Acts 11:2
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
4 of 12
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
6 of 12
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
διεκρίνοντο
contended
G1252
διεκρίνοντο
contended
Strong's:
G1252
Word #:
7 of 12
to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 12
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 12
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
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Circumcision party refers to Jewish Christians insisting Gentiles must adopt Jewish practices. Peter's Caesarea actions around 40 CE challenged core identity assumptions. Jerusalem church, still operating within Judaism, saw Gentile inclusion without conversion as threatening their Jewish identity and community standing. This conflict foreshadowed Acts 15 Jerusalem Council debate.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jewish Christians resist Gentile inclusion without conversion requirements?
- How do theological innovations naturally provoke controversy even when Spirit-led?
- What role does accountability play when leaders make controversial decisions?
- In what ways can religious identity obstruct gospel advancement?
- How should churches balance maintaining identity with embracing God's new directions?
Analysis & Commentary
And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, The Jerusalem church's immediate challenge to Peter demonstrates how revolutionary Gentile inclusion was, threatening established Jewish-Christian identity.