Acts 11 13

Acts 11:13 kjv

And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

Acts 11:13 nkjv

And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter,

Acts 11:13 niv

He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.

Acts 11:13 esv

And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;

Acts 11:13 nlt

He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, 'Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter.

Acts 11 13 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Acts 10:19The Spirit told PeterPeter's prior confirmation
Acts 10:20Rise therefore, get down, and go with themSpirit's instruction for him to go
Acts 10:22Called by GodCornelius also guided by the Spirit
Luke 10:39sat at Jesus' feet and heard him speakPeter's discipleship foundation
John 16:13when he, the Spirit of truth, has comeThe Spirit's role in guiding into truth
Galatians 5:25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the SpiritChristian life guided by the Spirit
Genesis 17:11It shall be a sign between me and youCircumcision as a sign for Abraham
Leviticus 19:18You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourselfCommand to love neighbor, extended here
Isaiah 56:7for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoplesGod's house for all nations
Jeremiah 1:7you shall go wherever I send youProphetic calling and obedience
Matthew 19:26with God all things are possibleGod's power to overcome barriers
Matthew 28:19Go therefore and make disciples of all nationsGreat Commission, expansion to Gentiles
Mark 16:15Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to all creationGospel reaching all
Luke 24:47repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all nationsGospel universality
John 1:12gave the right to become children of GodInclusion through faith
John 3:16for God so loved the worldGod's love for all of humanity
Acts 1:8you shall be witnesses to meDisciples' mission and empowerment
Acts 11:1-18Peter's defense before the Jerusalem churchJustification for associating with Gentiles
Romans 11:13I am speaking to you GentilesPaul's apostleship to the Gentiles
1 Corinthians 12:7the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common goodSpirit's gifts for unity
Ephesians 3:6that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospelGentile inclusion in the body of Christ
Ephesians 2:14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups into one and has broken down the barrier, the dividing wall of hostilityChrist breaking down divisions
Colossians 3:11where there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in allUnity in Christ above cultural distinctions

Acts 11 verses

Acts 11 13 Meaning

The verse describes Peter being led by the Holy Spirit to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and indicates his willingness to enter. It highlights Peter's submission to divine guidance in reaching out to the Gentiles, a pivotal moment in early Christianity.

Acts 11 13 Context

This verse occurs within the broader narrative of Acts chapter 10, which details Peter's pivotal encounter with Cornelius and his household. God orchestrates a series of events, including visions given to both Peter and Cornelius, to break down the deeply ingrained Jewish customs separating Jews and Gentiles. Peter's visit to Cornelius's house signifies a revolutionary expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins, fulfilling God's plan for all nations.

Acts 11 13 Word Analysis

  • "And he": Refers back to Peter, continuing the narrative flow.
  • "followed": The Greek word is epakoloutheo (ἐπακολουθέω), meaning to follow closely, to accompany, to pursue. It implies a committed and purposeful following, not mere passive movement.
  • "the Spirit": Refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is actively guiding the actions of the apostles.
  • "led him": The Greek is ago (ἄγω) with the perfect tense, indicating a completed action of being led, emphasizing divine agency.
  • "down": The Greek is kato (κάτω), indicating a direction. This may refer to descending stairs or moving into a lower-level area within the house, though its primary significance is directional guidance.
  • "to go with them": The Greek is synerchomai (συνέρχομαι), meaning to go together, to accompany. It highlights the cooperative nature of their journey and Peter's agreement to travel with Cornelius's men.
  • "believing": The Greek is pisteuo (πιστεύω). This "believing" modifies Peter's going, indicating he went with faith and conviction that this was God's will. This contrasts with simply obeying a command without understanding.

Words Group Analysis

  • "followed the Spirit led him": This phrase emphasizes Peter's complete submission and obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It's not a reluctant compliance but an active following of the Spirit's direction, signifying spiritual maturity and receptiveness.

Acts 11 13 Bonus Section

This verse directly fulfills Jesus' commission in Acts 1:8 where disciples would be witnesses "to the end of the earth." Cornelius's house in Caesarea marked the beginning of this geographical and ethnic expansion. Peter’s actions here are so significant that they are re-told and defended by Peter himself in Acts 11, addressing concerns within the Jerusalem church about his association with Gentiles. The prior vision God gave Peter (Acts 10:9-16) prepared his heart to be open to such divine instructions, demonstrating that God works on both sides to bring about His will.

Acts 11 13 Commentary

Peter's journey to Cornelius's house, guided by the Spirit, is a cornerstone in understanding the expansion of the Gospel. This was not just a personal mission for Peter but a divinely ordained step to demonstrate that God's salvation was now available to all, irrespective of their ethnic or religious background. The Holy Spirit, acting as the initiator and facilitator, transcends human barriers and prejudices. Peter’s act of "following the Spirit" underscores the necessity of divine guidance in mission and the willingness of believers to embrace God's broader purposes, even when they challenge established customs. This moment democratized salvation, opening the door for Gentiles to enter the Kingdom of God through faith in Jesus Christ, without the requirement of traditional Jewish proselytization, a move that would later be solidified in council (Acts 15).