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 10:36 mean?

Explanation

The verse from Acts 10:36, "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)," conveys the message that God has extended his offer of peace to the people of Israel through Jesus Christ.

This message is not just a simple declaration, but holds a deeper spiritual significance.

It implies that Jesus is the mediator of God's peace and is seen as the Lord with authority and dominion over all things.

In the broader context of this chapter, it is part of Peter's speech to Cornelius and his household, where Peter starts to recognize that the message of Jesus is intended for both Jews and Gentiles.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

At the time Acts was written, the early Christian community was grappling with the relationship between Jewish traditions and the burgeoning Christian faith.

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Peter, a Jewish apostle of Jesus, has a vision that leads him to understand that the Gospel is meant for all people, not just the Jews.

This shift was radical because it meant breaking down the barriers that separated Jews from Gentiles, allowing for the spread of Christianity outside of traditional Jewish boundaries.

The verse reflects the evolving understanding of Jesus's role and the universality of his message.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is significant for several reasons.

First, it affirms the belief that Jesus is the Lord over all, a key Christian doctrinal belief that supports the deity of Jesus.

Second, it reinforces the notion that the Gospel is a message of peace, intended to reconcile humanity with God.

From a covenantal perspective, this passage signifies the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and his extension of grace to the Gentiles.

Furthermore, it encapsulates the idea of Jesus's lordship, suggesting a theocentric view of Christ's work in the world.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be a reminder to believers to share the message of peace and reconciliation with all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.

It encourages inclusivity and dismantling barriers that separate people.

The acknowledgment of Jesus as the Lord of all can be a call to submit to his authority in every aspect of life, and to align personal actions with his teachings of peace and love.

Cross-References

Ephesians 2:14: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"
Romans 10:12: "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him."
Colossians 1:20: "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Acts 10:36 include:

"Peace" (εἰρήνη - eirēnē): In this context, it refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of total well-being and harmony, as provided by Christ.
"Preaching" (εὐαγγελίζομαι - euangelizomai): To proclaim the good news, typically used to describe the proclamation of the Gospel.
"Lord" (κύριος - kyrios): A title of authority and divinity, often used in the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) to translate the name of God (YHWH) and here applied to Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse implies a monotheistic belief system that contrasts with the polytheistic practices of the time.

In the Roman Empire, where multiple gods were worshipped, the idea of one God and one Lord over all was distinctive.

The Jewish monotheistic belief in Yahweh as the one true God is here extended to encompass Jesus Christ, who is seen not as another god in a pantheon but as the incarnate expression of the one God's purpose and peace.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not directly interact with scientific concepts, modern scientific approaches can appreciate the historical and textual analysis that provides insight into the sociological and psychological factors influencing the spread of religious beliefs.

Moreover, the application of peace as promoted by this verse could be understood in terms of its psychological benefits for individual well-being and societal harmony, which have been studied in various social sciences.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Acts 10:36:

John Stott, an Anglican commentator, suggests that this verse encapsulates the heart of the apostolic preaching and the radical new understanding that the gospel is for all people.
F.F.

Bruce, a biblical scholar, sees the designation of Jesus as "Lord of all" as a critical declaration of his universal sovereignty.

William Barclay notes the revolutionary nature of the message that breaks down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, which was a dominant theme in the early church’s struggles.

These experts highlight the verse's contribution to Christian theology, its historical significance, and its ongoing relevance for faith and practice.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:36 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 10:36 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?