What did Peter tell the Jerusalem council about God using him to speak to Gentiles?
He reminded the Jerusalem council that a long time before—twelve years earlier—God had used him to speak to Gentiles. This referred to his ministry at the house of Cornelius, where pagan Romans were saved without the attending ramifications of Judaism.
Les explains that at the Acts 15 Jerusalem council, after much disputing over whether Gentiles had to keep the Jewish law, Peter rose up. Peter reminded them that a long time earlier—twelve years before—God had used him to speak to Gentiles, referring to the house of Cornelius. Only a household of pagan Romans was saved, but the evidence showed they were saved without Judaism's attending ramifications. He did not come back urging the others to move on because the Gentiles were waking up; instead he was called on the carpet for going to a Gentile. They stayed because God had not yet permitted them to move beyond the apostleship of the nation of Israel.
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.
More Questions
What did Peter say when he rose up at the Jerusalem council?
At the Jerusalem council, after much disputing, Peter stood up and testified that God had long ago used him to speak to Gentiles, referring to the house of Cornelius.