Acts 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.

When {G1161} they heard {G191} these things {G5023}, they held their peace {G2270}, and {G2532} glorified {G1392} God {G2316}, saying {G3004}, Then {G686} hath {G1325} God {G2316} also {G2534} to the Gentiles {G1484} granted {G1325} repentance {G3341} unto {G1519} life {G2222}.

On hearing these things, they stopped objecting and began to praise God, saying, “This means that God has enabled the Goyim as well to do t’shuvah and have life!”

When they heard this, their objections were put to rest, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

And when they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life.

Commentary

Acts 11:18 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, demonstrating God's radical inclusivity and the Holy Spirit's transformative power. This verse captures the Jerusalem believers' reaction after hearing Peter's detailed account of his encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him and his household.

Context

The preceding verses (Acts 11:1-17) describe Peter's defense before the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, who had initially criticized him for associating with Gentiles. Peter recounted his extraordinary vision involving unclean animals (Acts 10:9-16), the divine command to go to Cornelius's house, and the irrefutable evidence of the Holy Spirit descending upon these Gentiles, just as He had upon the Jewish disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:4). Peter's argument was simple yet profound: if God gave them the same gift, who was he to stand in God's way?

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Universal Grace: This verse powerfully declares that God's plan of salvation is not limited to one ethnic group but extends to all humanity. The believers' realization, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life," shatters long-held Jewish exclusivism.
  • Repentance as a Divine Gift: The phrase "granted repentance unto life" emphasizes that repentance is not merely a human effort but a sovereign act of God's grace. It is a gift that enables a turning from sin to God, leading to true spiritual life.
  • Overcoming Prejudice: The initial criticism of Peter reveals the deep-seated cultural and religious barriers within the early church. This verse illustrates the church's capacity, guided by the Holy Spirit, to confront and overcome its own prejudices, embracing a broader understanding of God's kingdom.
  • Holy Spirit's Affirmation: The Holy Spirit's undeniable presence among the Gentiles served as God's clear sign and validation of His inclusive purpose, compelling the Jewish believers to acknowledge His work.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "repentance unto life" is metanoia eis zoēn. Metanoia signifies a fundamental change of mind, a transformative turning away from one's former way of thinking and living, towards God. It's more than just regret; it's a decisive shift in direction. Eis zoēn means "unto life," indicating that this divinely granted repentance leads directly to spiritual and eternal life, a life in fellowship with God.

Practical Application

Acts 11:18 challenges believers today to examine their own hearts for any lingering prejudices or exclusive attitudes. It reminds us that God's love and offer of salvation are for everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or social status. The church is called to be a place of radical welcome and transformation, actively participating in God's mission to reach all people with the message of repentance and new life in Christ. This verse also underscores the truth that true change of heart is ultimately a gift from God, prompting us to pray for and share the opportunity for others to receive this transformative grace.

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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

  • Romans 10:12 (15 votes)

    ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

  • Romans 10:13 (15 votes)

    For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:10 (9 votes)

    For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

  • Acts 20:21 (5 votes)

    Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Ezekiel 36:26 (5 votes)

    A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

  • Acts 5:31 (4 votes)

    Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

  • James 1:16 (4 votes)

    Do not err, my beloved brethren.