1 AND the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, [ Those Jews who where living the law of Moses were upset that there was preaching going on with the Gentiles and that they were receiving the Holy Ghost and were being baptized. The ordinance of circumcision was to point them toward Christ. So the Jews then were suggesting that the ordinance of circumcision was more important than the fact that they had chosen to follow Christ and his teachings. ]

3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, [ You, Peter, you meet with these unclean people, how could you do such as thing? ] and didst eat with them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10  And this was done three times: [ He had the same vision 3 times as a witness that it was not a fluke. ] and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, [ He was at Simon the tanners house. These men where the men that were sent by Cornelius, because the angel of God to Cornelius to send them there to get Peter. This was an answer to the prayers that Cornelius was making. Acts 10:4. ] sent from Caesarea [ The place were Cornelius was at when Cornelius was praying and was told to send the men to Peter. ] unto me.

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: [ The home of Cornelius. ]

13 And he [ Cornelius. ] shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. [ This Peter whom you shall send for will teach the Gospel to you. ]

15  And as I [ Peter. ] began to speak, [ To teach, just like he always taught. ] the Holy Ghost fell on them, [ They received the Holy Ghost. ] as on us at the beginning. [ Just like it came upon us. What is the message here? That God works the same way with all of his children. ]

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17 Forasmuch 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? [ Look folks I just opened my mouth as I usually do, I taught the gospel and the rest was up to the Holy Ghost. In this case he fell upon the people just the same as if I was teaching the Jews. So I really had nothing to say about it, as it was the work of God. ]

18  When they heard these things, [ The story and the details of the story that Peter had just shared with them. ] they held their peace, [ Theie argument was halted as they could see the Lord in the process, and if they proceeded to argue it would be that they were arguing against God. ] and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. [ The Jews are finally starting to get it. The Gentiles have just as much right to the gospel of Jesus Christ as do the Jews. ]

19 ¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. [ Or prior to this all teaching was done only to the Jews. Even though the word of Christ, and his miracles had gone to most people they were only teaching the Jews up to this point. ]

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

22 ¶ Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: [ Saul was born of Jewish parents, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; ]

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians [ Means believers in Christ. Christ means Messiah so we could further transliterate it to be believers in the Messiah. So in the Jewish tradition these are those who believe that the Messiah had come. ] first in Antioch.

27 ¶ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.