is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind;
Acts 7:55 Lexical
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on…
Revelation 19:19 Lexical
I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the hors…
Acts 11:7 2 references
Acts 11:8 2 references
Acts 11:9 1 reference
Acts 11:11 3 references
Lexicals 3
Acts 10:17 Lexical
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sen…
Acts 17:5 Lexical
But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproa…
Luke 24:4 Lexical
While they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing.
Acts 11:12 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 25:17 Lexical
When therefore they had come together here, I didn’t delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat and commanded t…
Acts 1:21 Lexical
“Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Acts 10:23 Lexical
So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the b…
Acts 28:17 Lexical
After three days Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, he said to th…
Mark 2:26 Lexical
How he entered into God’s house at the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to…
Acts 11:13 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 10:32 Lexical
Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon,…
Acts 10:5 Lexical
Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter.
Acts 10:17 Lexical
Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sen…
Acts 10:22 Lexical
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the J…
Acts 9:38 Lexical
As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in…
Acts 11:15 2 references
Acts 11:16 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 1:5 Lexical
For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Luke 3:16 Lexical
John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandal…
Matthew 3:11 Lexical
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not wort…
Acts 10:47 Lexical
“Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.”
John 1:33 Lexical
I didn’t recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descendi…
Acts 11:18 1 reference
Acts 11:19 2 references
Acts 11:20 1 reference
Acts 11:21 2 references
Acts 11:22 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 13:1 Lexical
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lu…
Acts 15:22 Lexical
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and sen…
Acts 15:35 Lexical
But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
Revelation 3:13 Lexical
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
Revelation 2:29 Lexical
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.
Acts 11:24 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 6:5 Lexical
These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochor…
Acts 6:3 Lexical
Therefore, select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may…
Luke 4:1 Lexical
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness
Acts 7:55 Lexical
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on…
Matthew 3:11 Lexical
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not wort…
Acts 11:26 5 references
Lexicals 5
Acts 14:21 Lexical
When they had preached the Good News to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Ant…
Acts 10:22 Lexical
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the J…
Acts 15:22 Lexical
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and sen…
Acts 13:1 Lexical
Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lu…
Matthew 28:12 Lexical
When they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,
Acts 11:27 2 references
Acts 11:28 5 references
Lexicals 5
Revelation 3:10 Lexical
Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which is to come on the whole world…
Acts 19:27 Lexical
Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis…
Acts 17:31 Lexical
because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of whi…
Revelation 16:14 Lexical
for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole inhabited earth, to gather them…
Acts 22:16 Lexical
Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
Acts 11:29 4 references
Lexicals 4
1 Thessalonians 2:14 Lexical
For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered t…
John 7:3 Lexical
His brothers therefore said to him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works whi…
2 Thessalonians 1:3 Lexical
We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedi…
2 Corinthians 9:3 Lexical
But I have sent the brothers so that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I sai…
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
v. 1
v. 2
v. 3
v. 4
v. 5
v. 6
v. 7
v. 8
v. 9
v. 10
v. 11
v. 12
v. 13
v. 14
v. 15
v. 16
v. 17
v. 18
v. 19
v. 20
v. 21
v. 22
v. 23
v. 24
v. 25
v. 26
v. 27
v. 28
v. 29
v. 30
Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
Loading map...