Comentarios bíblicos

Acts 11:1-18 Peter, being accused for conversing with the

Gentiles, maketh his defence; the

church is satisfied, and glorifieth God.

Acts 11:19-21 The gospel having spread as far as

Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch.

Acts 11:22-26 Barnabas is sent thither, who

fetcheth Saul from Tarsus: many people are taught at

Antioch, where the disciples are first called

Christians.

Acts 11:27-30 Agabus prophesieth a dearth: the

disciples send relief from Antioch to the brethren

in Judea by Barnabas and Saul.

And brethren; the rest of the believers, who had not only one God to their Father, but one church to their mother, and were born of the same Spirit, and were fed by the same milk of the word of God.

The Gentiles had also received the word of God; this was a most incredible thing unto them who were of the seed of Abraham according to the flesh, and were not acquainted with that mystery that Abraham should have a seed of his faith, upon whom all the promises were entailed. These looked upon the Gentiles as most execrable persons, such as the apostle describes, Ephesians 2:12, that had no hope, and were without God; and therefore no less than a miracle, and that well attested, as this was, could make them change their opinion.

They that were of the circumcision; they were such Jews as conversed with them of the church, and argued against them for taking in the Gentiles into any fellowship with them. But it may be that the believing Jews might for a time be very weak, and offended at it, until they were further satisfied by the following relation of St. Peter: till then they disputed, and brought what arguments they could against it.

This is the objection they make against Peter, that, contrary to the tradition of their elders, and precept of their wise men, its had familiarly conversed with the Gentiles: see Acts 10:28. This they look upon as piacular, although no conversation in order to the gaining of the Gentiles unto God was ever forbidden, but only such as might withdraw the Jews from God.

This great apostle condescends to the least and weakest amongst them, and gives an account of what he had done and the reasons that moved him unto it, if by any means he might gain some, and confirm others.

See this whole narration spoken to in the foregoing chapter.

It came even to me; to show that he was especially concerned in this vision, it being for his instruction and regulation.

Fastened mine eyes; it speaketh his great intention of mind upon it; God so ordering of it, that it might leave the greater impression upon him.

He might now use them without any distinction indifferently.

St. Peter here avoucheth that he had lived in this ceremonial righteousness, though he thought himself far from being institled thereby.

Hath at any time entered into mouth; he abstained from all the appearances of that evil.