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Acts 11

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Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Adam Clarke Bible Commentaryv. 1

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea - According to Calmet, Judea is here put in opposition to Caesarea, which, though situated in Palestine, passed for a Greek city, being principally inhabited by Pagans, Greeks, or Syrians.

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 1

PETER VINDICATES HIMSELF BEFORE THE CHURCH IN JERUSALEM FOR HIS PROCEDURE TOWARDS THE GENTILES. (Acts 11:1-18) the apostles and brethren . . . in Judea--rather, "throughout Judea."

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John Gill Bible Commentaryv. 1

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea,.... The rest of the twelve apostles, and the private members of the churches that were in Judea, for there were in it now more churches than that at Jerusalem, Act 9:31 heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God; as well as Samaria, Act 8:14 the news by some means or other were quickly brought to them, and no doubt but they also heard that they had received the Holy Ghost, his extraordinary gifts, as well as his special grace, though no mention is made of them.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 1

The preaching of the gospel to Cornelius was a thing which we poor sinners of the Gentiles have reason to reflect upon with a great deal of joy and thankfulness; for it was the bringing of light to us who sat in darkness. Now it being so great a surprize to the believing as well as the unbelieving Jews, it is worth while to enquire how it was received, and what comments were made upon it. And here we find, I. Intelligence was presently brought of it to the church in Jerusalem, and thereabouts; for Cesarea was not so far from Jerusalem but that they might presently hear of it. Some for good-will, and some for ill-will, would spread the report of it; so that before he himself had returned to Jerusalem the apostles and the brethren there and in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God, that is, the gospel of Christ, which is not only a word of God, but the word of God; for it is the summary and centre of all divine revelation. They received Christ; for his name is called the Word of God, Rev 19:13. Not only that the Jews who were dispersed into the Gentile countries, and the Gentiles who were proselyted to the Jewish religion, but that the Gentiles also themselves, with whom it had hitherto been thought unlawful to hold common conversation, were taken into church-communion, that they had received the word of God. That is, 1. That the word of God was preached to them, which was a greater honour put upon them than they expected. Yet I wonder this should seem strange to those who were themselves commissioned to preach the gospel to every creature. But thus often are the prejudices of pride and bigotry held fast against the clearest discoveries of divine truth. 2. That it was entertained and submitted to by them, which was a better work wrought upon them…

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Tyndale Open Study Notesv. 1

11:1-18 Jews traditionally kept themselves separate and did not eat or associate socially with Gentiles (10:28; 22:21-22; see John 4:9, 27; 18:28; Gal 2:12-14). Therefore, when the Jewish believers in Jerusalem learned that Gentiles had received the word of God, they criticized Peter’s unconventional actions and wanted an explanation, which Peter provided.

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 1

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… Ἰουδαία (Ioudaía, G2449) — the Judæan land (i.e. Judæa), a region of Palestine ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one… δέχομαι (déchomai, G1209) — to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very

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Strong's Concordancev. 2

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅτε (hóte, G3753) — at which (thing) too, i.e. when Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosólyma, G2414) — Hierosolyma (i.e. Jerushalaim), the capitol of Palestine ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) περιτομή (peritomḗ, G4061) — circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively) διακρίνω (diakrínō, G1252) — to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…

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Strong's Concordancev. 3

λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ἀκροβυστία (akrobystía, G203) — the prepuce; by implication, an uncircumcised (i.e. gentile, figuratively, unregenerate)… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… συνεσθίω (synesthíō, G4906) — to take food in company with αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…

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Strong's Concordancev. 4

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle ἄρχομαι (árchomai, G756) — to commence (in order of time) ἐκτίθημι (ektíthēmi, G1620) — to expose; figuratively, to declare καθεξῆς (kathexēs, G2517) — thereafter, i.e. consecutively; as a noun (by ellipsis of noun) a subsequent person or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or…

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Strong's Concordancev. 5

ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) ἤμην (ḗmēn, G2252) — I was ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) Ἰόππη (Ióppē, G2445) — Joppe (i.e. Japho), a place in Palestine προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔκστασις (ékstasis, G1611) — a displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, "ecstasy" εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅραμα (hórama, G3705) — something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object σκεῦος (skeûos, G4632) — a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife… καταβαίνω (katabaínō, G2597) — to descend (literally or figuratively) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

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Strong's Concordancev. 6

εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀτενίζω (atenízō, G816) — to gaze intently κατανοέω (katanoéō, G2657) — to observe fully καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… τετράπους (tetrápous, G5074) — a quadruped γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal ἑρπετόν (herpetón, G2062) — a reptile, i.e. (by Hebraism (compare H07431)) a small animal πετεινόν (peteinón, G4071) — a flying animal, i.e. bird οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…

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Strong's Concordancev. 7

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ἀνίστημι (anístēmi, G450) — to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle θύω (thýō, G2380) — properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e. (by implication) to sacrifice… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φάγω (phágō, G5315) — to eat (literally or figuratively)

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Strong's Concordancev. 8

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) μηδαμῶς (mēdamōs, G3365) — by no means κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole κοινός (koinós, G2839) — common, i.e. (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ἀκάθαρτος (akáthartos, G169) — impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)) εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) οὐδέποτε (oudépote, G3763) — not even at any time, i.e. never at all εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me στόμα (stóma, G4750) — the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations);…

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Strong's Concordancev. 9

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrínomai, G611) — to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare H06030)… μοί (moí, G3427) — to me ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) δεύτερος (deúteros, G1208) — (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb) οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καθαρίζω (katharízō, G2511) — to cleanse (literally or figuratively) κοινόω (koinóō, G2840) — to make (or consider) profane (ceremonially) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… σύ (sý, G4771) — thou

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Strong's Concordancev. 10

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… τρίς (trís, G5151) — three times καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἅπας (hápas, G537) — absolutely all or (singular) every one ἀνασπάω (anaspáō, G385) — to take up or extricate πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…

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Strong's Concordancev. 11

καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; ἐξαυτῆς (exautēs, G1824) — from that hour, i.e. instantly ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi, G2186) — to stand upon, i.e. be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually… τρεῖς (treîs, G5140) — "three" ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… οἰκία (oikía, G3614) — properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἤμην (ḗmēn, G2252) — I was ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō, G649) — set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… Καισάρεια (Kaisáreia, G2542) — Cæsaria, the name of two places in Palestine

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Strong's Concordancev. 12

δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) μοί (moí, G3427) — to me συνέρχομαι (synérchomai, G4905) — to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) διακρίνω (diakrínō, G1252) — to separate thoroughly, i.e. (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἕξ (héx, G1803) — six ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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Strong's Concordancev. 13

τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) ἀπαγγέλλω (apangéllō, G518) — to announce ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us πῶς (pōs, G4459) — an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect,… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… οἶκος (oîkos, G3624) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family… ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō, G649) — set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or… ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male)

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Strong's Concordancev. 14

ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… σέ (sé, G4571) — thee ῥῆμα (rhēma, G4487) — an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σύ (sý, G4771) — thou καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy οἶκος (oîkos, G3624) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family… σώζω (sṓzō, G4982) — to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Psalms 22:27rank 9

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him.

Malachi 1:11rank 7

For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place, incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Isaiah 32:15rank 4

until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest.

Acts 15:3rank 3

Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers.

Isaiah 49:6rank 3

He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 14:27rank 3

When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 42:1rank 2

“Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 52:10rank 2

The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Isaiah 60:3rank 2

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Isaiah 11:10rank 2

On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.

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