Acts 11:1-18

Peter Explains His Actions

News of the events in Cornelius' house reached Jerusalem and the apostles, even, apparently, before Peter made his way back to the city. Prior to the baptism of Cornelius and his household, everyone who had been baptized had been subject to the law of Moses and circumcision, whether of fleshly Israel or proselytes. Luke told Theophilus of a dispute which arose from some of that number and Peter. They did not understand why he had gone into the house of a Gentile and actually eaten there.

Peter's answer teaches us a great deal about resolving controversy within the church. He defended his actions by saying they were authorized and approved by God. Specifically, he had seen a vision which indicated to him that he should no longer regard any other man as common and heard the Spirit tell him to go with the three men who had been sent from Caesarea. The apostle went, accompanied by six other brethren. Next, Peter related the story of the vision Cornelius had directing him to send for Peter so that he could hear words that would save him and his household. It is clear that salvation was to be theirs only after they had heard and obeyed the words spoken.

Then, Peter reported that "the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning." No doubt this is a reference to the day of Pentecost when the apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other languages. So, Peter did not feel he could oppose God by refusing to baptize, or in any other way place stiffer requirements on, these Gentiles. Peter's arguments convinced all assembled that the Gentiles had also been given the right to eternal life if they would submit to the Savior in penitent baptism (Acts 11:1-18).