Acts 11:1

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἤκουσαν

G191

heard

to hear (in various senses)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

οἱ

G3588

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

ἀπόστολοι

G652

the apostles

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

καὶ

G2532

also

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

οἱ

G3588

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

ἀδελφοὶ

G80

brethren

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

οἱ

G3588

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

ὄντες

G5607

that were

being

#10

κατὰ

G2596

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

#11

τὴν

G3588

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

#12

Ἰουδαίαν

G2449

Judaea

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

#13

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#14

καὶ

G2532

also

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

#15

τὰ

G3588

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

#16

ἔθνη

G1484

the Gentiles

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

#17

ἐδέξαντο

G1209

had

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#18

τὸν

G3588

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

#19

λόγον

G3056

the word

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

#20

τοῦ

G3588

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

#21

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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