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Book of Acts - Chapter 11 - Verse 12

11:12
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Acts, the Spirit is guiding and encouraging the speaker to go with the six brethren to the man's house without any hesitations or doubts. The use of the term "Spirit" is often associated with the Holy Spirit, who is believed to provide divine guidance and direction to believers. By emphasizing that the Spirit "bade" the speaker to go, it emphasizes the urgency and importance of the mission. The phrase "nothing doubting" indicates the need for complete trust and faith in the Spirit's leading. The presence of the six brethren accompanying the speaker also highlights the importance of community and support in carrying out God's work. By entering the man's house, the speaker is following the Spirit's guidance and demonstrating obedience to God's will. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to the Spirit's promptings and trusting in God's plan, even when faced with uncertainty or unfamiliar situations.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of this verse from Acts 11:12 is that it emphasizes the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter recounts how the Spirit directed him to go with messengers to the house of a Roman centurion named Cornelius. Peter followed the Spirit's leading without hesitation or doubt, demonstrating his faith and obedience to God's guidance. This passage highlights the believer's need to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and to act in faith when directed by Him.

Additionally, a word study on the term "nothing doubting" in this verse reveals the Greek word "diakrinomenos," which conveys the idea of not hesitating or questioning. It implies a firm and unwavering trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By including this detail in his account, Peter underscores the importance of complete faith and trust in God's leading, even in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations. The presence of six brethren who accompanied Peter further emphasizes the communal support and accountability within the early Christian community as they followed the Spirit's direction together.

American Standard Version

And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no distinction. And these six brethren also accompanied me; and we entered into the man's house:
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