Bible Strands
Acts 11:4
But Peter began and explained to them the whole sequence of events:
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses the circumcised believers in Jerusalem who had just challenged him for dining with uncircumcised Gentiles. He speaks at the moment of defense, transitioning from accusation to a detailed recounting of his recent experiences.
The words — The Greek ἀρξάμενος (arxamenos) means "having begun," and καθεξῆς (kathexēs) means "in order" or "sequentially." These terms mark Peter’s deliberate shift from a defensive reply to a structured narrative.
The thread — This emphasis on sequential reporting parallels Luke’s stated method in Luke 1:3 of writing an orderly account. The structural clarity also echoes the formal responses given by tribal leaders in Joshua 22:21.
Why it lands — The text demands a reader examine the factual sequence of events before drawing conclusions about divine action. It requires listeners to weigh Peter’s reported experiences against their own traditions rather than relying on immediate judgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
Cross-references
- Luke 1:3 Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
- Joshua 22:21 Then the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered the leaders of the clans of Israel:
- Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Acts 14:27 When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.