Peter Defends the Conversion of Gentiles
Acts 11:1-18
Acts.11.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ηκουσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- δε: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- αποστολοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- οντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- Ιουδαιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- οτι: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εθνη: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- εδεξαντο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:44-48 (structural): Immediate narrative precursor: Gentiles (Cornelius' household) receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized, explaining why the apostles in Judea heard that Gentiles had received God's word.
- Acts 11:18 (structural): Direct follow-up reaction in Jerusalem: the elders conclude that God has granted repentance to the Gentiles, summarizing the significance of Gentile reception of the word.
- Acts 15:7-9 (thematic): Jerusalem Council debate where Peter argues that God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, citing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles as confirmation that they receive the same gift.
- Isaiah 49:6 (thematic): Prophetic theme that Israel will be a light to the nations—background motif for the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvific plan and reception of his word.
- Romans 1:16 (thematic): Paul’s assertion that the gospel is ‘for the Jew first and also for the Greek’ echoes the inclusive thrust of Acts 11:1: the message is intended for Gentiles as well as Jews.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the apostles and the brothers in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
- Now the apostles and the brothers in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
Acts.11.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτε: CONJ
- δε: CONJ
- ανεβη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- διεκρινοντο: VERB,impf,mid/pass,ind,3,pl
- προς: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- εκ: PREP
- περιτομης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 10:45-48 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the circumcised believers who accompanied Peter are astonished that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, precipitating the later dispute about Peter's actions.
- Galatians 2:11-14 (verbal): Paul's account of the same conflict: he describes confronting Peter (Cephas) in Antioch when Peter withdrew from table fellowship with Gentiles under pressure from persons 'of the circumcision.'
- Acts 15:1-5 (thematic): Later Jerusalem controversy over whether Gentile converts must be circumcised; reflects the broader dispute between Gentile inclusion and demands of 'the circumcision.'
- 1 Corinthians 9:20 (thematic): Paul's pragmatic approach to Jewish law ('to the Jews I became as a Jew') highlights the tensions over Jewish/Gentile practices and table fellowship that underlie the criticism of Peter.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision took issue with him,
- And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision took issue with him,
Acts.11.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- λεγοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,masc
- οτι: CONJ
- Εισηλθες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- προς: PREP
- ανδρας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ακροβυστιαν: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εχοντας: VERB,pres,act,ptc,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- συνεφαγες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
Parallels
- Acts 10:28 (verbal): Peter's summary: he entered the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them — nearly identical report of the same incident.
- Acts 10:15 (allusion): The vision's declaration 'what God has made clean, do not call common' provides the theological basis for Peter's eating with Gentiles.
- Acts 11:1-4 (structural): Immediate context: the Jerusalem believers repeat the accusation and Peter recounts his actions and vision in defense — same episode expanded.
- Galatians 2:11-14 (thematic): Paul narrates a conflict with Peter over withdrawing from Gentile table fellowship, reflecting the same controversy about Jewish-Gentile table relations.
- Acts 15:1-11 (thematic): The Jerusalem Council's debate over Gentile circumcision and observance of the Law addresses the broader issue raised by Peter's eating with uncircumcised men.
Alternative generated candidates
- saying, "You went in to men uncircumcised and ate with them."
- saying, "Why did you go in to men who are uncircumcised and eat with them?"
Acts.11.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αρξαμενος: VERB,aor,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Πετρος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εξετιθετο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- καθεξης: ADV
- λεγων·: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:34-43 (quotation): Acts 11:4 introduces Peter's account to the Jerusalem church; the material he 'began to relate' is the speech and narrative recorded in Acts 10:34-43 (Peter's address to Cornelius and his household).
- Acts 4:8 (verbal): Like Acts 11:4, Acts 4:8 uses the phrase 'began to speak' (ἤρξατο λέγειν) as Peter, filled with the Spirit, launches into a public explanation or defense—similar rhetorical opening.
- Acts 2:14 (verbal): Peter 'rose up and began to speak' at Pentecost (Acts 2:14); the formulaic opening to a speech parallels the narrative marker in Acts 11:4 that signals a formal account or proclamation by Peter.
- Acts 15:7-11 (structural): At the Jerusalem council Peter again rises to recount his experience with Gentiles and argue for their inclusion (Acts 15:7–11). The scene parallels Acts 11:4–18 structurally and thematically—Peter explaining events to a Jerusalem audience to justify Gentile inclusion.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Peter began and told them the matter in order, saying,
- But Peter began and explained the matter to them in order, saying,
Acts.11.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- ημην: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- πολει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- Ιοππη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- προσευχομενος: VERB,part,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ειδον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εν: PREP
- εκστασει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- οραμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- καταβαινον: VERB,pres,act,ptc,acc,sg,n
- σκευος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- ως: ADV
- οθονην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- μεγαλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- τεσσαρσιν: NUM,dat,pl
- αρχαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- καθιεμενην: PART,perf,pass,acc,sg,f
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ουρανου: NOUN,gen,sg,masc
- και: CONJ
- ηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αχρι: PREP
- εμου·: PRON,acc,sg,1
Parallels
- Acts 10:9-16 (quotation): The fuller original account of Peter's vision on the housetop: a large sheet let down from heaven with unclean animals and the command to 'kill and eat'—the material Peter here recounts.
- Acts 10:17-20 (structural): Immediate aftermath and interpretation of the vision—Peter's wondering about its meaning, then being told to go with Cornelius' men—links the vision to the mission to Gentiles that Acts 11 recalls.
- Leviticus 11:1-47 (thematic): The laws distinguishing clean and unclean animals provide the background against which the vision's shocking inclusion of 'unclean' creatures must be understood; the vision overturns traditional purity categories.
- Ezekiel 1:1 (allusion): Echoes the prophetic/visionary tradition (being 'in a vision' or trance) in which a divine revelation is shown from heaven—Acts frames Peter's experience within this kind of revelatory language.
Alternative generated candidates
- "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a large sheet lowered from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me.
- "I was in the city of Joppa, praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain vessel like a great sheet lowered from heaven by its four corners, and it came to me.
Acts.11.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ατενισας: VERB,aor,act,ptcp,nom,m,sg
- κατενοουν: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- ειδον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- τετραποδα: NOUN,nom,pl,neut
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- γης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- θηρια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- ερπετα: NOUN,nom,pl,neut
- και: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- πετεινα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ουρανου·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:11-16 (quotation): The same vision of a sheet let down with animals is narrated earlier in full—Acts 11:6 repeats Peter’s vision recounted in Acts 10.
- Acts 10:15 (verbal): The revelatory saying 'What God has made clean, do not call common' follows immediately on the vision of animals and interprets its meaning (quoted in the same episode).
- Acts 15:7-9 (thematic): The Jerusalem council appeals to God's revelation that Gentiles are accepted and purified—reflecting the theological outcome of Peter’s vision that broke Jewish food/purity barriers.
- Leviticus 11:1-47 (structural): The Mosaic lists of clean and unclean animals provide the background for why the animals in Peter’s vision are striking and the vision challenges established purity categories.
- Mark 7:18-19 (thematic): Jesus’ teaching (and the Markan parenthesis that 'he declared all foods clean') addresses the purity-of-food principle that Peter’s vision overturns, linking dietary law and ritual purity to the broader New Testament debate.
Alternative generated candidates
- In it were all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles and birds of the air.
- Looking intently at it, I observed animals of every kind—four-footed beasts of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
Acts.11.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ηκουσα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- φωνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- λεγουσης: PART,pres,act,gen,sg,f
- μοι·Αναστας: PRON,dat,sg;VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- Πετρε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- θυσον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- φαγε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
Parallels
- Acts 10:13 (quotation): The immediate, fuller account of the same vision in Joppa where a voice tells Peter, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat' — essentially the same wording quoted by Peter in Acts 11:7.
- Acts 10:15 (verbal): Closely connected follow-up in the Joppa vision: 'What God has made clean, do not call common' — explaining the meaning and theological point behind the command to eat.
- Mark 7:19 (thematic): Jesus' declaration that food does not defile (in context translated 'thus he declared all foods clean') parallels the New Testament theme that dietary distinctions are overturned.
- Romans 14:14 (thematic): Paul's assertion that nothing is unclean in itself echoes the theological conclusion drawn from Peter's vision that foods are not inherently unclean.
- Leviticus 11:8 (structural): An example of the Mosaic dietary prohibitions that the Joppa vision and later NT teaching implicitly confront — the Law's prohibition against eating or touching certain carcasses is the background to Peter's vision.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I heard a voice telling me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.'
- And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.'"
Acts.11.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- δε·Μηδαμως: CONJ+ADV
- κυριε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- κοινον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ακαθαρτον: ADJ,nom,sg,neut
- ουδεποτε: ADV
- εισηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- στομα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- Acts 10:14 (verbal): Peter's exact protest earlier in the Cornelius episode: 'Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything common or unclean.' (verbal repetition in the same narrative).
- Acts 10:28 (structural): Peter's resolution in the Cornelius scene — 'God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean' — provides the narrative and theological context for his reluctance about unclean things/people.
- Leviticus 11:7-8 (thematic): The Mosaic dietary laws (e.g., the pig declared unclean) supply the background legal notion of 'unclean' food that Peter invokes and must now reinterpret in light of the vision and Gentile mission.
- Romans 14:14 (thematic): Paul's argument that 'nothing is unclean in itself' develops the same theological overturning of Jewish food-ritual categories that underlies Peter's refusal and subsequent change of perspective.
- 1 Timothy 4:4-5 (allusion): The later pastoral affirmation that 'every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving' echoes the early Christian re-evaluation of food laws implicit in Peter's statement.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I said, 'No, Lord; for nothing unclean or common has ever entered my mouth.'
- But I said, 'Not so, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.'
Acts.11.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- απεκριθη: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- φωνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εκ: PREP
- δευτερου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ουρανου·Α: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εκαθαρισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- μη: PART
- κοινου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:15 (quotation): Nearly identical wording in the original vision to Peter: 'What God has cleansed, do not call common.' — the direct source of the line in Acts 11:9.
- Acts 10:28 (verbal): Peter's explanation applying the vision's command to people (Gentiles): he says God showed him not to call any person common or unclean, echoing the same language.
- Mark 7:18-19 (thematic): Jesus' teaching that inner purity matters and (in some manuscripts) the declaration that foods are clean parallels the loosening of dietary restrictions implicit in Acts' vision.
- Romans 14:14 (thematic): Paul's assertion that 'nothing is unclean in itself' reflects the same theological move away from food- and purity-based prohibitions found in Acts.
- 1 Timothy 4:4 (thematic): Paul's statement that 'every creature of God is good and nothing to be rejected' echoes the idea that foods/creatures previously deemed unclean are not inherently common or unclean.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What God has cleansed, you must not call common.'
- But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.'
Acts.11.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- τρις: ADV
- και: CONJ
- ανεσπασθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- παλιν: ADV
- απαντα: ADJ,acc,pl,n
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- ουρανον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:16 (quotation): The same line is given earlier in Luke’s narrative: Peter records that the vision occurred three times and the sheet was taken up into heaven—verbatim repetition of the event.
- Acts 10:11-12 (verbal): Immediate context of the vision: Luke describes heaven opened and a great sheet descending with animals—these verses supply the detailed scene summarized by 11:10.
- Acts 7:56 (allusion): Stephen likewise sees the heavens opened (and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand); the 'heavens opened' motif links visions of divine revelation across Acts.
- Leviticus 11:2 (thematic): The vision’s overturning of clean/unclean categories presupposes the Levitical purity code (Leviticus 11), whose distinctions are being theologically reinterpreted in Peter’s vision.
Alternative generated candidates
- This happened three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.
- This happened three times, and the thing was taken up again into heaven.
Acts.11.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ιδου: PART
- εξαυτης: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,f
- τρεις: NUM,acc,pl,f
- ανδρες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- επεστησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οικιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ημεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,pl
- απεσταλμενοι: VERB,perf,pas,part,nom,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- Καισαρειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
Parallels
- Acts 10:7 (verbal): Narrative account of the same event: after the angel's message Cornelius 'called two of his servants and a devout soldier... and sent them to Joppa'—the sending of men from Caesarea matches Acts 11:11.
- Acts 10:22 (quotation): The three visitors report to Peter about Cornelius' summons; their words and identity correspond to Peter's mention of 'three men... sent from Caesarea.'
- Acts 10:23 (structural): Summarizes the journey and outcome: 'So he sent them away to Joppa; and they brought him to Caesarea'—parallel event to Acts 11:11's reference to men sent from Caesarea.
- Acts 11:12 (thematic): Immediate continuation of Peter's retelling: the Spirit tells Peter to go with those men and they enter Cornelius' house—directly connects to the three men mentioned in 11:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, at that very moment three men stood at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.
- And behold, at that very moment three men stood at the house in which we were, sent from Caesarea to me.
Acts.11.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- συνελθειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- μηδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- διακριναντα: VERB,aor,act,part,acc,sg,n
- ηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- δε: CONJ
- συν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- και: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- εξ: PREP
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ουτοι: PRO,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εισηλθομεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- εις: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- οικον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ανδρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:19-20 (verbal): Same episode: the Spirit tells Peter to go with the men and not to hesitate — the language and command are repeated in 11:12.
- Acts 10:28 (verbal): Peter explains that God showed him not to call anyone common or unclean — the same principle of making no distinction expressed in 11:12.
- Acts 10:44-48 (structural): Immediate consequence of Peter’s going into Cornelius’ house: the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles and they are baptized, confirming the inclusion implied in 11:12.
- Acts 15:9 (thematic): At the Jerusalem Council Luke records that God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles — a later restatement of the theological point in 11:12.
- Romans 2:11 (thematic): Paul’s declaration that 'God shows no partiality' echoes the theological principle of no distinction between peoples found in 11:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house.
- And the Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six brothers accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house.
Acts.11.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- απηγγειλεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- πως: ADV
- ειδεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αγγελον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- οικω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- σταθεντα: PTCP,aor,pass,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ειποντα·Αποστειλον: PTCP,aor,act,acc,sg,m+VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- εις: PREP
- Ιοππην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- μεταπεμψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- Σιμωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- επικαλουμενον: VERB,pres,mid,part,acc,sg,m
- Πετρον: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:30-33 (quotation): Cornelius' own speech recounts the angelic vision and the instruction to send to Joppa for Simon Peter—the same report Peter repeats in Acts 11:13.
- Acts 10:3-8 (verbal): Narrative account of Cornelius seeing an angel 'standing' in his house who commands him to send to Joppa—directly parallels the imagery and command in Acts 11:13.
- Acts 12:7 (verbal): An angel appears, stands beside Peter, speaks to him and leads him out—similar motif of an angelic figure standing by a house and issuing direct instructions.
- Acts 9:10-12 (thematic): Ananias receives a vision instructing him to go to a specific person (Saul) and speak—parallels the pattern of divine/angelic commissioning to seek out a named individual.
- Acts 8:26 (thematic): An angel or the Spirit directs Philip to go to a particular place where he will meet and baptize an individual—another example of guided movement to encounter a person sent by divine instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;'
- He related to us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and summon Simon whose surname is Peter;'
Acts.11.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- λαλησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- ρηματα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- προς: PREP
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- εν: PREP
- οις: PRON,dat,pl,m
- σωθηση: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- και: CONJ
- πας: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- οικος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
Parallels
- Acts 16:31 (verbal): Peter’s promise that faith brings salvation to an individual and explicitly to 'you and your household' closely parallels the wording and intent of Acts 11:14.
- Acts 10:43 (quotation): Peter’s summary that 'everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins' undergirds the words that led to Cornelius’ household being saved, which Acts 11:14 recalls.
- Acts 10:44-48 (structural): The immediate narrative show the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius’ household and their baptism—this is the concrete event that Acts 11:14 points back to as the household’s salvation.
- Acts 2:38-39 (thematic): Peter’s proclamation of repentance, forgiveness and the gift of the Spirit 'for you and your children and for all who are far off' thematically parallels the promise that salvation extends to households, not only individuals.
Alternative generated candidates
- and he will declare to you a message by which you and all your household will be saved.'
- 'who will declare to you a message by which you and all your household will be saved.'"
Acts.11.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- δε: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αρξασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- λαλειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- επεπεσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- πνευμα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγιον: ADJ,acc,sg,neut
- επ᾽αυτους: PREP+PRON,acc,pl,m
- ωσπερ: ADV
- και: CONJ
- εφ᾽ημας: PREP+PRON,acc,pl
- εν: PREP
- αρχη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 2:1-4 (verbal): The Pentecost event where the Holy Spirit 'fell on' the disciples and they began to speak—Acts 11:15 explicitly compares the Cornelius incident to this 'in the beginning' experience.
- Acts 10:44-46 (structural): Immediate parallel account of the same episode: while Peter was speaking the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, and they spoke in tongues and praised God—this is the very event Peter recounts in Acts 11:15.
- Acts 8:15-17 (allusion): Philip's baptized Samaritan converts later receive the Holy Spirit through the apostles' laying on of hands—another instance in Acts showing how the Spirit's reception marks inclusion in the church, contrasted with the Spirit 'falling' independently in Cornelius' house.
- Acts 15:8-9 (thematic): At the Jerusalem Council Peter appeals to the same phenomenon—God gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit and purified their hearts—using the Spirit's outpouring as theological proof for Gentile inclusion, echoing the claim of Acts 11:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as he fell upon us at the beginning.
- And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as he fell on us at the beginning.
Acts.11.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εμνησθην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ρηματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- ελεγεν·Ιωαννης: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- μεν: PART
- εβαπτισεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- υδατι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- βαπτισθησεσθε: VERB,fut,pass,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- αγιω: ADJ,dat,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 1:5 (quotation): Jesus' promise that the disciples 'will be baptized with the Holy Spirit'—the same saying Peter recalls in Acts 11:16.
- Matthew 3:11 (quotation): John the Baptist's declaration that he baptizes with water but the coming one will baptize 'with the Holy Spirit' (and fire), matching the contrast in Acts 11:16.
- Luke 3:16 (verbal): Parallel wording to Matthew 3:11: John distinguishes his water baptism from the Messiah's baptism 'with the Holy Spirit,' echoing the language Peter cites.
- John 1:33 (verbal): John the Baptist's testimony that the one who 'baptizes with the Holy Spirit' was signified by the Spirit descending—connects the concept of Spirit-baptism referred to in Acts 11:16.
- Acts 10:44-47 (structural): Narrative account of Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit as Peter speaks—this event is the immediate occasion for Peter recalling the Lord's word in Acts 11:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I remembered the word of the Lord: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
- Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
Acts.11.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ουν: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ισην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- δωρεαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- πιστευσασιν: VERB,aor,act,part,dat,pl,m
- επι: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ημην: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,sg
- δυνατος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- κωλυσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 10:47 (quotation): Peter's earlier retelling at Caesarea uses the same forceful question about withholding baptism/gift of the Spirit—Acts 11:17 recounts and interprets that episode.
- Acts 10:44-46 (verbal): Narrative account where the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius' household while they believed, prompting Peter's conclusion that God gave them the same gift as to Jewish believers.
- Acts 15:8-9 (verbal): Peter's speech at the Jerusalem Council parallels the theology here: God bore witness by giving the Holy Spirit to Gentiles and made no distinction, confirming divine initiative.
- Acts 11:18 (structural): Immediate council reaction to Peter's report: the Jerusalem believers glorify God and acknowledge that God granted repentance to the Gentiles—direct outcome of the point made in 11:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- If then God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?
- If then God gave them the same gift as he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?
Acts.11.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ακουσαντες: PTCP,aor,act,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- ησυχασαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- εδοξασαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- λεγοντες·Αρα: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εθνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μετανοιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- ζωην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 10:44-48 (structural): Same episode: the Holy Spirit falls on Gentiles in Cornelius' house, prompting Peter's report that leads the Jerusalem church to conclude God has granted the Gentiles repentance/life.
- Acts 15:7-11 (quotation): Peter's speech at the Jerusalem Council refers back to the Gentile inclusion (Holy Spirit given) and argues that God purified their hearts by faith—another formulation of divine initiative in bringing Gentiles to salvation.
- 2 Timothy 2:25 (verbal): Paul urges opponents be corrected with humility 'if God perhaps will grant them repentance leading to knowledge of the truth'—a close verbal/theological parallel that God grants repentance.
- Romans 2:4 (thematic): Speaks of God's kindness, forbearance and patience leading people to repentance—echoes the idea that repentance is brought about by God's action.
- Luke 24:47 (thematic): The proclamation of 'repentance and forgiveness of sins' to all nations connects the church's mission to bring repentance (including Gentiles) as a result of Jesus' saving work.
Alternative generated candidates
- When they heard these things they fell silent and glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance leading to life."
- When they heard these things they were silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has granted to the Gentiles also repentance that leads to life."
Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
When Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision took issue with him,
saying, "You went in to men uncircumcised and ate with them." But Peter began and explained the matter to them in orderly fashion, saying,
"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision—something like a large sheet lowered from heaven, being let down by its four corners, and it came down to me.
Looking into it I observed and saw animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' But I said, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What God has cleansed, you must not call common.'
This happened three times, and immediately the thing was taken up into heaven.
At that very hour three men stood at the house in which I was, sent to me from Caesarea. And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered into the man's house.
He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon who is called Peter;'
who will declare to you words by which you and all your household will be saved.'
As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as he did upon us at the beginning.
Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'
If then God gave them the same gift as he gave to us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could oppose God?
When they heard these things they fell silent and glorified God, saying, 'Then God has granted to the Gentiles also repentance leading to life.'