Book of Acts - Chapter 15 - Verse 7

The verse "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe," highlights a significant moment in the early Christian church. Peter, one of the twelve apostles, addresses a contentious issue regarding whether Gentiles (non-Jews) can be included in the Christian community. Through Peter's words, it is revealed that God had chosen him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, emphasizing the universal nature of Christianity. This event marked a critical turning point in the spread of Christianity, demonstrating that the message of salvation was not limited to a specific group of people but was meant for all. Peter's acknowledgment of his divine calling to reach out to the Gentiles underscores the inclusive and welcoming nature of Jesus' teachings, illustrating the transformative power of the gospel to bring people of diverse backgrounds together in faith.

In this verse from the book of Acts, Peter is addressing a group of believers and recounting a pivotal moment in the early church's history. Through his words, we can glean insights into the theology of election and the role of Gentiles in the spread of the gospel. The phrase "God made choice among us" highlights the sovereign hand of God in selecting individuals for specific tasks in advancing His kingdom. Peter's reference to the Gentiles hearing the word of the gospel through him underscores the inclusive nature of God's plan of salvation, which extends to all people regardless of their background. This passage also emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel boldly and faithfully, as Peter did, so that others may come to faith and believe in Christ.