(4) But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying… (16) Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' (17) If 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?" Acts 11:4, 16-17 (Please read the entire passage if you have time.)

I believe Peter understood those who challenged his newfound conviction about God’s inclusion of Gentiles into the Church. He patiently remembered his own resistance to this reality. So instead of blasting his challengers for not understanding, Peter humbly explained how he too had resisted the idea—even as God gave him an apostolic vision!

After confessing his stubbornness, he simply explained how God brought him along.

Note that Peter referred to God’s Word. As an apostle, God’s Word came to him supernaturally. In our case, God’s Word is in the Bible.

And instead of confronting them regarding their lack of understanding, Peter asked, “…who was I that I could withstand God?"

Next time, we’ll consider the results in the hearts of those to whom he spoke.