Lesson Twenty-One: Peter's Report to Jerusalem

Supplementary Materials

The Accusation Against Peter (11:1-3) News of the Gentile conversions spread quickly throughout Judea. When Peter returned to Jerusalem, he faced criticism: "They that were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them." — Acts 11:2-3

Understanding the Complaint The Accusation Why It Mattered "Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised" Jews believed entering a Gentile's home made them ceremonially unclean "And didst eat with them" Table fellowship implied acceptance and equality; eating Gentile food violated kosher laws

Note what they did NOT complain about: They didn't criticize Peter for preaching to Gentiles or baptizing them. Their objection was about his personal association — entering their home and eating with them. This reveals how deep the social barrier ran.

Who Were "They of the Circumcision"? (11:2) This phrase could refer to:

• Jewish Christians generally — All Jewish Christians were circumcised and might be called "the circumcision"
• A stricter faction — Those who believed Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved (cf. 15:1, 5)

In context, these appear to be sincere Jewish Christians who were troubled by Peter's actions, not necessarily the "Judaizers" who later caused problems (Acts 15; Galatians). Their willingness to accept Peter's explanation (11:18) suggests genuine concern, not entrenched opposition.

Peter's Defense: A Step-by-Step Account (11:4-17) Peter didn't argue theology — he simply told what happened. His defense was essentially: "God did this, not me."

Peter's Argument: "I didn't decide to do this — God did. At every step, God was directing. The vision, the Spirit's command, the angel's message, the outpouring of the Spirit — all from God. Who am I to fight against God?"

New Details in Peter's Retelling Peter's account in chapter 11 adds some details not recorded in chapter 10:

The Crucial Verse: Acts 11:14 "Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." This verse is one of the most important in understanding Cornelius's conversion:

Key Point: Even the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit did not save

Cornelius. He was saved when he obeyed the "words" Peter spoke — which included

the command to be baptized (10:48).

"Baptized with the Holy Ghost" (11:16) Peter recalled Jesus's words: "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." This refers to Jesus's promise in Acts 1:5. But what was "Holy Spirit baptism"? Holy Spirit Baptism Water Baptism A PROMISE from God (Acts 1:4-5) A COMMAND to obey (Acts 2:38; 10:48) Administered BY Christ (Matt. 3:11) Administered BY humans (Acts 8:38) Occurred TWICE in Acts (ch. 2 and 10) Occurred in EVERY conversion in Acts Purpose: To empower apostles; to confirm Purpose: For forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Gentile acceptance 22:16) "At the beginning" (11:15) — unique events "One baptism" for all (Eph. 4:5)

Note: Holy Spirit baptism happened only twice in Acts — at Pentecost (Jews) and at

Cornelius's house (Gentiles). Both were unique, unrepeatable events to launch the

gospel to each group. Water baptism, by contrast, was commanded of every convert.

The Church's Response (11:18) "When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." The Jerusalem church's response was beautiful:

• "They held their peace" — They stopped objecting; the evidence was overwhelming
• "Glorified God" — They praised God for what He had done, even though it challenged their assumptions
• "God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life" — They recognized that Gentiles could be saved — not just tolerated, but fully included

"Repentance unto life": This phrase shows that repentance leads to life (salvation). God "granted" this opportunity to the Gentiles — the door was now open. But the Gentiles still had to walk through it by believing and obeying the gospel.

A Model for Handling Controversy This account provides a healthy pattern for resolving disagreements in the church: Step Application 1. The concern was raised The brethren "contended" with Peter — they brought their concern directly (11:2-3) 2. An explanation was given Peter "expounded it by order" — he explained carefully and completely (11:4) 3. Evidence was presented Peter cited God's actions, Scripture, and witnesses (11:5-17) 4. The truth was accepted They "held their peace" and "glorified God" — they changed their view when shown the truth (11:18)

Both sides acted admirably: the critics raised their concerns honestly; Peter responded patiently with evidence; and the church humbly accepted the truth.

Key Cross-References

Lessons from Acts 11:1-18 1. Don't fight against God — when God's will is clear, accept it even if it challenges your assumptions. 2. Salvation comes through the gospel message — "words whereby thou shalt be saved" (11:14). 3. Good people still need the gospel — Cornelius's prayers and alms did not save him. 4. Holy Spirit baptism was a sign, not the norm — it happened twice in Acts, not in every conversion. 5. God grants repentance unto life to all nations — the gospel is for everyone. 6. Handle controversy with patience, evidence, and humility — seek the truth together.