John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning , etc.] Of the vision at Joppa; and expounded it by order unto them ; or related every particular, in a very methodical and orderly manner: he did not insist upon his authority as an apostle, and much less pretended to a primacy to the rest of the apostles; but submitted to have his case heard, examined, and judged of by the body of the brethren.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-18 - The imperfect state of human nature strongly appears, when godl persons are displeased even to hear that the word of God has bee received, because their own system has not been attended to. And we ar too apt to despair of doing good to those who yet, when tried, prove very teachable. It is the bane and damage of the church, to shut ou those from it, and from the benefit of the means of grace, who are no in every thing as we are. Peter stated the whole affair. We should a all times bear with the infirmities of our brethren; and instead of taking offence, or answering with warmth, we should explain ou motives, and show the nature of our proceedings. That preaching i certainly right, with which the Holy Ghost is given. While men are very zealous for their own regulations, they should take care that they d not withstand God; and those who love the Lord will glorify him, when made sure that he has given repentance to life to any fellow-sinners Repentance is God's gift; not only his free grace accepts it, but his mighty grace works it in us, grace takes away the heart of stone, an gives us a heart of flesh. The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit.
Greek Textus Receptus
αρξαμενος 756 5671 V-AMP-NSM δε 1161 CONJ ο 3588 T-NSM πετρος 4074 N-NSM εξετιθετο 1620 5710 V-IMI-3S αυτοις 846 P-DPM καθεξης 2517 ADV λεγων 3004 5723 V-PAP-NSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Began. Graphically indicating the solemn purport of the speech (compare Luke xii. 1), perhaps, in connection with expounded, his beginning with the first circumstances and going through the whole list of incidents.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
11:4 {Began} (arxamenos). Not pleonastic here, but graphically showing how Peter began at the beginning and gave the full story of God's dealings with him in Joppa and Caesarea. {Expounded} (exetiqeto). Imperfect middle of ektiqemi, to set forth, old verb, but in the N.T. only in Acts (#7:21; 11:4; 18:26; 28:23), a deliberate and detailed narrative "in order" (kaqexes). Old word for in succession. In the N.T. only in #Lu 1:2; 8:1; Ac 3:24; 11:14; 18:23. Luke evidently considered this defence of Peter important and he preserves the marks of authenticity. It came originally from Peter himself (verses #5,6,15,16). "The case of Cornelius was a test case of primary importance" (Page), "the first great difficulty of the early Church." Part of the story Luke gives three times (#10:3-6,30-32; 11:13f.). See the discussion chapter 10 for details given here.
