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 10:44 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:44 describes a pivotal moment in the early Christian church when the Holy Spirit descends upon a group of Gentile believers.

The verse falls within the narrative of the Apostle Peter's visit to the house of Cornelius, a centurion and a Gentile God-fearer.

While Peter is still preaching about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes upon all those who are listening, demonstrating that the gift of the Holy Spirit was not limited to Jews.

This verse has a literal meaning in that it depicts a historical event, and it also has deeper meanings pertaining to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Christian faith and the indiscrimination of God's gift of the Spirit.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 10:44 occurs within a larger story that begins earlier in the chapter.

Cornelius, a devout man who fears God, is directed by an angel to send for Peter.

Meanwhile, Peter receives a vision that leads him to understand that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation.

When Peter arrives at Cornelius's house, he finds a gathering waiting to hear his message.

This is a significant moment in the development of the early Christian church as it grapples with the question of whether Gentiles can be part of the Christian community without converting to Judaism.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Acts 10:44 is seen as a clear statement of the universality of the Gospel. This event is often termed the "Gentile Pentecost," paralleling the Jewish Pentecost in Acts 2 where the Holy Spirit came upon the Jewish believers.

The verse indicates that the salvation through Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are available to all people, not just to the Jewish people.

Different denominations may emphasize various aspects of this, with some focusing on the necessity of hearing the word (as was taking place when the Spirit fell) and others on the inclusivity of the event.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 10:44 urges believers to embrace diversity and inclusivity within their communities, reflecting that the message and work of the Holy Spirit is not confined by ethnic, social, or cultural boundaries.

It challenges believers to avoid prejudice and to welcome all who seek God.

It also encourages openness to the unexpected ways in which God can move among people, often outside the limitations of human understanding and traditional boundaries.

Cross-References

Acts 2:1-4: "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come... they were all filled with the Holy Ghost..."
Acts 11:15-17: "And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning."
Ephesians 2:11-22: "... ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words in Acts 10:44 include:

"Peter" (Πέτρου, Petrou), the name of the Apostle.
"yet spake" (ετι λαλούντος, eti lalountos), indicating that Peter's speech was still in progress.
"the Holy Ghost" (τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, to Pneuma to Hagion), referring to the third person of the Trinity in Christian belief.
"fell" (ἐπέπεσεν, epepesen), implying a sudden or powerful occurrence.
"all" (πάντας, pantas), indicating that everyone present was affected.
"heard" (ἀκούοντας, akouontas) the word, emphasizing the importance of hearing the message.

The term "fell" (ἐπέπεσεν) signifies an overwhelming and forceful experience, underscoring the powerful nature of the Holy Spirit's coming upon the individuals.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community echoes similar themes in other religious and cultural contexts where divine favor and spiritual experiences are seen to transcend ethnic and social boundaries.

For example, in various mythologies, gods often interact with different peoples without discrimination.

Moreover, in many religions, there is the notion of a universal spirit or divine force that connects all humans regardless of their background.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific inquiry generally does not engage with events described as supernatural, like the descent of the Holy Spirit, as these experiences fall outside the realm of empirical observation and measurement.

However, there is ongoing scientific interest in understanding religious experiences, altered states of consciousness, and their effects on the human brain and behavior.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries often reflect on the way Acts 10:44 demonstrates God's impartiality and His intention to bring salvation to all people.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, speaks of this event as a demonstration of the effusion of the spirit upon the Gentiles.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the narrative as a key moment where God confirms that Gentiles are to be accepted into the church without undergoing Jewish customs, through the outpouring of his Spirit.

Commentators also note that this incident led to the Jerusalem council in Acts 15, which wrestled with and affirmed the acceptance of Gentiles.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:44 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 10:44 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?