Acts 11:2
What does Acts 11:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 11:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 11:2 means
When Peter returned to Jerusalem, he was immediately confronted by a group known as "those of the circumcision." These were Jewish believers who insisted on the continued observance of Jewish law, including circumcision, for Gentile converts. Their contention with Peter stemmed from the radical nature of his actions—ministers of the gospel had not previously engaged in such close fellowship with uncircumcised Gentiles. This verse highlights the profound cultural and theological resistance within early Christianity to the idea of a gospel unencumbered by Jewish legal requirements.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when Peter came to Jerusalem, those who kept the rule of circumcision had an argument with him,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision were contending with him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and when Peter went up to Jerusalem, they of the circumcision contended with him,
Context
This verse directly follows the mention of the news reaching Judea about Gentile conversions. It immediately thrusts Peter into the anticipated controversy, detailing the specific complaint against him by the circumcision party. This confrontation is central to the chapter's theme of the gospel expanding to the Gentiles, as Peter's defense in the subsequent verses will be pivotal in resolving this initial friction within the church.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 2:12
For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision.
- Acts 15:1
And certain men came down from Judæa and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
- Acts 10:45
And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 15:5
But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, It is needful to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.
- Acts 10:9
Now on the morrow, as they were on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour:
- Acts 21:20
And they, when they heard it, glorified God; and they said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of them that have believed; and they are all zealous for the law:
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