Acts 11:11

And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, immediately {G1824} there were {G2186} three {G5140} men {G435} already {G1824} come {G2186} unto {G1909} the house {G3614} where {G1722}{G3739}{G3739} I was {G2252}, sent {G649} from {G575} Caesarea {G2542} unto {G4314} me {G3165}.

“At that very moment, three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where I was staying;

Just then three men sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.

And behold, forthwith three men stood before the house in which we were, having been sent from Cæsarea unto me.

Acts 11:11 (KJV) is a pivotal verse in Peter's defense before the church leaders in Jerusalem, where he recounts the groundbreaking events surrounding the conversion of Cornelius and his household. This verse specifically describes the precise moment when messengers sent by Cornelius arrived at the house where Peter was staying in Joppa, immediately following his transformative vision.

Context

This verse is part of Peter's detailed explanation to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem (Acts 11:4-18) regarding why he, a Jew, had entered the house of Gentiles and preached to them. His actions were controversial given the prevailing Jewish customs of the time. The events described here unfold after Peter had received a profound vision of a great sheet descending from heaven filled with all manner of unclean animals, accompanied by a divine command to "kill and eat." While Peter was pondering the meaning of this vision, the arrival of these men served as a direct confirmation and immediate fulfillment of God's prompting, guiding him towards the Gentile household of Cornelius in Caesarea. Their arrival is first mentioned in Acts 10:17, and Peter here reiterates it as a key part of his testimony.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Orchestration and Timing: The word "immediately" (Greek: euthéōs) highlights God's perfect timing. The arrival of the men precisely when Peter was contemplating his vision demonstrates divine providence at work, leaving no doubt about the next step God intended for him.
  • Confirmation of God's Will: The arrival of the three men from Caesarea, seeking Peter, served as undeniable confirmation of the message from Peter's vision: God was actively breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, initiating a new era of Gentile inclusion in the early church.
  • God's Initiative in Gentile Inclusion: These men were sent by Cornelius, a devout Gentile, who himself had received a vision instructing him to send for Peter (Acts 10:5-6). This underscores that the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith was not a human initiative but a divine one, initiated by God himself.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "immediately" is euthéōs (εὐθέως), which conveys a sense of directness, promptness, and suddenness. Its use here emphasizes the swift and undeniable connection between Peter's vision and the subsequent divine instruction to accompany the men. This immediate succession of events leaves no room for human doubt or delay, underscoring the urgency and clarity of God's leading in this pivotal moment for the early church.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers today to recognize and respond to God's precise timing and leading in their lives. Just as Peter was led beyond his comfort zone and cultural norms by a clear sequence of divine events, we too should be open to God's promptings, especially when they challenge our preconceived notions or traditions. It reminds us that God often confirms His will through various means, including circumstances and the arrival of specific individuals, guiding us to participate in His broader redemptive plan, which often involves reaching out to those we might not expect.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 4:27

    And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.

  • Acts 10:17

    Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

  • Acts 10:18

    And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

  • Exodus 4:14

    And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, [Is] not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

  • Acts 9:10

    ¶ And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord.

  • Acts 9:12

    And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

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