Jewish Believers Contend with Peter - Acts 11:2

The physician Luke wrote how “the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God”, and in chapter eleven and verse two of the book of Acts Luke shared, “when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him” where we read:

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

The verse begins, “And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, ...” Luke began with the words, “and when Peter” which means “and at the time and moment Peter whose name means a little rock or stone and was one of Jesus' disciples” “was come up to Jerusalem” or “ascended and came forth to Jerusalem whose name means set you double peace and is the capital of Palestine”. Luke referred to the time that “Peter” ascended or returned to “Jerusalem”.

The verse goes on to say, “... they that were of the circumcision contended with him,” Luke continued with the words, “that they were of the circumcision” which means “that the Jewish believers in Jesus” “contended with him” or “determined to give judgment and decide a dispute with Peter”. Luke shared how the Jewish believers which included the “apostles” of Jesus disputed with “Peter” because they heard that “Gentiles” received the “gospel” of Jesus Christ.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the Jewish “apostles” and “believers” in Jesus located in Jerusalem called “Peter” forth to answer for how the “Gentiles” were receiving the “gospel” of Jesus Christ. The Jews had nothing to do with the “Gentiles”, and “Peter” violated that rule. They wanted “Peter” to respond to their questions, and we shall see how he answers in our next few verses. For now, let us be mindful that just because people do not understand God's desire to “save” people everywhere does not mean He will limit His offering of salvation to mankind. God loves everyone, and regardless of where they are in the world, He wants a personal relationship with them through His Son Jesus. Anyone, anywhere, who surrenders their life to Him will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Let all who read these words hear and understand the intention of God to save everyone.

Next time Luke shares how the Jewish believers told Peter, “you went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".