Acts 11:12

And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

And {G1161} the Spirit {G4151} bade {G2036} me {G3427} go with {G4905} them {G846}, nothing {G3367} doubting {G1252}. Moreover {G1161}{G2532} these {G3778} six {G1803} brethren {G80} accompanied {G4862}{G2064} me {G1698}, and {G2532} we entered {G1525} into {G1519} the man's {G435} house {G3624}:

and the Spirit told me to have no misgivings about going back with them. These six brothers also came with me, and we went into the man’s house.

The Spirit told me to accompany them without hesitation. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s home.

And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction. And these six brethren also accompanied me; and we entered into the man’s house:

Commentary

Acts 11:12 (KJV) continues Peter's explanation to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem regarding his controversial visit to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and his household. This verse highlights the divine impetus behind Peter's actions, emphasizing the direct command of the Holy Spirit and the crucial role of witnesses.

Context

Peter is recounting the events that led him to preach the Gospel to Gentiles in Caesarea. Jewish custom strictly forbade association with Gentiles, especially entering their homes, as it was considered defiling. Peter had already experienced a vision involving unclean animals, which challenged his preconceived notions about clean and unclean. This verse reveals the Holy Spirit's explicit instruction that solidified Peter's understanding and prompted his obedience. His testimony here is vital for the early church to understand and accept the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith, a pivotal moment in salvation history.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Obedience: The phrase "the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting" underscores that Peter's actions were not based on personal initiative but on a clear, authoritative command from the Holy Spirit. His immediate and unwavering obedience, despite cultural barriers and personal reservations, sets an example for believers.
  • Universal Gospel: This event is a foundational step in demonstrating that God's salvation through Jesus Christ is for all people, not exclusively for Jews. The inclusion of Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius, irrevocably changed the trajectory of the early church and its mission. For more on the Holy Spirit's outpouring on Gentiles, see Acts 10:44-48.
  • Confirmation and Witness: The presence of "these six brethren" who accompanied Peter served as crucial witnesses to the miraculous events that unfolded at Cornelius's house. Their testimony provided independent verification, lending credibility to Peter's account and helping to validate the divine work among the Gentiles for the skeptical Jerusalem leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "nothing doubting" translates the Greek mēden diakrinomenon (μηδὲν διακρινόμενον), which literally means "not distinguishing" or "not wavering." It signifies Peter's complete lack of hesitation or internal conflict once the Holy Spirit's command was clear. This highlights his full trust and conviction in the divine directive, despite the significant social and religious implications of his actions.

Practical Application

Acts 11:12 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Listen for God's Voice: Like Peter, we are called to be attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, which often challenges our comfort zones or preconceived notions.
  • Overcome Prejudice: The story of Peter and Cornelius is a powerful reminder to break down barriers of prejudice and embrace all people with the love of Christ, recognizing that God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34).
  • Trust in Divine Direction: When God clearly directs, we are encouraged to obey "nothing doubting," trusting that His plans are perfect, even when they seem unconventional or difficult.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 8:29

    Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

  • Romans 3:22

    Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

  • Acts 10:23

    Then called he them in, and lodged [them]. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:2

    That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

  • Matthew 1:20

    But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

  • Acts 15:9

    And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

  • John 16:13

    Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
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