Context and Background:

Peter's report at Jerusalem is a significant event recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 11:1-18. This event follows Peter's groundbreaking encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household, which marked a pivotal moment in the early Christian church's outreach to Gentiles. The report underscores the expanding mission of the early church and the divine endorsement of Gentile inclusion in the Christian community.

Biblical Account:

After Peter's visit to Cornelius, news of Gentiles receiving the word of God reached the apostles and believers in Judea. This development was met with skepticism and concern, particularly among the circumcised believers who questioned Peter's actions. 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 provided a detailed account of his vision and the subsequent events. He recounted how he was in Joppa when he received 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, Peter was told, "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 explained how the Holy Spirit directed him to go to Cornelius's house without hesitation. He described the angelic visitation Cornelius received, instructing him to send for Peter. Upon his arrival, Peter preached the gospel, and the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the message, just as it had on the apostles at Pentecost. Acts 11:15-17 records Peter's words: "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 as He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?"

Theological Significance:

Peter's report at Jerusalem is a critical moment in the early church, highlighting the divine initiative in the inclusion of Gentiles. It underscores the breaking down of traditional Jewish barriers and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 12:3). The event affirms the universality of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding the church beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries.

The account 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 a divine endorsement of the mission to the Gentiles, which would later be championed by the Apostle Paul.

Response of the Jerusalem Church:

Upon hearing Peter's report, the Jerusalem church responded with acceptance and praise. Acts 11:18 states, "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 response marks a significant shift in the early church's understanding of God's redemptive plan and sets the stage for the broader missionary efforts that would follow.

Peter's report at Jerusalem thus stands as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, as well as a reminder of the church's call to embrace all whom God calls, regardless of their background.