Acts 11:3
What does Acts 11:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 11:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 11:3 means
The core of the accusation against Peter was that he had entered the home of uncircumcised men and eaten with them. For strict Jews, this action violated clear Mosaic dietary laws concerning ritual purity and association with Gentiles. Eating with Gentiles was considered defiling, rendering a Jew unclean. This was not merely a social faux pas but a profound religious transgression in their eyes, underscoring the deep-seated cultural and religious barriers that the early church had to overcome in its mission to the Gentiles.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Saying, You went to men without circumcision, and took food with them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862saying--`Unto men uncircumcised thou didst go in, and didst eat with them!'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Saying: Why didst thou go in to men uncircumcised and didst eat with them?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised and hast eaten with them.
Context
This verse directly states the specific charge against Peter, clarifying the reason for the contention mentioned in the previous verse. It provides the crucial detail that frames Peter's subsequent defense. This accusation is the direct catalyst for Peter's detailed explanation of his vision and his encounter with Cornelius, demonstrating the necessity of addressing these deeply ingrained cultural norms within the early Jewish Christian community.
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 10:23
So he called them in and lodged them. And on the morrow he arose and went forth with them, and certain of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
- 1 Corinthians 5:11
but as it is, I wrote unto you not to keep company, if any man that is named a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no, not to eat.
- 2 John 1:10
If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting:
- Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
- Luke 15:2
And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
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