NOTES for Act 11:1-18
1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. |
2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, |
3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. |
4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, |
5 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 sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: |
6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. |
7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. |
8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. |
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. |
10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. |
11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. |
12 And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: |
13 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 Simon, whose surname is Peter; |
14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. |
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. |
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. |
17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? |
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. |
Hide
The apostle Peter tells about the vision that became the beginning of a tremendous upheaval in the consciousness of the first Christians. Until very recently it had seemed obvious to them that only Jews were called by God to salvation. And now the Lord tells Peter that he is to consider nothing and no one unclean...
At the Lord's word the Gentiles received baptism with the Holy Spirit. And everything becomes simple and clear: if the Lord Himself is acting in people who until recently had been pagans, which of His disciples can hinder the Teacher? We do not know how the Lord turns to those He has chosen, and therefore we cannot know whom He chooses. One thing is obvious for us: we have no right to reject any person by saying that he is "not like us." For God nothing is impossible; He cleanses every person.
Readings for 27 April 2026
After registering, you can subscribe to any Bible reading plan. Personalized settings and other services for registered users are planned, so we recommend registering now. Registration is free. | ||
