Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

ACTS 11:3KJV
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Acts 11:3 (KJV)

What does Acts 11:3 mean?

Acts 11:3 describes how some Jewish believers in Jerusalem confronted Peter, criticizing him for entering the home of non-Jewish, uncircumcised men and eating with them. This verse highlights their concern that Peter had broken traditional Jewish boundaries regarding contact and fellowship with Gentiles.

The scene takes place after Peter returns to Jerusalem from visiting Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. The Jewish believers, who strictly followed customs about separation from Gentiles, questioned Peter’s actions. Their words show the tension in the early church as it wrestled with including non-Jews and what that meant for long-held traditions.

The Greek behind Acts 11:3

  • ἀνδράσιν (andrasin, "men"): The Greek word used here specifically refers to adult males, emphasizing that Peter’s actions were not just casual but involved full participation with Gentile men.
  • ἀκροβυστίαν (akrobystian, "uncircumcised"): This term means "uncircumcised" and was a common way for Jews to refer to non-Jews, highlighting the ritual and cultural boundary that Peter crossed.
  • συνεφάγες (synephages, "didst eat with them"): This word means "to eat together" and carries the sense of close fellowship, not just sharing food but sharing community, which was a significant issue for Jewish believers.

Why Acts 11:3 matters

  • Acts 11:3 shows the real struggle early Jewish Christians had with the idea of Gentiles being included in the faith without first adopting Jewish customs.
  • The verse sets up Peter’s explanation in the following verses, where he recounts his vision and God’s direction, helping the church understand God’s broader plan.
  • This moment marks a turning point in the book of Acts, where the church begins to move beyond its Jewish roots and embrace people from all nations.

Where else these words appear

“eat” Greek G4906 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
  • Acts 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

“uncircumcised” Greek G203 · used in 17 verses

  • Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • Galatians 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;