Acts 11

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

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;

Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

What does Acts 11:16 mean?

Explanation

Acts 11:16 recounts the words of the Apostle Peter as he recalls a significant teaching of Jesus Christ.

The verse shows Peter reminding himself and others of Jesus' promise that while John the Baptist's ministry was characterized by baptism with water, a symbol of repentance and cleansing, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, signifying a deeper spiritual transformation.

In this context, Peter is making the argument that the gift of the Holy Spirit was not limited to Jewish believers but was also poured out onto Gentile converts, showing God's inclusive plan of salvation.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The verse is a part of the narrative in Acts of the Apostles, a New Testament book that details the early Christian church's development after Jesus' ascension.

Acts 11:16 is situated in a scene where Peter is explaining his actions to the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, who were questioning why he had associated with Gentiles, non-Jews.

This verse is part of Peter's defense, highlighting that the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles just as it did upon the Jewish believers, indicating God’s approval of their conversion.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse underscores several key doctrines:

Baptism of the Holy Spirit: This is a distinct and separate experience from water baptism, considered an empowerment for service and sanctification in the believer's life.
Continuity and Fulfillment: It emphasizes the continuity between the ministry of Jesus and the early church as well as the fulfillment of Jesus' promise.
Inclusivity of Salvation: The baptism of the Holy Ghost upon the Gentiles signifies the breaking down of the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and the inclusive nature of the gospel.

Practical Applications

In modern Christian life, Acts 11:16 suggests several applications:

Openness to Diversity: Just as Peter was led to accept Gentile believers, Christians today are called to embrace diversity within the church.
Spiritual Empowerment: The verse can encourage believers to seek a deeper spiritual experience, involving the Holy Spirit's transforming and empowering presence.
Unity in Christianity: The verse can serve as a reminder that the basis of Christian unity is not ethnic or cultural but centered on the shared experience of the Holy Spirit.

Cross-References

Matthew 3:11: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"
Acts 1:5: "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text is "βαπτίσει ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ" (baptisei en Pneumati Hagio), with "��απτίσει" (baptize) from "βαπτίζω" (baptizo), meaning "to immerse, submerge; to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water." The word "ἐν" (en) translates as "in" or "with," and "Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ" (Pneumati Hagio) refers to the Holy Spirit.

Thus, the essence of the phrase captures the act of being immersed in or enveloped by the Holy Spirit's influence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of water baptism has parallels in various religious traditions where water is used symbolically for purification rites. For instance, in Judaism, the ritual of mikvah involves immersion in water for ritual purity.

In contrast, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, as described in Acts 11:16, is distinctively Christian, emphasizing spiritual transformation and empowerment rather than just physical or ritual purity.

Scientific Perspectives

The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 11:16, is a spiritual and theological concept rather than a scientific one.

Modern science does not provide tools to measure or analyze spiritual experiences, as these lie outside the realm of empirical observation and quantification that science operates within.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 11:16 often focus on the transitional nature of the early church from a sect within Judaism to a universal faith:

The Pulpit Commentary notes the significance of Peter's vision and consequent action, approving the baptism of Gentiles, as a divinely sanctioned expansion of the church.
Matthew Henry's Commentary accentuates how the vision serves to convince Peter and other Jewish Christians that the distinction between Jews and Gentiles was abolished in Christ.
John Calvin's Commentary observes that the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles is the fulfillment of God's promise, displaying His mercy and the truth of the gospel.

Acts 11

Acts 11

What does Acts 11:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 11:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?