New International VersionSo if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
New Living TranslationAnd since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”
English Standard VersionIf then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
Berean Standard BibleSo 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?”
Berean Literal BibleIf then God has given to them the same gift as also to us having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how was I able to forbid God?"
King James BibleForasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
New King James VersionIf therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
New American Standard BibleTherefore, if God gave them the same gift as He also gave to us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
NASB 1995“Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
NASB 1977“If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
Legacy Standard BibleTherefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could prevent God’s way?”
Amplified BibleSo, if God gave Gentiles the same gift [equally] as He gave us after we accepted and believed and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ [as Savior], who was I to interfere or stand in God’s way?”
Christian Standard BibleIf, then, God gave them the same gift that he also gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleTherefore, if God gave them the same gift that He also gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?”
American Standard VersionIf then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?
Contemporary English VersionGod gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I have gone against God?
English Revised VersionIf then God gave unto them the like gift as he did also unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen they believed, God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. So who was I to interfere with God?"
Good News TranslationIt is clear that God gave those Gentiles the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; who was I, then, to try to stop God!"
International Standard VersionNow if God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, who was I to try to stop God?"
NET BibleTherefore if God gave them the same gift as he also gave us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder God?"
New Heart English BibleIf then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?"
Webster's Bible TranslationForasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I that I could withstand God?
Weymouth New Testament"If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we first believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why, who was I to be able to thwart God?" Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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?”
World English BibleIf then God gave to them the same gift as us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionif then God gave to them the equal gift as also to us, having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, I—how was I able to withstand God?”
Berean Literal BibleIf then God has given to them the same gift as also to us having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how was I able to forbid God?"
Young's Literal Translation if then the equal gift God did give to them as also to us, having believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, I -- how was I able to withstand God?'
Smith's Literal TranslationIf therefore God gave the like gift to them as also to us, having believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; how was I able to hinder God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf then God gave them the same grace, as to us also who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; who was I, that could withstand God?
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, if God gave them the same grace, as also to us, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I would be able to prohibit God?”
New American BibleIf then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?”
New Revised Standard VersionIf then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow, therefore, if God has equally given the gifts to the Gentiles who believe in our LORD Jesus Christ, just as he gave to us, who am I that I should dispute God?
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishIf God therefore has equally given The Gift to those Gentiles who have believed in our Lord Yeshua The Messiah, as also to us, who am I that I would be qualified to forbid God?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentIf, then, God gave them the like gift that he gave to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, that I could withstand God?
Godbey New TestamentSince then God gave unto them the equal gift, as also unto us, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; who was I, to be able to resist God?
Haweis New TestamentIf God then gave an equal gift to them even as to us, on believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; I, indeed, who was I, that I should be able to restrain God?
Mace New Testament
if therefore God has bestow'd the same favour upon them, as on us, after we had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I make any opposition to the divine will?
Weymouth New Testament
"If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we first believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why, who was I to be able to thwart God?"
Worrell New Testament
If, therefore, God gave them the like gift, as to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?"
Worsley New Testament
As therefore God gave to them the like gift thatHe did to us, upon our believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I,that I should be able to withstand God?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Peter's Report at Jerusalem… 16Then 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.’ 17SoifGodgavethemthesamegiftHe gaveuswho believedintheLordJesusChrist,whowasItohinder the work ofGod?”18When they heard this, their objections were put to rest, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”…
Cross References Acts 10:44-47While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, ...
Acts 15:8-9And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. / He made no distinction between us and them, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.
John 15:26-27When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. / And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
John 14:16-17And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— / the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.
Galatians 3:14He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:18For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Romans 10:12For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him,
1 Corinthians 12:13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.
Joel 2:28-29And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
Isaiah 44:3For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.
Ezekiel 36:26-27I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.
Matthew 3:11I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Luke 24:49And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
John 7:39He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Romans 8:9You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
Treasury of Scripture For as much then as God gave them the like gift as he did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? as God. Acts 11:15
And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Acts 15:8,9
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even ashe did unto us; … Matthew 20:14,15
Takethat thineis, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee… what. Acts 10:47
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Job 9:12-14
Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? … Job 33:13
Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. Jump to Previous AbleBelievedBelievingChristEqualFirstForasmuchForbidGiftGodGod'sIndeedJesusOpposeStandThinkThwartWayWithstandJump to Next AbleBelievedBelievingChristEqualFirstForasmuchForbidGiftGodGod'sIndeedJesusOpposeStandThinkThwartWayWithstandActs 11 1.Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,5.makes his defense;18.which is accepted.19.The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,22.Barnabas is sent to confirm them.26.The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.27.They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine.So if God gave them the same giftThis phrase refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit, which was first given to the Jewish believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). The context here is Peter's defense of his actions in sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles, specifically Cornelius and his household. The "same gift" emphasizes the equality of Jews and Gentiles in receiving the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel 2:28-29 that God's Spirit would be poured out on all people. This marks a significant shift in the early church's understanding of God's plan for salvation, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers. He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ
The phrase underscores the condition of faith in Jesus Christ as the basis for receiving the Holy Spirit. This aligns with the core message of the New Testament that salvation and the accompanying indwelling of the Spirit are available to all who believe in Jesus (John 3:16,Ephesians 2:8-9). The early church, primarily Jewish, is now witnessing the inclusion of Gentiles, which was a radical development. This reflects the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant that through Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). who was I to hinder the work of God?
Peter's rhetorical question highlights his recognition of God's sovereign will and the futility of opposing it. This echoes the theme of divine initiative seen throughout Acts, where God's purposes prevail despite human resistance (Acts 5:39). Peter's humility and submission to God's plan serve as a model for believers, emphasizing that God's work transcends human traditions and prejudices. This moment is pivotal in the early church, as it sets the stage for the Jerusalem Council inActs 15, where the inclusion of Gentiles is formally acknowledged and affirmed. Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterThe apostle who is recounting his experience with Cornelius and the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit. 2. CorneliusA Roman centurion whose household was among the first Gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit. 3. GentilesNon-Jewish people who were receiving the message of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit. 4. JerusalemThe place where Peter is explaining his actions to the Jewish believers. 5. Holy SpiritThe gift from God that was given to both Jewish and Gentile believers, signifying their acceptance by God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in SalvationGod is the ultimate authority in granting salvation and the Holy Spirit, transcending human boundaries and prejudices. Unity in the Body of ChristThe same Holy Spirit is given to all believers, emphasizing the unity and equality of all members of the body of Christ. Obedience to God's LeadingLike Peter, we must be willing to follow God's leading, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or traditions. Breaking Down BarriersThe Gospel calls us to break down barriers of race, culture, and tradition, welcoming all who believe in Jesus Christ. Witnessing God's WorkWe should be attentive to how God is working in unexpected ways and be ready to testify to His grace and power. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Acts 11
What is the Gift of Faith?
What does 'Every good and perfect gift is from above' mean?
What does 'rain on the just and unjust' mean?
Why is there no archaeological or historical record confirming the exact location or the nature of Peter’s vision (Acts 11)?(17) Forasmuch then . . .--More accurately, Ifthen.Unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.--The Greek construction gives a somewhat different meaning:If then God gave to them an equal gift as to us, upon their believing . . . That condition was sufficient in their case for the greater gifts, and their admissibility to baptism and to general fellowship followed naturally as a thing of course. What was I, that I could withstand God?--The Greek gives a complex question,Who was I?Able to withstand God?--i.e.,How was I, being such a one as I am, able to withstand? Verse 17. - If for forasmuch... as, A.V.; unto them for them, A.V.; did also for did, A.V.; when we for who, A.V.; who for what, A.V. The saying, Who was I, that I could withstand ( κωλῦσαι)? corresponds to Acts 10:47, "Can any man forbid ( κωλῦσαι) water?"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Soοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.ifεἰ(ei)Conjunction
Strong's 1487:If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.GodΘεὸς(Theos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.gaveἔδωκεν(edōken)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.themαὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.sameἴσην(isēn)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2470:Equal, equivalent, identical. Probably from eido; similar.giftδωρεὰν(dōrean)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1431:A (free) gift, a gift (without repayment). From doron; a gratuity.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.[He gave]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.usἡμῖν(hēmin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.who believedπιστεύσασιν(pisteusasin)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.inἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.LordΚύριον(Kyrion)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.JesusἸησοῦν(Iēsoun)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.Christ,Χριστόν(Christon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.whoτίς(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.wasἤμην(ēmēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.toδυνατὸς(dynatos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1415:(a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.hinder [the work of]κωλῦσαι(kōlysai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2967:To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.God??Θεόν(Theon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Apostles: Acts 11:17 If then God gave to them (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
