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

ACTS 11:2KJV
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Acts 11:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 11:2 mean?

Acts 11:2 describes how, when Peter arrived in Jerusalem, certain Jewish believers—referred to as "they that were of the circumcision"—argued with him. These believers confronted Peter because they were concerned about his actions regarding Gentiles.

The verse takes place after Peter visited the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, and shared the message of Jesus with him. The phrase "they that were of the circumcision" points to Jewish Christians who still held tightly to Jewish customs. Their "contending" with Peter shows there was real tension in the early church about including non-Jews, and this moment sets up Peter’s explanation of his actions in the following verses.

The Greek behind Acts 11:2

  • περιτομῆς (peritomēs, "circumcision"): This word refers specifically to those who practiced and valued circumcision as a sign of Jewish identity. Here, it highlights that the group confronting Peter were Jewish Christians who still saw circumcision as essential.
  • διεκρίνοντο (diekrinonto, "contended"): The Greek word carries the sense of disputing, arguing, or making a distinction. This suggests that the confrontation was not just a polite question but a strong disagreement, reflecting deep concerns about breaking traditional boundaries.

Why Acts 11:2 matters

  • Acts 11:2 helps clarify that early Christian communities were not always unified; there were serious debates about how Jewish traditions should relate to new Gentile believers.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of Peter’s actions in opening the church to non-Jews, setting up a turning point in the book of Acts.
  • Understanding the tension here helps make sense of the detailed explanation Peter gives in the following verses, showing how the early church wrestled with questions of identity and inclusion.

Where else these words appear

“contended” Greek G1252 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

“circumcision” Greek G4061 · used in 32 verses

  • John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision;(not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
  • Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
  • Galatians 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Mark 15:41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
  • Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.