What does Acts 10:26 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:26 describes a moment when the apostle Peter is being reverentially treated by Cornelius, a Centurion of the Italian band, who had fallen at his feet in worship.

Cornelius was a God-fearing Gentile who received a vision instructing him to send for Peter.

When Peter arrives, Cornelius shows him great honor, possibly as was customary to show towards someone seen as a representative of God or a messenger of high status.

Peter, however, immediately instructs Cornelius to stand up, rejecting the excessive reverence shown to him.

By stating "I myself also am a man," Peter emphasizes the point that he is not to be worshiped or revered as if he were divine; he is merely a human being, just as Cornelius is.

The deeper meaning reflects the Christian tenet that worship is reserved for God alone, and no human should be idolized to the point of worship.

Historical Context

The event recorded in Acts 10:26 takes place in the early church period, not long after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This time in history was marked by the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish population to the Gentiles (non-Jews).

The Roman centurion Cornelius represented the first major outreach to the Gentiles, and his encounter with Peter was instrumental in demonstrating that the message of the gospel was meant for all people, not just the Jews.

The cultural norm of the time might have dictated that a person of Cornelius' standing show great respect to someone perceived as a holy man or prophet, hence his initial reaction to Peter's visit.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Peter's rejection of worship reflects the monotheistic belief central to Christianity. Only God is worthy of worship, and men are not divine.

Additionally, this interaction illustrates the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, signifying the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.

Some Christian theologians might also see this as an early example of Christian humility, where Peter serves as a model for church leaders to avoid taking on an authoritarian or overly exalted role among their congregants.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 10:26 speaks to the importance of humility and the appropriate reception of honor or reverence.

It suggests that individuals, no matter their role within their community or religious hierarchy, should understand the distinction between respect and worship.

For modern readers, it can be a reminder to honor one another while maintaining focus on the equality of all people under God and the exclusive worship that God commands.

Cross-References

• Revelation 19:10: "And I fell at his feet to worship him.

And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

• Revelation 22:9: "Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of Acts 10:26 is "ἔγειρε καὶ περιπάτει" meaning "stand up and go on walking".

The term "ἔγειρε" (egeire) is imperative and means "raise up" or “arise” which is a command given by Peter to Cornelius. "Καὶ" (kai) is a conjunction often translated as "also" or "and," connecting the actions of standing and walking, symbolizing continuity in action. "Περιπάτει" (peripatei) is an imperative form meaning "walk" or "conduct oneself," typically used in the New Testament to refer to one's way of life or behavior.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the culture of the Roman Empire, it was not uncommon for people to show great reverence to individuals of higher status or those who were seen as divine emissaries.

In contrast, the Jewish culture was strictly monotheistic and only God was to be worshiped. Comparatively, in other ancient religions, such as the Greek and Roman pantheons, it was common to worship multiple deities and even venerate mortals who were believed to have been elevated to divine status.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally does not address the theological and worship aspects of this verse directly.

However, the field of anthropology and sociology might provide insight into the human behaviors of reverence and worship, examining why certain individuals or entities are ascribed with great honor and how societies determine who is worthy of such treatment.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have diverse views on Acts 10:26.

F.F.

Bruce states that Peter's refusal to be worshiped is in keeping with the tradition that God alone is the object of worship.

John Calvin comments on Peter’s reaction as setting an example against usurping the honor that belongs to God.

Matthew Henry sees this gesture by Peter as a refusal to accept undue honor or deification, in keeping with Christian humility.

Overall, commentators agree that Peter’s response underscores the rejection of idolatry and the acknowledgment of the equality of all humans before God.