And the apostles and brothers that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
the apostles.
Acts 8:14,15 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: …
Galatians 1:17-22 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus…
the Gentiles.
Acts 10:34-38 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: …
Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
soon heard
The rapid dissemination of information highlights the close-knit nature of the early Christian community and the importance of communication in the spread of the Gospel. News traveled quickly despite the lack of modern communication methods, indicating the significance of the event. This also reflects the interconnectedness of the early church, where developments in one area were of interest to believers elsewhere.
that the Gentiles also had received the word of God
This marks a pivotal moment in the early church, as the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) into the Christian faith was a significant shift from Jewish exclusivity. The "word of God" refers to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. This event fulfills prophecies such as Isaiah 49:6, which speaks of salvation reaching the ends of the earth. It also aligns with Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth." The acceptance of Gentiles was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). This inclusion challenged existing cultural and religious boundaries, setting the stage for the universal nature of Christianity.
- Luke highlights the circle of eyewitness leaders—“the apostles”—along with the wider family of “brothers,” everyday believers bound together in Christ (Acts 1:2; 9:27).
- Together they model a church that is both led and shared; authority rests with those commissioned by Jesus, yet fellowship involves the whole body (Philippians 1:1).
- Their united response to fresh news shows the importance of spiritual community that listens, weighs, and acts as one (Acts 15:22).
- The phrase stretches the scene beyond Jerusalem to the entire historic heartland of Israel (Luke 1:5; Acts 9:31).
- Gospel advance has already reached Samaria (Acts 8:14) and now permeates Judea, fulfilling Jesus’ outline in Acts 1:8.
- This geographic reach reminds readers that the faith is not a provincial sect; it is penetrating every pocket of the covenant people.
- Word spreads quickly when God moves. Earlier, Jerusalem believers “heard” of Samaria’s conversion and sent Peter and John (Acts 8:14).
- The speed underlines the church’s attentiveness; they are alert watchmen, eager to discern God’s work (Isaiah 52:8).
- It also foreshadows the inevitable need to process unprecedented developments—a pattern repeated at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:4-7).
- “Also” is packed with significance: outsiders have now been included alongside Jews (Acts 10:34-35, 43-48).
- Peter’s vision and Cornelius’s household prove that God shows no partiality, confirming promises like Genesis 12:3 and Isaiah 49:6.
- Paul will later proclaim this same mystery—that Gentiles are “fellow heirs” (Ephesians 3:6).
- “Received” pictures open-handed acceptance, not mere exposure (1 Thessalonians 2:13; James 1:21).
- “The word of God” is the gospel message centered on Christ’s death and resurrection (Acts 4:31; 10:36-41).
- By stating the fact without caveat, Luke affirms that Gentile faith is genuine, Spirit-wrought, and equal in standing to Jewish belief (Acts 15:8-9).
Acts 11:1 reports that the whole Judean church leadership quickly learned Gentiles had embraced the gospel. The verse underscores the church’s unity, its geographic expansion, the rapid circulation of divine news, the radical inclusion of non-Jews, and the authentic, saving reception of God’s word by those once considered outsiders. Together these elements announce a watershed moment: the same Lord who called Israel is now openly gathering the nations into one redeemed people.
XI.(1) And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea . . .--The context implies that the tidings travelled, while Peter remained at Caesarea, first probably to Joppa and Lydda, and afterwards to Jerusalem.
Verse 1. - Now for and, A.V.; the brethren for brethren, A.V.; also had for had also, A.V, We can imagine how rapidly the news of the great revolution would travel to the metropolis of Jewish Christianity, and what a stir it would maim in that community. It does not appear what view James and the other apostles took.