So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "they that were of the circumcision" highlights a subtle but crucial shift: this group, previously just Jews, were now identifying as a distinct party within the early church, already setting the stage for future disputes. This shows that even in these early days, belonging to the church didn't erase deeply ingrained cultural and religious distinctions.
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter, having just preached the gospel to Gentiles and seen them filled with the Holy Spirit, returns to Jerusalem where the Jewish believers, especially those zealous for the Law, confront him. They question and criticize him for associating with and eating alongside uncircumcised Gentiles, indicating a significant tension regarding inclusion and the boundaries of God's people. Peter then recounts the whole story, including his visions and the direct leading of the Holy Spirit, to explain his actions.
Imagine returning home after a groundbreaking experience, only to be immediately met with stern accusations. That was Peter's reality in Jerusalem.
The phrase "they that were of the circumcision" points to a specific group within the early church. While all early believers were Jewish (and thus circumcised), this party had a particular agenda: upholding Jewish laws and traditions, especially circumcision, as essential for all followers of Jesus. They weren't just asking questions; they were actively challenging Peter. This shows that from the very beginning, there was tension between those who saw Jesus as fulfilling Jewish tradition and those who saw him as ushering in something radically new that transcended those traditions.
Were these Jewish believers challenging a Pope? The text gives us a surprising answer.
Commentators have pointed out that the criticism leveled against Peter is a powerful indicator against the idea of his supreme authority. If Peter were seen as the infallible head of the church, these believers likely wouldn't have challenged him so directly. Instead, they brought their concerns to him, "contending" with him about his actions. This suggests a more communal, albeit sometimes contentious, decision-making process in the early church. Peter, rather than asserting unassailable authority, felt compelled to explain his actions, showing a willingness to be accountable to the community.
Ask a follow-up
Peter had just experienced something radical. Why would eating with certain people cause such a stir?
The core issue was purity laws and Jewish identity. For centuries, Jewish people maintained a strict separation from Gentiles, often deeming them ritually unclean. Eating with uncircumcised Gentiles, as Peter had done with Cornelius and his household, violated these deeply ingrained customs. For the 'circumcision party,' this wasn't just about food; it was about maintaining the distinct identity of God's people. They feared that embracing Gentiles without imposing Jewish customs would blur the lines God had established. Peter's defense, as detailed in the following verses, would focus on how God Himself had broken down these barriers.
Understand the original words
peritomē · Greek Noun
The physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham, representing the separation of Israel unto the Lord; in this context, it refers to the Jewish believers who insisted that Gentile converts must observe Mosaic rituals.
diakrinō · Greek Verb
To find fault or express strong disapproval. In a biblical context, it often refers to judging the actions or motives of others, sometimes in a spirit of controversy or opposition to perceived departures from tradition.
This event highlights the significant tension in the early church between Jewish believers, who were accustomed to strict adherence to the Law, and the radical inclusion of Gentiles, a move that challenged deeply ingrained traditions and identity.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity occur in Jerusalem, leading to the formation of the earliest church.
c. AD 33-40
Early Church in Jerusalem
The church, composed entirely of Jewish believers, centers in Jerusalem, adhering to Jewish customs and law.
c. AD 34-35
Philip's Ministry in Samaria
Philip the evangelist ministers to Samaritans, a group viewed with suspicion by Jews, marking an early expansion beyond Jewish circles.
c. AD 36-40
Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul, a Pharisee who persecuted the church, is converted and begins his ministry, which will eventually include extensive Gentile outreach.
c. AD 40-41— this verse
Peter's Vision and Ministry to Cornelius
Peter has a vision that prepares him to preach the gospel to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, marking a pivotal moment in opening the church to Gentiles.
c. AD 41
Confrontation in Jerusalem
Upon returning to Jerusalem, Peter faces criticism from Jewish believers who are staunchly committed to Mosaic Law and Jewish customs.
c. AD 41-49
Growing Gentile Inclusion
Following Peter's defense, the Jerusalem church begins to accept Gentile believers, though tensions between Jewish and Gentile factions persist for years.
This passage shows a similar conflict where Paul publicly confronts Peter for acting inconsistently with the gospel by separating himself from Gentiles, highlighting the ongoing tension between Jewish and Gentile believers regarding religious practices.
Romans 14:1-4This chapter addresses disputes over 'disputable matters,' such as dietary laws and special days, which directly parallels the concerns of 'those of the circumcision' in Acts and offers guidance on how believers should handle such disagreements with grace.
Ephesians 2:11-22This passage beautifully articulates the theological dismantling of the 'dividing wall' between Jews and Gentiles through Christ, providing the ultimate context for why Peter's actions and the subsequent criticism were so significant.
Acts 10:34-35This verse, from Peter's own account to Cornelius, reveals God's direct action in breaking down barriers, which Peter later uses as his defense, showing the divine initiative behind embracing Gentiles.
ellicottActs 11:2: "And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,"
(2) They that were of the circumcision contended with him. —The conversion of the Gentiles at Cæsarea had given a new significance to the name of “those of the circumcision.” From this time forth they are a distinct section, often a distinct party, in the Church, and here we have the first symptom of the line which they were about to take. They contended with Peter (the tense implies con…
barnesActs 11:2: "And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,"
They that were of the circumcision - Christians who had been converted from among the Jews. Contended with him - Disputed; reproved him; charged him with being in fault. This is one of the circumstances which show conclusively that the apostles and early Christians did not regard Peter as having any particular supremacy over the church, or as being in any special sense the vicar of Chris…
The phrase "they that were of the circumcision" highlights a subtle but crucial shift: this group, previously just Jews, were now identifying as a distinct party within the early church, already setting the stage for future disputes. This shows that even in these early days, belonging to the church didn't erase deeply ingrained cultural and religious distinctions.
Peter, having just preached the gospel to Gentiles and seen them filled with the Holy Spirit, returns to Jerusalem where the Jewish believers, especially those zealous for the Law, confront him. They question and criticize him for associating with and eating alongside uncircumcised Gentiles, indicating a significant tension regarding inclusion and the boundaries of God's people. Peter then recounts the whole story, including his visions and the direct leading of the Holy Spirit, to explain his actions.
Peter, having just preached the gospel to Gentiles and seen them filled with the Holy Spirit, returns to Jerusalem where the Jewish believers, especially those zealous for the Law, confront him. They question and criticize him for associating with and eating alongside uncircumcised Gentiles, indicating a significant tension regarding inclusion and the boundaries of God's people. Peter then recounts the whole story, including his visions and the direct leading of the Holy Spirit, to explain his actions.
"So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying," — The phrase "they that were of the circumcision" highlights a subtle but crucial shift: this group, previously just Jews, were now identifying as a distinct party within the early church, already…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026