Acts 11:4 kjv
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
Acts 11:4 nkjv
But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:
Acts 11:4 niv
Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story:
Acts 11:4 esv
But Peter began and explained it to them in order:
Acts 11:4 nlt
Then Peter told them exactly what had happened.
Acts 11 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lk 1:3 | "It seemed good to me also, having followed all things accurately from the first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus," | Luke's methodological writing style |
| Acts 3:24 | "And all the prophets, from Samuel and those who came after him, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days." | "Orderly succession" in prophetic timeline |
| Acts 10:1-48 | The full account of Peter's vision and visit to Cornelius's house. | Direct events Peter is explaining |
| Acts 11:1-3 | "Now the apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him," | Immediate context: Peter's confrontation |
| Acts 15:7-9 | "And after much debate, Peter rose and said to them, 'Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel and believe.'" | Peter's defense for Gentile inclusion later |
| Isa 55:8-9 | "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." | God's higher ways challenging human norms |
| Rom 10:12-13 | "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him." | God's impartiality in salvation |
| Gal 2:11-14 | Peter's later conduct regarding Gentiles and eating with them. | Illustrates ongoing tension re: Gentile inclusion |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | "Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect," | Be ready to give a reasoned account |
| Acts 2:38-39 | "Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." | Holy Spirit promised to all who God calls |
| Jn 16:13 | "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth," | Holy Spirit guides believers into truth |
| Eph 2:13-16 | "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ... He has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." | Unification of Jew and Gentile in Christ |
| Mt 10:18 | "you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles." | Bearing witness to all peoples |
| Acts 1:8 | "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." | Witnessing guided by the Spirit |
| Acts 4:20 | "For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." | Peter's conviction based on experience |
| Jn 15:26-27 | "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning." | Spirit's witness validating apostolic testimony |
| Rom 3:29-30 | "Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith." | God's sovereignty over both Jew and Gentile |
| 1 Cor 14:33, 40 | "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace... But all things should be done decently and in order." | God's desire for order and clarity |
| Jer 1:9 | "Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, 'Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.'" | God empowers spokespersons to speak His words |
| Heb 1:1-2 | "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son," | God's progressive revelation of truth |
Acts 11 verses
Acts 11 4 Meaning
Acts 11:4 details that after being confronted, Peter began to systematically and thoroughly explain to the Jewish believers in Judea, from the beginning, the events that transpired involving Cornelius and the Gentile believers receiving the Holy Spirit. His explanation was orderly and step-by-step, intended to clarify his actions and reveal God's work.
Acts 11 4 Context
Acts chapter 11 begins with news reaching the apostles and brothers in Judea that "the Gentiles also had received the word of God" (Acts 11:1). This was revolutionary and, for some, deeply controversial. Upon Peter's return to Jerusalem, he was immediately confronted by "the circumcision party" (Acts 11:2), Jewish believers who held strongly to the necessity of Jewish customs and Mosaic law for all believers, including the practice of circumcision and dietary laws. They criticized Peter for having associated with and eaten with uncircumcised men, violating strict Jewish social and religious boundaries. Verse 4 serves as a crucial turning point, indicating Peter's decision not to argue defensively, but to provide a clear, factual, and divine-attested account of all the events. This approach was essential for establishing the Holy Spirit's role in the inclusion of Gentiles and maintaining unity within the nascent Christian community during a foundational theological crisis.
Acts 11 4 Word analysis
But Peter began (Ἀρξάμενος δὲ Πέτρος - Arxamenos de Petros):
- Ἀρξάμενος (Arxamenos): A participle meaning "having begun" or "beginning." It indicates the initiation of an action. Peter takes the initiative to explain rather than directly countering the accusations.
- δὲ (de): A conjunction meaning "but" or "and." Here, "but" highlights the contrast with the criticism he just received. Instead of defending emotionally, he starts to explain methodically.
and explained it to them (ἐξετίθετο αὐτοῖς - exetithetō autois):
- ἐξετίθετο (exetithetō): From ektithēmi (ἐκτίθημι), meaning "to set out," "to expound," "to explain in detail," or "to lay out fully." The imperfect tense signifies a continuous or ongoing action, emphasizing that Peter did not just give a brief summary, but engaged in a thorough and deliberate exposition. It suggests a patient and systematic unveiling of the events.
- αὐτοῖς (autois): "to them," referring to "those of the circumcision" (Acts 11:2) and the other apostles and brothers. This was a direct, personal explanation to his accusers and the wider leadership.
in orderly sequence (καθεξῆς - kathexēs):
- καθεξῆς (kathexēs): An adverb meaning "in orderly succession," "in due order," "step by step," or "sequentially." This word is significant and characteristic of Luke's writing style (used in Lk 1:3). It indicates that Peter did not randomly recount details but presented them chronologically and logically, emphasizing the divine progression of events rather than his own personal will. This logical structure enhanced the persuasiveness of his account.
saying, (λέγων - legōn):
- λέγων (legōn): Present participle of legō (λέγω), "to say," or "speaking." It indicates that the explanation was verbal and continuous, leading directly into his detailed narrative of Acts 10.
Words-Group analysis:
- "But Peter began and explained it to them": This phrase immediately sets Peter's approach. He is not merely responding to an accusation but undertaking a teaching moment. The focus is on Peter initiating the conversation and taking responsibility to communicate clearly.
- "explained it to them in orderly sequence, saying": This highlights the nature of his communication: comprehensive, clear, and methodical. The choice of "orderly sequence" (καθεξῆς) implies Peter was presenting facts as they unfolded under God's clear direction, leaving little room for misinterpretation of human error, but emphasizing divine intention. It appeals to their rationality and sense of proper procedure, presenting the Spirit's undeniable leading at each step.
Acts 11 4 Bonus section
Peter's systematic explanation in Acts 11:4 is a powerful example of what is sometimes called "apologetics"—not an apology for wrong, but a reasoned defense of faith or actions, particularly in light of divine intervention. His testimony acts as foundational evidence for the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. The detailed retelling also underscores the fact that God was actively orchestrating these events to broaden the reach of the Gospel, challenging deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms within Judaism. It subtly reinforces the Holy Spirit's role as the primary agent guiding the Church's expansion and doctrine.
Acts 11 4 Commentary
Acts 11:4 marks a pivotal moment where open conflict within the early church is diffused by careful, Spirit-led explanation. Peter does not react defensively or emotionally to the criticisms regarding his association with Gentiles. Instead, he models wise leadership by presenting a reasoned, factual account. The phrase "in orderly sequence" is key, echoing Luke's own commitment to accurate historical narrative (Lk 1:3). Peter essentially lays out God's sequential guidance through his vision, the messengers from Cornelius, the journey to Caesarea, and crucially, the Holy Spirit's outpouring on the Gentiles before circumcision, effectively putting divine authority above human prejudice or traditional legalism. This methodical testimony, focused on undeniable supernatural events rather than human argument, paves the way for the acceptance of Gentile inclusion and sets a precedent for resolving future disagreements within the Christian community, highlighting the importance of clear communication of God's leading.