Context and Background:

Peter's explanation to the Jerusalem Church is a pivotal moment in the early Christian movement, as recorded in the Book of Acts. This event occurs after Peter's groundbreaking encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, which marks a significant shift in the early Church's understanding of the scope of the Gospel. The narrative is found in Acts 11:1-18, where Peter recounts his experience to the apostles and believers in Jerusalem, addressing their concerns about his interaction with Gentiles.

Biblical Account:

Following his return to Jerusalem, Peter is met with criticism from the circumcised believers who are troubled by his association with uncircumcised Gentiles. Acts 11:2-3 states, "So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him and said, 'You visited uncircumcised men and ate with them.'"

In response, Peter provides a detailed account of his vision and subsequent actions. He explains how, while praying in Joppa, he fell into a trance and saw a vision of a large sheet being lowered from heaven, containing all kinds of animals. A voice instructed him to "Get up, Peter, kill and eat" (Acts 11:7). Despite his initial resistance, citing Jewish dietary laws, the voice insisted, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 11:9). This vision occurred three times, emphasizing its divine origin and importance.

Peter then recounts how the Holy Spirit directed him to go with the men sent by Cornelius without hesitation. Upon arriving at Cornelius's house, Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon the Gentiles as he began to speak, reminiscent of the Pentecost experience. Acts 11:15-17 captures Peter's realization: "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had come upon us at the beginning. Then 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.' 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?"

Theological Significance:

Peter's explanation underscores the universality of the Gospel and the breaking down of traditional Jewish-Gentile barriers. This event is a fulfillment of Jesus' command to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). It highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early Church to embrace a broader mission field, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

The narrative also emphasizes the importance of divine revelation and obedience to God's leading, even when it challenges established norms. Peter's vision and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles serve as divine confirmation that God's salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their background.

Response of the Jerusalem Church:

Upon hearing Peter's explanation, the Jerusalem Church responds with acceptance and praise. Acts 11:18 records their reaction: "When they heard this, they had no further objections and glorified God, saying, 'So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.'" This acknowledgment marks a significant step in the early Church's mission, affirming the inclusion of Gentiles as part of God's redemptive plan.

Peter's explanation to the Jerusalem Church is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in expanding the reach of God's kingdom. It serves as a foundational moment in the history of the Church, illustrating the breaking down of barriers and the fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations through the seed of Abraham.