Acts 11:4

KJV

But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning, and expounded [it] by order unto them, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Peter {G4074} rehearsed the matter from the beginning {G756}, and expounded {G1620} it by order {G2517} unto them {G846}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

In reply, Kefa began explaining in detail what had actually happened:

Berean Standard Bible

But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events:

American Standard Version

But Peter began, and expounded the matter unto them in order, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 11:4 captures a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, as Peter, upon returning to Jerusalem, faces intense scrutiny from Jewish believers concerning his unprecedented interaction with uncircumcised Gentiles. This verse sets the stage for his detailed and systematic defense, where he meticulously recounts the divine orchestrations that led him to the household of Cornelius, thereby justifying the inclusion of Gentiles into the nascent Christian community and paving the way for the Gospel's universal reach.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 11:4 immediately follows the challenging confrontation Peter faces from "those of the circumcision party" in Jerusalem, who are critical of his actions (see [Acts 11:2-3](/acts/11-2-3 "Acts 11:2-3 - Peter Questioned by the Circumcision Party")). This verse initiates Peter's comprehensive explanation, which serves as a recapitulation of the events detailed in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"). His narrative begins with his transformative vision in Joppa ([Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals")), continues through the divine summons to Caesarea, and culminates in the undeniable outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles ([Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles")). Peter's methodical recounting is crucial for the Jerusalem church to understand and accept this radical shift in God's redemptive plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was predominantly Jewish, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Mosaic Law, including strict dietary laws and prohibitions against associating with Gentiles, especially entering their homes or eating with them. The "circumcision party" represented a significant faction of Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile converts must fully adhere to Jewish customs, including circumcision, to be part of God's people. Peter's actions directly challenged these deeply ingrained cultural and religious boundaries. His return to Jerusalem, the spiritual and administrative center of early Christianity, meant he had to account for his actions to the established leadership and community, highlighting the nascent church's struggle to reconcile its Jewish heritage with the universal implications of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse and the subsequent narrative contribute significantly to several key themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Apostolic Accountability**, demonstrating that even a leading apostle like Peter was subject to the scrutiny and questioning of the church community, highlighting the importance of transparency and communal discernment in leadership. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Mandate**, as Peter's meticulous explanation clarifies that his actions were not based on personal whim or a disregard for Jewish law, but were direct responses to God's explicit commands and miraculous signs, emphasizing that the expansion to Gentiles was God's initiative. Finally, and most profoundly, it is foundational to the theme of the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into the body of Christ, setting a precedent that salvation in Christ is for all people, regardless of ethnic background or prior religious practice, a truth that would later be formally affirmed at the [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rehearsed (Greek, _árchomai'_):** This word, meaning "to commence" or "to begin," indicates that Peter started his account from the very beginning of the sequence of events. It implies a chronological and foundational starting point for his explanation, ensuring that his audience understood the entire divine process that led to his actions.
* **expounded (Greek, _ektíthēmi'_):** Derived from "to expose" or "to set out," this term means "to declare" or "to explain." It signifies Peter's intention to lay out the facts clearly and thoroughly, to make plain what had transpired, and to provide a comprehensive and persuasive explanation of his conduct.
* **by order (Greek, _kathexēs'_):** Meaning "consecutively" or "in order," this adverb emphasizes the systematic and sequential nature of Peter's presentation. He did not offer a haphazard defense but a well-structured, logical recounting of events, designed to build a compelling case for the divine origin of his actions and the inclusion of Gentiles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning":** This clause highlights Peter's immediate and proactive response to the criticism. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a contrast to the accusations, indicating Peter's shift from being questioned to providing a defense. He chose to start his account from the very first divine instruction he received, ensuring a full and foundational understanding for his audience.
* **"and expounded [it] by order unto them":** This phrase describes the methodical and persuasive nature of Peter's explanation. He didn't just recount; he "expounded," meaning he clarified and interpreted the events, and he did so "by order," indicating a logical, step-by-step presentation. This systematic approach aimed to leave no room for doubt about the divine guidance behind his actions.
* **"saying":** This simple word introduces Peter's direct speech, signaling the commencement of his detailed testimony. It sets the stage for the narrative that follows in Acts 11:5-17, where Peter articulates the visions, commands, and miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit that led him to embrace the Gentiles.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Narrative Framing** is evident as Peter's speech serves to re-present the events of Acts 10 from his perspective, framing them for a new, skeptical audience in Jerusalem. This functions as an **Apologia** or a formal defense speech, where Peter systematically justifies his actions against the accusations. Furthermore, the act of Peter "rehearsing" and "expounding by order" demonstrates **Recapitulation**, where previously narrated events are retold, not merely for repetition, but for rhetorical effect—to persuade, clarify, and establish the divine authority behind his actions for those who were not privy to the initial events. This structured recounting underscores the divine legitimacy of the Gentile mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 11:4 is profoundly significant as it marks a critical juncture in the theological understanding of the early church regarding God's inclusive plan for salvation. Peter's willingness to submit to accountability and meticulously explain his actions underscores the principle that God's new work often challenges established traditions and requires humble discernment. His testimony, rooted in undeniable divine encounters and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, serves to dismantle deeply ingrained prejudices and expand the theological boundaries of who constitutes God's people. This moment affirms that God shows no partiality, and salvation through Christ is a gift extended to all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, thereby fulfilling the universal scope of the Abrahamic covenant.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall of Division")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 11:4 offers timeless lessons for believers and the church today, particularly concerning leadership, unity, and openness to God's transformative work. Peter, despite his apostolic authority, humbly submits to the scrutiny of the Jerusalem church, modeling a profound commitment to accountability and transparency within the body of Christ. This willingness to explain, rather than demand acceptance, fosters an environment of understanding and trust, even amidst significant theological and cultural disagreements. For us, this highlights the importance of patient communication and seeking to understand differing perspectives when conflicts arise, prioritizing unity over personal conviction. Moreover, Peter's experience challenges us to remain open to God's Spirit leading us beyond our comfort zones and traditional understandings. Just as the early church had to grapple with deeply ingrained prejudices regarding the inclusion of Gentiles, we too must be willing to re-examine our own preconceptions and biases, ensuring that our communities truly reflect the boundless love and inclusive nature of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Peter's willingness to explain his actions model humble leadership and accountability within the church today?**
* **In what areas might we, like the early Jewish believers, hold onto preconceptions that limit our understanding of God's inclusive work?**
* **What role does clear, systematic communication play in resolving conflict and fostering unity within our communities?**

### FAQ
**Why was Peter questioned by the Jerusalem church?**

Answer: Peter was questioned by the Jerusalem church, specifically "those of the circumcision party," because he had entered the home of an uncircumcised Gentile, Cornelius, and eaten with him. This was a significant violation of deeply ingrained Jewish customs and purity laws, which prohibited such close association with non-Jews. For many Jewish believers, this action seemed to contradict the Mosaic Law and challenged their understanding of how Gentiles could be included in God's covenant people. They believed that Gentiles first needed to become proselytes to Judaism, including circumcision, before being accepted into the Christian community (see [Acts 11:2-3](/acts/11-2-3 "Acts 11:2-3 - The Circumcision Party Accuses Peter")).

**What was the significance of Peter's "rehearsal from the beginning" and "expounding by order"?**

Answer: The significance lies in Peter's methodical and transparent approach to addressing the accusations. By "rehearsing from the beginning," he ensured that his audience understood the entire sequence of divine interventions—from his vision in Joppa to the Holy Spirit's outpouring on Cornelius's household—demonstrating that his actions were not arbitrary but divinely mandated. "Expounding by order" emphasizes the systematic and logical presentation of events, leaving no room for doubt about the clear instructions and miraculous confirmations he received from God. This detailed, step-by-step testimony was crucial for overcoming the deep-seated prejudices of the Jewish believers and convincing them of God's explicit will for Gentile inclusion, as fully detailed in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 11:4, with Peter's methodical defense of his actions, powerfully illustrates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Peter's encounter with Cornelius and the subsequent outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles are not random events but direct outworkings of Christ's mission and the new covenant He inaugurated. Jesus Himself consistently broke down social and religious barriers during His earthly ministry, reaching out to marginalized groups like Zacchaeus ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus")) and the Samaritan woman ([John 4:7-42](/john/4-7-42 "John 4:7-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")), foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel. His Great Commission explicitly commanded His disciples to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")), and He promised the Holy Spirit would empower them to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Peter's testimony, therefore, is the Spirit-empowered actualization of Christ's universal call, demonstrating that through His death and resurrection, Christ has indeed "broken down the dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). The events Peter recounts are not merely about a change in church policy, but about the glorious unfolding of God's eternal purpose in Christ to redeem people "from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Worthy to Receive Praise")).

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

Luke 1:3

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Proverbs 15:1

¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Joshua 22:21

¶ Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Joshua 22:31

And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD [is] among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.

Acts 14:27

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.