Acts 11:1

KJV

¶ And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the apostles {G652} and {G2532} brethren {G80} that were {G5607} in {G2596} Judaea {G2449} heard {G191} that {G3754} the Gentiles {G1484} had {G1209} also {G2532} received {G1209} the word {G3056} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The emissaries and the brothers throughout Y’hudah heard that the Goyim had received the word of God;

Berean Standard Bible

The apostles and brothers throughout Judea soon heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

American Standard Version

Now the apostles and the brethren that were in Judæa heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 11:1 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's history, reporting the astonishing news to the apostles and believers in Judaea that Gentiles had not only heard but genuinely embraced the Gospel. This verse serves as the immediate precursor to the significant theological debate and defense by Peter concerning the events at Cornelius's house in Caesarea, signaling a dramatic expansion of God's redemptive plan beyond its traditional Jewish confines and setting the stage for the church's universal mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial narrative bridge, connecting the groundbreaking events of [Acts chapter 10](/acts/10 "Peter's Vision and Cornelius's Conversion") with the subsequent theological confrontation and resolution in [Acts 11:2-18](/acts/11-2-18 "Peter's Defense Before the Jerusalem Church"). Immediately preceding Acts 11:1, Peter, guided by a divine vision and the Holy Spirit, had preached the Gospel to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household in Caesarea. Astonishingly, the Holy Spirit fell upon these Gentiles even before their baptism, mimicking the experience of Jewish believers at Pentecost. This unprecedented event, demonstrating God's direct acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles into the covenant community, necessitated a formal report to the Jerusalem leadership, whose traditional understanding of God's people was being radically challenged. The news in Acts 11:1 thus sets up Peter's explanation and defense, which ultimately leads to the Jerusalem church's acceptance of Gentile inclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was predominantly Jewish, deeply rooted in the traditions, laws, and cultural norms of Judaism. For centuries, a strict separation had existed between Jews and Gentiles, with Gentiles often viewed as "unclean" and outside the covenant promises of God. Jewish believers, including the apostles, adhered to dietary laws and purity regulations that prohibited close association or shared meals with uncircumcised Gentiles. The very idea of Gentiles receiving the "word of God" and the Holy Spirit without first converting to Judaism (e.g., circumcision, adherence to the Mosaic Law) was revolutionary and deeply unsettling to many. The "brethren that were in Judaea" would have been particularly conservative, living in the heartland of Jewish tradition. This verse highlights the immense cultural and theological barrier that God was actively dismantling, challenging deeply ingrained ethnocentric assumptions within the nascent Christian community.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 11:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the **Expansion of the Gospel** beyond ethnic and geographical boundaries, fulfilling Christ's commission to be His witnesses "to the end of the earth" as prophesied in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into God's covenant people, a theme central to the New Testament and a radical departure from Old Testament ethnic exclusivity. This inclusion demonstrates God's universal love and salvific purpose for all humanity, foreshadowing the "one new humanity" described in [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **Divine Initiative in Salvation**, as the Gentiles "had also received the word of God," implying that this was not merely a human endeavor but a sovereign act of God, orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. This reinforces the truth that salvation is a gift of God's grace, available to "everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb signifies more than just a casual hearing; it implies a reception of information that is significant and often demands a response or understanding. In this context, the apostles and brethren did not merely overhear a rumor but received a definitive report, the gravity of which would necessitate their deliberation and Peter's subsequent defense. The act of hearing here initiates a crucial theological and practical discussion for the early church.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "race" or "tribe," _éthnos_ specifically refers to foreign, non-Jewish peoples, often carrying the implication of being pagan or outside the covenant. The use of this term here highlights the profound shock and paradigm shift for the Jewish believers: those who were considered "outsiders" by birth and custom were now, by divine initiative, entering the fold of God's people, challenging deeply entrenched ethnic and religious boundaries.
* **received (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, denotes an active and willing acceptance, a welcoming or embracing. It implies more than passive reception; it suggests an inward appropriation and affirmation of the message. The Gentiles did not just hear the "word of God" but genuinely welcomed it into their lives, indicating a true conversion and a transformative encounter with the Gospel, validated by the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea":** This phrase identifies the recipients of the groundbreaking news. "The apostles" refers to the authoritative leaders of the early church, primarily based in Jerusalem. "And brethren that were in Judaea" indicates the wider community of Jewish believers residing in the region, who would have been particularly sensitive to matters of Jewish identity and purity. Their location in Judaea underscores their adherence to traditional Jewish customs and their initial skepticism regarding Gentile inclusion.
* **"heard":** This simple verb carries immense weight here. It signifies the transmission of critical information that would provoke a significant response. The news was not a rumor but a confirmed report that demanded attention and a theological reckoning from the church leadership.
* **"that the Gentiles had also received the word of God":** This is the astonishing content of the report. The inclusion of "also" (G2532, _kai_) is crucial, emphasizing that the Gentiles had received the word *in the same manner* as the Jews, implying an equal standing before God and an identical experience of salvation. "Received the word of God" encapsulates their conversion—they had heard, believed, and welcomed the Gospel message, evidenced by the Holy Spirit's descent upon them as detailed in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Peter's Vision and Cornelius's Conversion"). This was the core of the challenge to the Jewish believers' worldview.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **Literary Devices** in Acts 11:1 to convey the significance of this moment. The verse functions as a concise **Summary Statement**, encapsulating the revolutionary outcome of Peter's mission in Caesarea and setting the stage for the subsequent narrative. There is an implicit **Contrast** drawn between the expectations of the Jewish believers ("apostles and brethren that were in Judaea") and the unprecedented reality of Gentile conversion ("the Gentiles had also received the word of God"). The use of "also" (Greek: _kai_) serves as a subtle yet powerful **Emphasis**, highlighting the surprising equality of the Gentile experience with that of Jewish believers, underscoring that God's grace was not exclusive. Furthermore, the verse acts as a narrative **Catalyst**, directly leading to the theological debate and Peter's defense in the following verses, demonstrating how God's actions often provoke human questioning and require divine explanation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 11:1 is a theological landmark, affirming God's universal plan of salvation and dismantling the ethnic barriers that historically separated Jew and Gentile. The news that "Gentiles had also received the word of God" demonstrates that God's grace extends beyond any single nation or lineage, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a global people for His name. This event underscores the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, where salvation is not dependent on adherence to Mosaic Law or ethnic identity, but solely on faith in Jesus Christ. It marks a decisive step in the formation of a multi-ethnic, unified body of believers, reflecting God's desire for all humanity to come to Him. This theological truth laid the groundwork for the church's mission to the world, confirming that God's covenant promises, initially given to Abraham, were always intended to bless "all the families of the earth."

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The news reported in Acts 11:1 served as a profound challenge and ultimately a transformative revelation for the early Jewish believers. It forced them to re-evaluate their understanding of God's people, His covenant, and the very nature of salvation. For us today, this passage serves as a powerful reminder that God's work often transcends our preconceived notions, cultural biases, and comfortable traditions. We are called to cultivate a heart that is open and adaptable to the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it challenges our established norms or brings about uncomfortable shifts in our understanding. Just as the Jerusalem church had to grapple with the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, we too must examine our own hearts and communities for any unspoken barriers—whether social, economic, racial, or cultural—that might hinder the full expression of God's universal love. This verse compels us to celebrate the beautiful diversity of God's global family and to actively participate in reaching all people with the transformative "word of God."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What preconceived notions or cultural biases might I hold that could hinder my embrace of God's diverse work in the world today?**
* **In what ways might my church or community be unintentionally creating barriers that prevent certain groups from "receiving the word of God"?**
* **How can I personally contribute to fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all people within the body of Christ, reflecting the spirit of Acts 11:1?**

### FAQ

**Why was the news of Gentile conversions so significant to the Jewish believers in Judaea?**

Answer: The news was profoundly significant because it challenged deeply ingrained theological and cultural norms. For centuries, God's covenant people had been understood primarily as the descendants of Abraham, identified by circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law. Gentiles were generally considered outside this covenant, often viewed as "unclean" or pagan. The idea that Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit and salvation without first converting to Judaism (e.g., circumcision) was revolutionary. It meant God was working in a way that bypassed the traditional markers of Jewish identity, forcing Jewish believers to re-evaluate their understanding of who constituted God's people and how one entered into a relationship with Him. This was a direct confrontation with their ethnocentric worldview, as detailed in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Peter's Vision and Cornelius's Conversion") and the subsequent debate in [Acts 11:2-18](/acts/11-2-18 "Peter's Defense Before the Jerusalem Church").

**What does "received the word of God" imply for the Gentiles in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "received the word of God" (Greek: _edexanto ton logon tou Theou_) implies much more than simply hearing the message. The verb _déchomai_ (received) denotes an active and willing acceptance, a welcoming, or an embracing of the message. It signifies a genuine, inward appropriation of the Gospel that led to true conversion and transformation. In the context of [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Peter's Vision and Cornelius's Conversion"), this reception was immediately validated by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household, demonstrating that their faith was authentic and God-ordained, just as it had been for Jewish believers at Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Day of Pentecost")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 11:1 stands as a powerful testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that Jesus's atoning work was never meant to be confined to a single ethnic group. The news that "the Gentiles had also received the word of God" directly fulfills Christ's Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The inclusion of Gentiles, as reported in this verse, is a direct consequence of Christ's cosmic work, extending the blessing of Abraham to all peoples through faith in Him ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - Blessing of Abraham Through Christ")). It is in Christ that there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). Thus, Acts 11:1 highlights how the very nature of the church as a multi-ethnic body, united under one Lord, is a direct manifestation of Christ's universal lordship and the power of His Gospel to transcend all human divisions.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 22:27

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Malachi 1:11

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name [shall be] great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense [shall be] offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name [shall be] great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Romans 15:7

¶ Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:12

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Isaiah 32:15

Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest.

Hosea 2:23

And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God.

Acts 15:3

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.