Act 11:15-17 | RWP | e4.org | As I began to speak ( εν τω αρξασθα με λαλειν ). Εν with the locative of the articular aorist infinitive αρξασθα (punctiliar action simply) and the accusative of general reference. The second infinitive λαλειν (to speak) is dependent on αρξασθα , "In the beginning to speak as to me." Even as on us at the beginning ( ωσπερ κα εφ' ημας εν αρχη ). Peter recalls vividly the events at Pentecost, the speaking with tongues and all. It is noteworthy that Peter does not here repeat his sermon. "He rests his defence, not on what he said, but on what God did" (Furneaux).

‏ Acts 11:15-17

As I began to speak ( εν τω αρξασθα με λαλειν ). Εν with the locative of the articular aorist infinitive αρξασθα (punctiliar action simply) and the accusative of general reference. The second infinitive λαλειν (to speak) is dependent on αρξασθα, "In the beginning to speak as to me."

Even as on us at the beginning ( ωσπερ κα εφ' ημας εν αρχη ). Peter recalls vividly the events at Pentecost, the speaking with tongues and all. It is noteworthy that Peter does not here repeat his sermon. "He rests his defence, not on what he said, but on what God did" (Furneaux).

I remembered ( εμνησθην ). First aorist passive indicative of the common verb μιμνησκω, to remind. Peter recalls the very words of Jesus as reported in Ac 1:5. Peter now understands this saying of Jesus as he had not done before. That is a common experience with us all as new experiences of grace open richer veins in God's truth (Joh 12:16). Peter clearly sees that the water baptism is merely the symbol or picture of the spiritual baptism in the heart.

The like gift ( την ισην δωρεαν ). The equal gift, equal in quality, rank, or measure. Common word.

When we believed ( πιστευσασιν ). First aorist active participle of πιστευω in the dative case. It agrees both with ημιν (unto us) and with αυτοις (unto them), "having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ." Both classes (Gentiles and Jews) trusted in Christ, and both received the Holy Spirit.

Who was I ( εγω τις ημην ). Note order, "I, who was I." " That I could withstand God" ( δυνατος κωλυσα τον θεον ). Literally, "able to withstand or hinder God." It is a rhetorical question, really two questions. Who was I ? Was I able to hinder God? Peter's statement of the facts made an unanswerable defence. And yet Peter (Ga 2:11) will later in Antioch play the coward before emissaries from Jerusalem on this very point of eating with Gentile Christians.