King James Version

What Does Acts 11:1 Mean?

Acts 11:1 in the King James Version says “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 11:1 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

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

3

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

Read Acts 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A Pivotal Moment in Church History

This verse marks a watershed moment in the expansion of the early church. The Greek word ἤκουσαν (ēkousan, "heard") indicates not just casual awareness but significant news that demanded attention. The phrase "the Gentiles had also received" uses ἐδέξαντο (edexanto), meaning "welcomed" or "accepted," suggesting an active reception rather than passive hearing. The word λόγον (logon, "word") emphasizes the gospel message as divine communication.

This report follows Peter's encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10), representing the first official acceptance of Gentile believers without requiring Jewish conversion. The phrase "apostles and brethren" indicates the news reached both church leaders and the broader believing community in Judaea, the heartland of Jewish Christianity. Their hearing of this development would soon lead to questioning and controversy (Acts 11:2-3), yet ultimately to praise (Acts 11:18). This moment foreshadows the theological discussions that would culminate in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), establishing that salvation is by grace through faith for all people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the first-century Jewish context, the inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles into the people of God was revolutionary and controversial. Judaism had a long history of proselytism, but converts were expected to fully embrace Jewish law, including circumcision for males. The news reaching Judaea would have traveled along established trade routes and through messengers, likely taking several days from Caesarea. The Jerusalem church served as the mother church for early Christianity, making their acceptance of this development crucial. The phrase "apostles and brethren" reflects the early church's structure, with apostolic leadership working alongside the broader believing community. This news would have created significant tension, as it challenged centuries of Jewish identity and practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's plan for salvation challenge our cultural or religious assumptions about who belongs in His kingdom?
  2. What barriers do we create in our churches that might prevent certain people from receiving the gospel?
  3. How should church leaders respond when God moves in unexpected ways that challenge traditional understanding?
  4. In what ways does the gospel transcend ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries in your community?
  5. How can we maintain biblical truth while remaining open to God's surprising work among diverse peoples?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Ἤκουσαν1 of 21

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

οἱ3 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπόστολοι4 of 21

“the apostles”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ5 of 21

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ6 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφοὶ7 of 21

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

οἱ8 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄντες9 of 21

“that were”

G5607

being

κατὰ10 of 21

“in”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν11 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίαν12 of 21

“Judaea”

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

ὅτι13 of 21

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ14 of 21

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ15 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔθνη16 of 21

“the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἐδέξαντο17 of 21

“had”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

τὸν18 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγον19 of 21

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῦ20 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ21 of 21

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 11:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:27Malachi 1:11Romans 15:7-12Isaiah 32:15Galatians 1:17-22Acts 14:27

Places in This Verse

Judea 1Region · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E52 verses across 9 books
View all places in Acts 11 →

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