Acts 11:2 - When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,
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What does "Acts 11:2" mean?
This verse from Acts 11:2 sets the stage for a conflict within the early church. Let's break it down:
"When Peter had come up to Jerusalem...": Peter was a prominent apostle, and Jerusalem was considered the center of the early Christian movement. His actions and decisions held significant weight.
"...those who were of the circumcision contended with him...": This is the key part. "Those who were of the circumcision" refers to Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile (non-Jewish) converts to Christianity should also be circumcised and follow Jewish Law (specifically, the Mosaic Law). The word "contended" means they argued, disputed, or criticized Peter, it demonstrates that they felt strongly about the issue.
In essence, this verse means that when Peter returned to Jerusalem, some Jewish Christians criticized him for something he had done.
Context and Significance:
This verse immediately follows the story in Acts 10, where Peter had a vision from God leading him to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, a Roman centurion (a Gentile). Cornelius and his household believed and were baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit. This was a pivotal moment, as it demonstrated that God's grace was available to Gentiles without first requiring them to become Jewish.
The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were upset because Peter had eaten with Gentiles, something considered ritually impure according to Jewish Law. They believed that Gentiles needed to become Jews first (through circumcision and obedience to the Law) before they could truly become Christians.
The conflict in Acts 11 revolves around a crucial question: How does one become a Christian? Is it through faith in Jesus alone, or is adherence to Jewish Law also necessary?
This verse highlights the tension between the Jewish roots of Christianity and its emerging universality. It was a major challenge for the early church to navigate, and this passage details the debate and ultimate resolution (through Peter's explanation and the agreement of the Jerusalem apostles) that Gentiles could be accepted into the church without circumcision.
Acts 11:2 - When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,
What does "Acts 11:2" mean?
This verse from Acts 11:2 sets the stage for a conflict within the early church. Let's break it down:
"When Peter had come up to Jerusalem...": Peter was a prominent apostle, and Jerusalem was considered the center of the early Christian movement. His actions and decisions held significant weight.
"...those who were of the circumcision contended with him...": This is the key part. "Those who were of the circumcision" refers to Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile (non-Jewish) converts to Christianity should also be circumcised and follow Jewish Law (specifically, the Mosaic Law). The word "contended" means they argued, disputed, or criticized Peter, it demonstrates that they felt strongly about the issue.
In essence, this verse means that when Peter returned to Jerusalem, some Jewish Christians criticized him for something he had done.
Context and Significance:
This verse immediately follows the story in Acts 10, where Peter had a vision from God leading him to preach the Gospel to Cornelius, a Roman centurion (a Gentile). Cornelius and his household believed and were baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit. This was a pivotal moment, as it demonstrated that God's grace was available to Gentiles without first requiring them to become Jewish.
The Jewish Christians in Jerusalem were upset because Peter had eaten with Gentiles, something considered ritually impure according to Jewish Law. They believed that Gentiles needed to become Jews first (through circumcision and obedience to the Law) before they could truly become Christians.
The conflict in Acts 11 revolves around a crucial question: How does one become a Christian? Is it through faith in Jesus alone, or is adherence to Jewish Law also necessary?
This verse highlights the tension between the Jewish roots of Christianity and its emerging universality. It was a major challenge for the early church to navigate, and this passage details the debate and ultimate resolution (through Peter's explanation and the agreement of the Jerusalem apostles) that Gentiles could be accepted into the church without circumcision.