Acts 11:4

Acts 11:4 (KJV) marks a crucial moment in the early church's development. Following his return to Jerusalem, Peter faces scrutiny from Jewish believers regarding his interaction with Gentiles. This verse highlights Peter's response: "But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning, and expounded [it] by order unto them, saying,"

Context

Upon hearing that Peter had entered the homes of uncircumcised Gentiles and eaten with them, the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, particularly those of the circumcision party, were critical and questioned him (see Acts 11:2-3). This verse sets the stage for Peter's detailed defense, where he systematically recounts the divine intervention that led him to Cornelius's household. His narrative begins with his transformative vision in Joppa (Acts 10:9-16) and culminates in the undeniable outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48).

Key Themes

• Apostolic Accountability: Peter, despite being a leading apostle, submits to the scrutiny of the Jerusalem church. This demonstrates the importance of transparency and accountability within early Christian leadership, setting a precedent for handling disputes.
• Divine Mandate: Peter's meticulous explanation underscores that his actions were not arbitrary but were direct responses to God's explicit commands and miraculous signs. He was following God's will, not his own inclination or breaking Jewish law lightly.
• Inclusion of Gentiles: This narrative is foundational to the expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish roots. Peter's testimony here paved the way for the church to understand that salvation in Christ was for all people, regardless of ethnic background or prior religious practice. This theme would later be debated and affirmed at the Jerusalem Council.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two significant words to describe Peter's action:

• "Rehearsed" comes from the Greek word anatassomai (ἀνατάσσομαι), which means "to arrange in order," "to draw up," or "to recount systematically." It implies a structured and comprehensive presentation of facts.
• "Expounded" is from ektithēmi (ἐκτίθημι), meaning "to set out," "to explain," or "to put forth." This term suggests a clear, detailed explanation designed to clarify and persuade. Together, these words highlight Peter's careful and thorough approach to addressing the concerns of the brethren.

Practical Application

Acts 11:4 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• The Value of Testimony: Peter's personal testimony, grounded in divine encounters, was powerful enough to overcome deep-seated prejudices. Sharing our own experiences of God's leading can be transformative for others.
• Challenging Preconceptions: The early church had to grapple with deeply ingrained cultural and religious boundaries. This passage encourages us to be open to God's Spirit leading us beyond our comfort zones and traditional understandings, especially regarding who God welcomes into His family.
• Unity and Understanding: Peter's willingness to explain, and the Jerusalem church's willingness to listen, fostered unity despite initial disagreement. It underscores the importance of patient communication and seeking understanding when differences arise within the body of Christ, echoing principles of endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit.