{When there had been much questioning} (poll(8873) z(8874)(8873)e(9373)
genomen(8873)). Genitive absolute with second aorist middle
participle of ginomai. Evidently the Judaizers were given full
opportunity to air all their grievances and objections. They were
allowed plenty of time and there was no effort to shut off debate
or to rush anything through the meeting. {Peter rose up}
(anastas Petros). The wonder was that he had waited so long.
Probably Paul asked him to do so. He was the usual spokesman for
the apostles and his activities in Jerusalem were well-known. In
particular his experience at Caesarea ( Ac 10 ) had caused
trouble here in Jerusalem from this very same party of the
circumcism ( Ac 11:1-18 ). It was fitting that Peter should
speak. This is the last time that Peter appears in the Acts. {A
good while ago} (aph' h(886d)er(936e) archai(936e)). From ancient days. The
adjective archaios is from arch(885c), beginning, and its actual
age is a matter of relativity. So Mnason ( Ac 21:16 ) is termed
"an ancient disciple." It was probably a dozen years since God
"made choice" (exelexato) to speak by Peter's mouth to
Cornelius and the other Gentiles in Caesarea. His point is that
what Paul and Barnabas have reported is nothing new. The
Judaizers made objection then as they are doing now.