Following Peter’s report, the men who raised an objection are silenced. They accept the words which he has spoken and the reality that God has granted repentance unto Gentiles; that they are to be added to his church (without the need for circumcision and submission to food laws).1 Repentance was granted to Israel by Jesus (Acts 5:31): inclusion of Gentiles is fulfillment of the promise of blessing made to Abraham (see Acts 3:25–26; Genesis 12:1–3).2
18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”