Acts 11:12
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμά
the Spirit
G4151
πνεῦμά
the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 25
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
συνελθεῖν
go with
G4905
συνελθεῖν
go with
Strong's:
G4905
Word #:
6 of 25
to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
διακρίνόμενον
doubting
G1252
διακρίνόμενον
doubting
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
9 of 25
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
ἦλθον
G2064
ἦλθον
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
σὺν
accompanied
G4862
σὺν
accompanied
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
12 of 25
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
17 of 25
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
18 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
21 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
house
G3624
οἶκον
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
23 of 25
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 8:29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.Romans 3:22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:Acts 10:23Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.2 Thessalonians 2:2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Historical Context
Nothing doubting translates Greek meaning 'making no distinction'—don't differentiate between clean/unclean, Jew/Gentile. Six brethren (plus Peter makes seven—number of completeness) provided multiple witnesses for unprecedented action. Jewish law required two witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15); Peter exceeded this. Around 40 CE, these witnesses could corroborate Peter's account, protecting him from false accusation regarding controversial Gentile ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does explicit Spirit direction remove doubt in controversial situations?
- What role do witnesses play in validating controversial but legitimate ministry?
- Why does bringing witnesses demonstrate wisdom rather than timidity?
- In what ways does Spirit guidance include both direction and wisdom about implementation?
- What does 'making no distinction' reveal about gospel's universal scope?
Analysis & Commentary
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: The Spirit's explicit command removes uncertainty while bringing witnesses ensures accountability for controversial action.