Acts 11:12 kjv
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
Acts 11:12 nkjv
Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man's house.
Acts 11:12 niv
The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.
Acts 11:12 esv
And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house.
Acts 11:12 nlt
The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles. These six brothers here accompanied me, and we soon entered the home of the man who had sent for us.
Acts 11 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 10:19 | While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.” | Peter's immediate encounter with the Spirit's directive |
| Acts 10:20 | Rise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them. | Direct command mirroring v. 12 |
| Acts 11:1 | Now the apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. | Prior knowledge of Gentile inclusion |
| Acts 11:11 | And behold, immediately three men stood before the house in which I was lodging, sent from Caesarea to me. | The arrival of the men sent for Peter |
| Acts 11:13 | And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, | Cornelius recounting the divine instruction |
| Acts 15:7 | And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them, “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. | Peter explaining Gentile inclusion to the council |
| Galatians 2:8 | For He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles— | Acknowledgment of divine empowerment |
| Ephesians 2:11-22 | Describing the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile | Unity in Christ |
| Romans 15:15-16 | Paul's ministry to the Gentiles by divine appointment | Shared mission |
| Isaiah 55:8-9 | God's ways are higher than man's ways | Divine wisdom and planning |
| Jeremiah 29:11 | God's plans for welfare and hope | God's ultimate purpose |
| Psalm 139:7-10 | God's omnipresence | God's guiding presence |
| 1 Corinthians 1:27 | God choosing the weak to shame the strong | Divine sovereignty in choice |
| Colossians 1:27 | Christ in you, the hope of glory | Indwelling Spirit |
| John 14:26 | The Holy Spirit as teacher and reminder | Spirit's role in guidance |
| John 16:13 | The Spirit guiding into all truth | Spirit's directive function |
| Acts 8:26 | Philip being led by the Spirit to the Ethiopian eunuch | Spirit's leading in mission |
| Acts 13:2 | The Spirit saying, “Separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” | Spirit's specific commission |
| 1 Peter 4:12-13 | Rejoicing in suffering for Christ | Shared experience |
Acts 11 verses
Acts 11 12 Meaning
The verse states that Peter was instructed by the Holy Spirit to go with the three men who were sent to him. He then went down to them and accompanied them to Caesarea. Upon arrival, Cornelius met Peter, demonstrating immediate obedience and eagerness for instruction.
Acts 11 12 Context
This verse is a pivotal moment in the book of Acts, marking a significant expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles. It follows Peter's vision of the unclean animals and his subsequent encounter with Cornelius and his household. The Holy Spirit's direct instruction to Peter ("go with them") bypasses Jewish purity laws that would normally prohibit a Jew from entering a Gentile home. This divine leading is crucial for bridging the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers and demonstrating that salvation through Christ is for all nations. Peter's willingness to obey, despite his own ingrained cultural and religious training, highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 11 12 Word Analysis
Rise: An imperative verb, indicating an immediate call to action, a movement from a resting or seated position.
therefore: A conjunction, linking this instruction to the preceding context (the arrival of the men and Peter's understanding of the Spirit's message).
go down: Imperative verb; the movement is downward, implying leaving his present location (perhaps an upper room in Joppa) and descending to meet the visitors.
and go with them: Imperative verb phrase, indicating not just going to meet them but accompanying them on their journey, emphasizing partnership and joint action.
doubting nothing: A crucial adverbial phrase; it negates any reservation, hesitation, or questioning. Peter is to go with complete confidence in the divine direction. The Greek word implies "without any misgiving" or "without disputing."
for: Conjunction introducing the reason or justification for the preceding command.
I have sent them: The pronoun "I" refers to the Holy Spirit. The act of "sending" is attributed to the Spirit, underscoring that this entire encounter is divinely orchestrated. It confirms the legitimacy and divine authority of the men seeking Peter.
Acts 11 12 Bonus Section
The incident foreshadows the Jerusalem Council's decision regarding Gentile inclusion (Acts 15), where Peter himself would defend God's action in bringing salvation to the Gentiles. The phrase "doubting nothing" is significant because Peter had previously held strong views influenced by Jewish tradition, as seen in his reluctance at Joppa. The Spirit's word here is a direct correction and empowerment, enabling Peter to embrace God's new, broader plan of salvation for all people. The Greek word for "doubt" (μεταρίζομαι - metarizomai) suggests a mental wavering or questioning; Peter is to proceed with spiritual certainty.
Acts 11 12 Commentary
This verse encapsulates the seamless interplay between divine initiative and human obedience in the spread of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit, the driving force of the early church's mission, directly prompts Peter to act. Peter's response, devoid of doubt and fully compliant, sets a precedent for the church's outward expansion. It underscores that God's plans transcend human social and religious boundaries. The Spirit's action confirms that the call to salvation is universal and inclusive.