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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 11:1-18

The preaching of the gospel to Cornelius was a thing which we poor sinners of the Gentiles have reason to reflect upon with a great deal of joy and thankfulness; for it was the bringing of light to us who sat in darkness. Now it being so great a surprize to the believing as well as the unbelieving Jews, it is worth while to enquire how it was received, and what comments were made upon it. And here we find, I. Intelligence was presently brought of it to the church in Jerusalem, and thereabouts;... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 11:1-10

11:1-10 The apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judaea heard that the Gentiles too had received the word of God. So when Peter came up to Jerusalem those of the circumcision criticized him because, they said, "You went in to men who had never been circumcised and you ate with them." So Peter began at the beginning and told them the whole story. He said, "I was praying in the city of Joppa; in a trance I saw a vision. I saw a kind of vessel coming down like a great sheet let down by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 11:1

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea ,.... The rest of the twelve apostles, and the private members of the churches that were in Judea, for there were in it now more churches than that at Jerusalem, Acts 9:31 heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God ; as well as Samaria, Acts 8:14 the news by some means or other were quickly brought to them, and no doubt but they also heard that they had received the Holy Ghost, his extraordinary gifts, as well as his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 11:1

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judea - According to Calmet, Judea is here put in opposition to Caesarea, which, though situated in Palestine, passed for a Greek city, being principally inhabited by Pagans, Greeks, or Syrians. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 11:1

Verse 1 1.And the apostles. Whereas Luke declareth that the fame of one house which was converted was spread abroad everywhere amongst the brethren, that did arise by reason of admiration; for the Jews accounted it as a monster that the Gentiles should be gathered unto them as if they should have heard that there had been men made of stones. Again, the immoderate love of their nation did hinder them from acknowledging the work of God. For we see that through this ambition and pride the Church... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:1

Now for and , A.V.; the brethren for brethren, A.V.; also had for had also , A.V, We can imagine how rapidly the news of the great revolution would travel to the metropolis of Jewish Christianity, and what a stir it would maim in that community. It does not appear what view James and the other apostles took. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:1-18

Rectification and enlargement. It was not to be expected that so great an innovation as that of free communion with a Gentile would pass unchallenged in Jerusalem. Nor did it escape the criticism and condemnation of the "apostles and brethren" there ( Acts 11:1 , Acts 11:2 ). From the interesting and animated scene described in the text, we conclude— I. THAT GOOD MEN ARE OCCASIONALLY FOUND DOING THAT WHICH SEEMS HIGHLY CENSURABLE TO THE GODLY . We can... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:1-18

The spirit of sect and the spirit of the gospel. I. SECTARIAN SUSPICIONS . In Judaea are the head-quarters of this sectarian spirit. There it centers and rankles. The very tidings which fill the generous spirit with joy fill the sectarian with jealousy. They hear that the Gentiles have received the Word of God. Happy news! Alas that any should regard them otherwise! But to the ideas of the sectarian any change is appalling which threatens to break down the fence and wall of the sect,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:1-18

The Church of God set on the new foundation of liberty. I. The only stable foundation of SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP . Mutual confidence. Common dependence on the Spirit of God. Free speech. Entire understanding of the rule of life. Peter himself cannot be allowed to violate accepted principles without being called to account. He frankly explains and justifies his conduct. The old leaven of Judaism was at work; but the antidote was there—obedience to the Spirit. II. The true conditions... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 11:1-28

The mystery. The beginning and the close of this chapter refer to events of precisely similar character, which took place almost simultaneously, at all events without any concert or communication, in Palestine and in Syria; the reception of the Word of God by Gentiles, and their admission into the Church of God. It is difficult for us, after the lapse of eighteen centuries and a half, during which this has been the rule of the kingdom of heaven, to realize the startling strangeness of such... read more

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