Acts 11:18 Meaning and Explanation
“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Peter's critics fall silent, then glorify God: He has granted the Gentiles also repentance unto life.
What Does Acts 11:18 Mean?
The contention of verse 2 ends in worship. Hearing the whole account, the brethren hold their peace — and then break the silence the right way, glorifying God. Their confession gathers up the chapter: God has granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life.
Repentance is spoken of here as a gift — a door God Himself opens. The phrase holds both sides of conversion together: God grants, and people turn; heaven's gift, answered by a willing heart. And unto life names where repentance leads — not into shame but into life with God through Christ. A church that lets the works of God turn its arguments into praise has learned the spirit of this verse.
Acts 11:18 in the Original Language
metanoia (μετάνοια), 'repentance' -- a change of mind and heart, a turning to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 11:18
What does Acts 11:18 mean?
Peter's critics fall silent, then glorify God: He has granted the Gentiles also repentance unto life.