Acts 11:17
New International Version
So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

New Living Translation
And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”

English Standard Version
If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”

Berean Standard Bible
So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?”

Berean Literal Bible
If then God has given to them the same gift as also to us having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how was I able to forbid God?"

King James Bible
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

New King James Version
If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

New American Standard Bible
Therefore, if God gave them the same gift as He also gave to us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”

NASB 1995
“Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”

NASB 1977
“If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could prevent God’s way?”

Amplified Bible
So, if God gave Gentiles the same gift [equally] as He gave us after we accepted and believed and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ [as Savior], who was I to interfere or stand in God’s way?”

Christian Standard Bible
If, then, God gave them the same gift that he also gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, if God gave them the same gift that He also gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?”

American Standard Version
If then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?

Contemporary English Version
God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I have gone against God?

English Revised Version
If then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When they believed, God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. So who was I to interfere with God?"

Good News Translation
It is clear that God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; who was I, then, to try to stop God!"

International Standard Version
Now if God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, who was I to try to stop God?"

Majority Standard Bible
So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?”

NET Bible
Therefore if God gave them the same gift as he also gave us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder God?"

New Heart English Bible
If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?"

Webster's Bible Translation
Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I that I could withstand God?

Weymouth New Testament
"If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we first believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why, who was I to be able to thwart God?"

World English Bible
If then God gave to them the same gift as us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
if then God gave to them the equal gift as also to us, having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, I—how was I able to withstand God?”

Berean Literal Bible
If then God has given to them the same gift as also to us having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how was I able to forbid God?"

Young's Literal Translation
if then the equal gift God did give to them as also to us, having believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, I -- how was I able to withstand God?'

Smith's Literal Translation
If therefore God gave the like gift to them as also to us, having believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; how was I able to hinder God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If then God gave them the same grace, as to us also who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; who was I, that could withstand God?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, if God gave them the same grace, as also to us, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I would be able to prohibit God?”

New American Bible
If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?”

New Revised Standard Version
If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now, therefore, if God has equally given the gifts to the Gentiles who believe in our LORD Jesus Christ, just as he gave to us, who am I that I should dispute God?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
If God therefore has equally given The Gift to those Gentiles who have believed in our Lord Yeshua The Messiah, as also to us, who am I that I would be qualified to forbid God?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
If, then, God gave them the like gift that he gave to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, that I could withstand God?

Godbey New Testament
Since then God gave unto them the equal gift, as also unto us, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; who was I, to be able to resist God?

Haweis New Testament
If God then gave an equal gift to them even as to us, on believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; I, indeed, who was I, that I should be able to restrain God?

Mace New Testament
if therefore God has bestow'd the same favour upon them, as on us, after we had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I make any opposition to the divine will?

Weymouth New Testament
"If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we first believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why, who was I to be able to thwart God?"

Worrell New Testament
If, therefore, God gave them the like gift, as to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?"

Worsley New Testament
As therefore God gave to them the like gift that He did to us, upon our believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I should be able to withstand God?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Peter's Report at Jerusalem
16Then I remembered the word of the Lord, as He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?” 18When they heard this, their objections were put to rest, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”…

Cross References
Acts 10:44-47
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, ...

Acts 15:8-9
And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. / He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.

John 15:26-27
When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. / And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— / the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:18
For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Romans 10:12
For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him,

1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

Joel 2:28-29
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

Isaiah 44:3
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.

Ezekiel 36:26-27
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Luke 24:49
And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

John 7:39
He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Romans 8:9
You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

For as much then as God gave them the like gift as he did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

as God.

Acts 11:15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Acts 15:8,9
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; …

Matthew 20:14,15
Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee…

what.

Acts 10:47
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Job 9:12-14
Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? …

Job 33:13
Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

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Able Believed Believing Christ Equal First Forasmuch Forbid Gift God God's Indeed Jesus Oppose Stand Think Thwart Way Withstand
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Able Believed Believing Christ Equal First Forasmuch Forbid Gift God God's Indeed Jesus Oppose Stand Think Thwart Way Withstand
Acts 11
1. Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,
5. makes his defense;
18. which is accepted.
19. The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
22. Barnabas is sent to confirm them.
26. The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.
27. They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine.














So if God gave them
The phrase begins with a conditional "if," indicating a logical reasoning process. The Greek word for "gave" is "ἔδωκεν" (edōken), which implies a gracious bestowal. This reflects the divine initiative in salvation, emphasizing that it is God who grants the gift of the Holy Spirit. Historically, this underscores the early church's struggle to understand the inclusion of Gentiles, as God’s gifts were traditionally seen as reserved for the Jewish people.

the same gift
The "same gift" refers to the Holy Spirit, which was poured out on the Gentiles as it was on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. The Greek word for "gift" is "δωρεά" (dōrea), signifying a free and unmerited favor. This highlights the unity and equality in the body of Christ, as both Jews and Gentiles receive the same Spirit, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers.

He gave us
This phrase emphasizes the continuity and consistency of God's actions. The "us" refers to the Jewish believers, including Peter and the apostles, who first received the Holy Spirit. It serves as a reminder of the shared experience of grace and the common foundation of faith in Christ, which transcends ethnic divisions.

who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ
Belief in Jesus is the central requirement for receiving the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for "believed" is "πιστεύσαντας" (pisteusantas), meaning to have faith or trust. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, personal trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. The title "Lord Jesus Christ" affirms His divinity, messianic role, and anointed kingship, which are foundational to Christian faith.

who was I to hinder
Peter's rhetorical question reflects humility and submission to God's will. The Greek word for "hinder" is "κωλῦσαι" (kōlysai), meaning to prevent or obstruct. This acknowledges that human prejudices or traditions should not obstruct God's sovereign work. It is a call for believers to align with God's purposes rather than resist them.

the work of God?
The "work of God" refers to the divine plan of salvation and the expansion of the church to include all nations. This phrase underscores the sovereignty and initiative of God in the mission of the church. Historically, it marks a pivotal moment in the early church, affirming that God's redemptive work transcends human boundaries and is inclusive of all who believe in Christ. This serves as an inspiration for the church today to embrace diversity and unity in the Spirit.

(17) Forasmuch then . . .--More accurately, If then.

Unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.--The Greek construction gives a somewhat different meaning: If then God gave to them an equal gift as to us, upon their believing . . . That condition was sufficient in their case for the greater gifts, and their admissibility to baptism and to general fellowship followed naturally as a thing of course.

What was I, that I could withstand God?--The Greek gives a complex question, Who was I? Able to withstand God?--i.e., How was I, being such a one as I am, able to withstand?

Verse 17. - If for forasmuch... as, A.V.; unto them for them, A.V.; did also for did, A.V.; when we for who, A.V.; who for what, A.V. The saying, Who was I, that I could withstand (κωλῦσαι)? corresponds to Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid (κωλῦσαι) water?"

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

gave
ἔδωκεν (edōken)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

same
ἴσην (isēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2470: Equal, equivalent, identical. Probably from eido; similar.

gift
δωρεὰν (dōrean)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1431: A (free) gift, a gift (without repayment). From doron; a gratuity.

as
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

[He gave]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

who believed
πιστεύσασιν (pisteusasin)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κύριον (Kyrion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

Christ,
Χριστόν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

who
τίς (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

was
ἤμην (ēmēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

I
ἐγὼ (egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

to
δυνατὸς (dynatos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.

hinder [the work of]
κωλῦσαι (kōlysai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2967: To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.

God?”
Θεόν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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