What does Acts 11:13 mean?

And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Acts 11:13

Explanation

Acts 11:13 recounts a part of the narrative where the Apostle Peter is explaining to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem the events that led him to enter the house of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, and share the gospel with him and his household. In the verse, Peter refers to the vision that Cornelius had before meeting Peter. Cornelius is described as seeing an angel in his house who instructs him to send men to Joppa to bring Peter to his house. The angel refers to Peter by both his Hebrew name, Simon, and his Greek name, Peter, ensuring that Cornelius would send for the correct person. This encounter is significant as it marks a key moment in the early Christian Church where the message of the Gospel begins to spread beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles.

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, describes the early days of the Christian church after the ascension of Jesus Christ. Acts 11 is part of the narrative that describes the spread of Christianity to the Gentile community, which was a significant expansion from its Jewish roots. Joppa, the city mentioned in the verse, was an ancient port city on the coast of Israel, known today as Jaffa or Yafo. At the time, Jewish religious law was restrictive about interactions between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). Cornelius, as a Roman centurion, was a Gentile and represented the broader non-Jewish world that early Christianity was beginning to reach.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates divine intervention in the expansion of the Christian faith. The vision of the angel sent to Cornelius signifies God’s intention to bring the Gentiles into what was then a predominantly Jewish faith. The instruction to send for Peter indicates God’s choice of Peter as the instrument to carry out this mission. It challenges the Jewish belief of the time, which held that God’s message was exclusive to the Jewish people. This divine direction highlights the inclusivity of the Christian message and God’s universal plan of salvation.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are evident in its call for inclusivity and obedience to divine guidance. Modern believers can take inspiration from Cornelius’s willingness to follow the angel’s message and from Peter’s open-mindedness in crossing cultural boundaries to spread the Gospel. This verse encourages believers to be open to people of different backgrounds and to recognize the value of each person in the eyes of God. It also serves as a reminder to be attentive to messages or promptings that could indicate a new direction in life or ministry opportunities.

Cross-References

• Acts 10:3-6: The original description of Cornelius’ vision.
• Acts 10:9-16: Peter’s vision that leads him to understand that he should not call any person unclean or common.
• Acts 10:34-35: Peter’s realization that God does not show favoritism.
• Acts 10:45: The Jewish Christians’ astonishment that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on Gentiles.
• Acts 15:7-9: Peter later speaks at the Jerusalem Council about God choosing him to take the gospel to the Gentiles.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for this verse include:

• “Angel” (ἄγγελος – angelos): A messenger from God. The term typically refers to a heavenly being that acts as an intermediary between God and humans.
• “Stood” (ἑστηκότα – estekota): This verb, which is a perfect active participle, indicates that the angel was standing still and present, emphasizing the vividness of the vision.
• “Send” (πέμψον – pempson): An imperative verb form, giving a direct command to Cornelius to dispatch men to Joppa.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, divine or supernatural messengers appearing in visions or dreams were seen as a means by which the gods communicated with humans. Such visions are found in Greek mythology, as well as in other religions of the time. The concept of an angel delivering a message from God, as seen in Acts 11:13, is consistent with Jewish angelology, where angels act as God’s messengers.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary scientific understanding does not typically address the supernatural elements of this verse, such as the appearance of angels or divine visions. However, there is interest in the study of religious experiences, such as visions, from psychological and neurological perspectives. For instance, some researchers examine how the human brain processes religious experiences and whether such experiences can be explained by natural phenomena.

Commentaries

• The Matthew Henry Commentary emphasizes the obedience of Cornelius in immediately sending for Peter as directed by the angel.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible highlights the importance of the angel appearing to Cornelius at his house, underscoring the personal and direct intervention by God.
• The IVP New Testament Commentary Series notes that Cornelius’ vision set the stage for the watershed moment of the Gentile mission, highlighting how it testifies to God’s inclusive grace.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges focuses on the specificity of the angel’s message, ensuring that Cornelius would find and bring the right person, Simon Peter, to his house, demonstrating divine direction and detail.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament remarks on the use of the dual names Simon and Peter, which acknowledges Peter’s Jewish roots and his role within the Greek-speaking world.