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 10:48 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:48 is part of the narrative detailing the Apostle Peter's interaction with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household.

This verse describes the culmination of Peter's visit, where Peter commands Cornelius and his household to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Jesus Christ). The act of baptism signifies their acceptance of and belief in Jesus Christ and marks their entry into the Christian community.

Additionally, the verse mentions that the new believers request Peter to stay with them for several days, which indicates their desire for further instruction and fellowship.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 10:48 is positioned within the larger story of Cornelius's conversion, which is a significant event in the early Christian church as it marks the Gentiles' explicit inclusion into what had been a predominantly Jewish sect.

At this time, the Christian faith was spreading rapidly beyond the Jewish community, and this narrative reveals the Holy Spirit's work in extending the gospel to all, regardless of ethnicity or cultural background.

The historical context underscores the breaking down of religious and cultural barriers through the spread of Christianity in the first century.

Theological Insights

This verse raises several important theological issues within Christianity:

Baptism in the Name of the Lord: It emphasizes the importance of baptism in early Christian practice and theology, signifying a personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
Gentile Inclusion: The baptism of a Roman centurion and his household represents the opening of the faith to non-Jews, a cornerstone event in the universal outreach of the Christian message.
Divine Guidance: Peter’s actions are portrayed as being led by the Holy Spirit, suggesting a divine endorsement for the expanding mission to the Gentiles.

From different theological viewpoints, this passage is a foundation for discussions on sacramental theology, ecclesiology, and missions.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary setting, this verse can inspire various practical applications:

Inclusivity: It can encourage inclusivity in communities of faith, advocating for the breaking down of barriers that separate individuals based on background or ethnicity.
Baptism: For Christians, it reinforces the importance of baptism as a visible step of obedience and public declaration of faith in Christ.
Mentorship and Discipleship: The verse also illustrates the significance of mentorship and discipleship, as evidenced by the new believers' request for Peter to stay and teach them more about their newfound faith.

Cross-References

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:"
Acts 2:38 – "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Acts 8:36-38 – The baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch.

Language Study

The key phrase in Acts 10:48 is "baptized in the name of the Lord," where "baptized" comes from the Greek "baptizo," meaning "to dip, immerse," and symbolizes a washing or cleansing.

"Lord" refers to "Kurios," often used in the Greek Septuagint to translate the Hebrew "YHWH" and here used to signify Jesus as Lord.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of the time, various religious rites included ablutions or washings for purification purposes.

The novel aspect of Christian baptism was its association with a personal commitment to a particular teacher, Jesus, and the embrace of a communal faith, signifying a profound inner transformation rather than simply external purification.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the act of baptism involves the physical use of water, which has properties of cleansing and symbolizes a psychological and social process of renewal and initiation.

While there is no direct scientific explanation for the spiritual implications of baptism, psychological studies recognize the importance of rituals in human society for creating a sense of community and marking significant life transitions.

Commentaries

John Calvin: Calvin affirms baptism as a sign of initiation into the church and argues that it bears witness to our cleansing in Jesus' blood.
Matthew Henry: He focuses on the story at large, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's leading in this event and the significance of the Gentiles receiving the Word of God.
William Barclay: Barclay discusses the difficulties Peter faced in accepting Gentiles into the faith, highlighting the revolutionary nature of this event in the history of the church.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:48 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 10:48 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?