Easter Season · Fifth Sunday of Easter · Year C
Acts 11:1-18
Peter's Defense: The Gentiles Receive the Spirit
May 14, 2028
Overview & Insights
"If then God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" (Acts 11:17, NIV)
Peter returns to Jerusalem and recounts his vision and his visit to the Gentile centurion Cornelius, explaining why he ate with uncircumcised men and baptized them. Hearing that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as at Pentecost, the Jerusalem believers stop objecting and conclude that God has granted even the Gentiles repentance and life.
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Commentary
Commentary on Acts 11:1-18 Working Preacher
Highlights the unusual length and detail Luke gives this Gentile-inclusion turning point.
Acts 11:1-18 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Explores the Greek behind 'God has granted repentance' and its note of surprised relief.
Acts 11 Commentary: Defending Ministry to the Gentiles Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse walk through Peter's defense to the Jerusalem church.
Acts 11 Commentary Precept Austin
A conservative evangelical verse-by-verse compilation with cross-references.
Acts 11:1-18 Commentaries BibleHub
Lines up classic commentaries side by side on Peter's report to the church.
Background & Word Study
Acts 11:1-18 Interlinear BibleHub
Shows the Greek text of Peter's speech word by word.
Book of Acts Overview (Part 1, ch. 1-12) BibleProject
Shows how the Cornelius episode fits Acts' literary design of the gospel moving outward.
Acts Course Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's background course on Acts' themes, audience, and structure.
Homily 24 on the Acts of the Apostles New Advent · Catholic Encyclopedia
Chrysostom's fourth-century homily on Peter's defense of eating with Gentiles.
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