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 10:21 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:21 recounts the moment when Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, responds to the men sent by Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment.

The verse captures Peter preparing to meet with these men after receiving a vision from God that instructed him to go with them without hesitation.

Peter's response, "Behold, I am he whom ye seek," shows his readiness to follow the direction provided by the vision.

The latter part of the verse, "what is the cause wherefore ye are come?" indicates that while Peter is obedient to the divine message, he is still unaware of the specific reason for their visit, showing a human aspect of curiosity and the need for understanding.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

At the time Acts was written, the early Christian community was grappling with the expansion of the gospel message beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles (non-Jews).

Cornelius, as a God-fearing Gentile, is a significant figure because his interaction with Peter represents a pivotal moment in this expansion.

This narrative occurs in the context of the Roman Empire where there are strict social and religious boundaries.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 10:21 represents the breaking of barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

This verse illustrates God's inclusivity in offering salvation to all people. In traditional Jewish thought, associating with Gentiles was often seen as unclean, but Peter's vision and subsequent actions demonstrate a shift towards a more universal church.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse teaches the virtues of obedience and openness.

It encourages believers to be receptive to God's guidance even when it challenges societal norms or personal prejudices.

It also invites individuals to seek understanding in their interactions with others, a principle that can foster communication and empathy in daily life.

Cross-References

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 10:34-35 - "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."
Acts 11:12 - "And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting.

Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:"

Language Study

The key words in Greek in this passage are:

"ἰδοὺ" (idou): often translated as "behold" or "see," it is used to draw attention to something important.
"ζητεῖτε" (zeteite): translates to "ye seek" or "you are looking for," indicating the men's purpose in searching for Peter.

These words convey a sense of immediacy and importance in Peter's encounter with the men sent by Cornelius.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient myths and religions, this story's emphasis on divine guidance and mission has parallels.

Many religious systems have accounts of their prophets or leaders receiving visions or dreams that instigate a significant change or mission, similar to the way Peter is directed by a vision.

Scientific Perspectives

While modern science typically doesn't weigh in on religious visions, psychological and neurological studies examine how individuals experience and interpret such events.

It may also engage with the social dynamics of breaking group boundaries, as seen in Peter's interaction with Gentiles, which is a subject of study in the field of social psychology.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries interpret Acts 10:21 as a turning point in the spread of the Christian faith.

Some focus on Peter's obedience and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance, highlighting his pivotal role in the church's outreach to Gentiles.

Others might emphasize the verse as a demonstration of God's impartiality and the universality of the Gospel.

There is a general agreement that this interaction between Peter and Cornelius’ messengers symbolizes a critical step in the Christian message crossing ethnic and cultural divides.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:21 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 10:21 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?