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 10:42 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:42 speaks to the charge given to the apostles by Jesus Christ after His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven. The "he" in this verse refers to Jesus Christ.

"Preach unto the people" indicates the apostolic mission to disseminate the message of Jesus Christ to all people.

The phrase "and to testify" implies that the apostles were not just to preach but also bear witness to the truth of Jesus Christ's identity and role as ordained by God.

"He which was ordained of God" confirms Jesus Christ's divine appointment.

The term "Judge of quick and dead" refers to Jesus' ultimate role in judging the living and the dead at the final judgement.

The verse emphasizes the authority of Jesus and the responsibility of the apostles to proclaim this truth.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is set within an episode taking place after the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion.

Cornelius was a Gentile, and his inclusion in the Christian faith signifies the expansion of the early Christian message beyond the Jewish community.

This occurred in a period when Christianity was a nascent religion, emerging from its Jewish roots and becoming a faith with a more universal reach.

This was a transformative era for the early church, moving from a solely Jewish sect to a community open to all who believed in Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize various aspects of this verse:

Traditional evangelical theology would underscore the divine authority conferred upon Jesus Christ as the Judge of humanity, highlighting the significance of proclaiming this truth for the salvation of souls.
Mainline Protestant theologians might focus on the inclusivity of the Gospel message, pointing to the preaching to "the people" as an early charge to reach a universal audience, transcending ethnic boundaries.
Catholic theology could point to the apostolic succession, viewing this charge as the origin of the Church's missionary mandate that continues through the papacy and bishops.
Eastern Orthodoxy might interpret the charge as a continuing call to holiness and preparation for the Last Judgement throughout one's life.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Acts 10:42 could be applied in the following ways:

Encouraging believers to share the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ with others, emphasizing the importance of witness and testimony.
Reminding individuals of the moral and spiritual accountability to a higher authority, prompting reflection on personal actions and attitudes.
Motivating the faithful to comprehend and accept Jesus' role as Judge, which influences how one seeks to live a life following His teachings and commandments.

Cross-References

John 5:22-23: "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:"
2 Timothy 4:1: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;"
1 Peter 4:5: "Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead."

Language Study

The phrase "Judge of quick and dead" requires examination.

"Quick" is an archaic term for "living" or "alive." The Greek word used in the New Testament for "judge" is "κρίνων" (krinon), which means "to judge" or "to decide." This indicates a role for Christ in not only discerning but also decreeing judgement.

The Greek term "τεθειμένον" (tetheimenon), translated as "ordained," reflects Jesus’ established and defined role by the will of God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultural and religious comparisons, the concept of a divine figure judging the living and the dead is not unique to Christianity. Ancient myths often feature gods who judge souls, such as Osiris in Egyptian mythology or the concept of Yama in Hinduism.

However, the Christian belief differs significantly in that it centers on a historical figure, Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection are said to underpin His authority to judge.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions about a divine judgment do not typically intersect with empirical evidence or scientific inquiry, as they deal with beliefs that are beyond the scope of what science can substantiate or refute.

Science may provide insights into the historical context of the Biblical accounts, but it does not seek to prove or disprove theological assertions about divine judgment.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on Acts 10:42 often emphasize its significance in laying out the central role of Jesus Christ in Christian eschatology.

Many highlight that this verse captures the essence of the apostolic preaching, distilled into a message of Jesus' lordship and impending judgment.

Commentators such as Matthew Henry explain that the apostles were "fully satisfied of the truth of this" and therefore obliged to spread this message.

Lenski's commentary underscores the importance of the apostles' testimony, stemming from their unique position as witnesses to Christ's teachings and resurrection.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:42 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 10:42 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?