New Testament
Acts 11:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said, 'Send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter,
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And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
What Acts 11:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a man shares a remarkable experience he had. He describes how he saw an angel in his home. The angel instructed him to send for Simon Peter, who was in Joppa. This moment is significant because it shows how God communicates with people in unexpected ways. The angel's message was clear and direct, emphasizing the importance of Peter in the unfolding story of faith. This encounter highlights the divine guidance available to those who seek it. It also illustrates how God can use ordinary people to fulfill His plans. The man’s willingness to follow the angel’s instructions demonstrates faith in action, showing that when we receive guidance, we should act on it. This story encourages us to be open to divine messages in our own lives, reminding us that we are not alone in our journeys. God often reaches out to us through various means, urging us to connect with others and share our experiences of faith.
How to apply Acts 11:13 to your life
Consider how you might be receiving guidance in your life. Are there moments when you feel prompted to reach out to someone? Be open to those nudges and take action. You never know how your response might impact someone else's journey. Trust that you are part of a bigger plan.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Peter and Cornelius (Acts 11:11–18)
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Peter
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Acts 11:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 11:13 mean?
Acts 11:13 describes a man's experience of seeing an angel in his home. The angel instructed him to send for Simon Peter, highlighting how God communicates with people and the importance of following divine guidance.
What is the significance of the angel in Acts 11:13?
The angel in Acts 11:13 signifies God's direct communication with individuals. This encounter emphasizes the role of divine guidance in fulfilling God's plans and the importance of being receptive to such messages.
How does Acts 11:13 relate to faith in action?
Acts 11:13 demonstrates faith in action through the man's willingness to follow the angel's instructions. It shows that responding to divine guidance is an essential part of living out one's faith.
What does the phrase 'send men to Joppa' mean in Acts 11:13?
The phrase 'send men to Joppa' refers to the angel's instruction for the man to call for Simon Peter. It signifies the importance of connecting with others in faith and following God's direction.
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