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 10:40 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:40 speaks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central tenet of Christian faith. It asserts that God resurrected Jesus on the third day after his crucifixion, aligning with the prophecies foretold in the Hebrew scriptures.

The phrase "and shewed him openly" indicates that Jesus' post-resurrection appearances were not secretive or private affairs; rather, he was seen by witnesses, confirming his physical return from death.

The verse underscores the belief in the bodily resurrection and the validation of Jesus' divinity.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 10:40 is situated within the narrative of the Apostle Peter's speech to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household. This event is significant because it represents the expansion of the early Christian message to the Gentiles, not just to the Jews.

The book of Acts was authored by Luke, a companion of Paul, and provides an account of the early church and the spread of the gospel after Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 10:40 carries immense weight. Different doctrines derive varying insights:

Orthodox Christianity: The verse supports the belief in the physical resurrection, an essential part of Christian doctrine, indicative of Jesus' victory over death and sin.
Apologetics: Defenders of the Christian faith might use this verse as evidence for the historicity of the resurrection, emphasizing the public nature of Christ's post-resurrection appearances.
Liberal Theology: Some liberal theologians might interpret the verse symbolically, suggesting it speaks to the spiritual truth of Christ's enduring presence rather than a physical event.

Practical Applications

In daily life, believers can draw comfort from the assurance of life after death, as exemplified by Christ's resurrection.

This verse encourages Christians to have hope in the face of death and to trust in God's power to bring life from death. It also exhorts believers to be witnesses of their faith, sharing the story of Jesus' resurrection as Peter did.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 15:4 – "And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
Luke 24:46 – "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"
Acts 2:24 – "Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it."

Language Study

"Raised up" (Greek: "ἤγειρεν," "egeiren") refers to the act of God resurrecting Jesus, implying he was lifted or awakened from death.
"Shewed" (Greek: "ἐφάνερώσεν," "ephanerōsen") translates to "made apparent" or "revealed," reflecting the public visibility of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of a dying and rising god is present in various ancient myths, such as the stories of Osiris in Egyptian mythology or Tammuz in Mesopotamian lore.

However, in Christian thought, the resurrection of Jesus is unique in that it is a historical event with salvific significance for humanity rather than a cyclical myth.

Scientific Perspectives

The resurrection is a supernatural claim and as such, isn't addressed directly by science.

However, many scholars note the importance of the historical method in examining the plausibility of reported events like the resurrection appearances.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators often stress the importance of the resurrection as a historical and faith event:

John Stott emphasizes that the resurrection is the basis for Christian hope and the cornerstone of the faith.
**N.T.

Wright** points out the historical evidence and early Christian witness to the resurrection as being compelling.

William Barclay highlights the transformation in the disciples as evidence for the truth of the resurrection, as they changed from despair to world-changing confidence.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:40 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 10:40 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?