Acts 10

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What does Acts 10:20 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:20 is a directive given to Peter, one of Jesus Christ's apostles, by God through a vision.

The verse commands Peter to go with the men who are seeking him without hesitation or doubt, assuring him that God has orchestrated their meeting.

On a literal level, the verse is telling Peter to physically descend from the rooftop where he was praying and to accompany the messengers sent to fetch him.

Metaphorically, the verse signifies a leap of faith and trust in divine guidance, even when it challenges existing beliefs or norms, as Peter was being called to minister to Gentiles, something that was not commonly done by Jews at that time.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the context of a significant shift in the early Christian Church's understanding and approach to Gentiles.

At this point in time, the Church consisted mostly of Jewish believers who maintained many traditional Jewish laws, including dietary restrictions and the view that Gentiles were ceremonially unclean.

Acts 10 recounts the story of Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian band who is described as a devout man who feared God.

Cornelius receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter, and simultaneously, Peter receives a vision that challenges the Jewish dietary laws and the exclusion of Gentiles.

The historical significance is that this event symbolizes the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles and the inclusion of all people in the Christian faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, Acts 10:20 encapsulates the idea of divine calling and obedience without prejudice.

In a broader Christian theological context, this passage signifies God's impartiality and the universality of the Gospel message.

The verse supports the concept that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. It also challenges believers to be open to God's guidance, even when it leads them out of their comfort zones or challenges their preconceived notions.

Practical Applications

This verse teaches several practical applications for daily life.

First, it emphasizes the importance of listening to God and being open to divine guidance.

Second, it encourages believers to overcome doubts and fears when responding to God's call.

Third, it challenges individuals to break down barriers and prejudices, urging them to reach out to others who are different from themselves.

Lastly, it underlines the need for action in faith and the willingness to take steps of obedience even when the results or reasons are not fully understood.

Cross-References

Acts 10:15 - And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Acts 10:28 - And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Acts 11:12 - And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.

Moreover, these six brethren also went with me, and we entered into the man's house.

Language Study

In Acts 10:20, key Greek words include "anastas" (ἀναστὰς), which means "arise" or "stand up," and "diakrino" (διακρίνω), which translates to "doubting nothing" or "making no distinction." In this context, diakrino takes the connotation of not hesitating or doubting because of possible Jewish prejudices against Gentiles.

The imperative "get thee down" (katabēthi) is used to prompt immediate action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The inclusivity seen in Acts 10:20 can be compared to the universalist aspects of other ancient religions and philosophies. For example, the Stoic philosophy of the Hellenistic period also emphasized a certain universality of mankind.

Moreover, several religious movements in the ancient world began reaching out beyond their ethnic boundaries, though often these efforts entailed proselytizing with an expectation of cultural assimilation, which differs markedly from the message in Acts which embraces cultural diversity within the early church.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the concepts of prejudice and inclusivity discussed in Acts 10:20 align with psychological and sociological studies of in-group and out-group dynamics.

Modern scientific understandings of human behavior suggest that overcoming prejudices and accepting different social groups can lead to more harmonious and cooperative societies.

This verse may be seen as an early call to transcend in-group biases, which has been supported by contemporary social science research.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have various interpretations of Acts 10:20.

For instance, Matthew Henry's commentary suggests that the verse shows that God's revelations to us are to be consulted with obedience.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the immediacy of Peter's action being significant, as it implies direct obedience to divine guidance.

John Calvin emphasizes the necessity of setting aside all doubts when God commands.

Various commentaries agree that this passage marks an important step for the early church in understanding the reach and inclusivity of the Gospel message.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 10:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?