What does Acts 10:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:7 tells us about the immediate actions of Cornelius after his encounter with an angel of God.

The verse indicates a level of urgency and obedience in Cornelius's response to the divine message he received.

Cornelius, as we understand from the text, was a centurion , a Roman officer with command over a century (normally comprised of 80-100 soldiers).

The angel had instructed him to send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon Peter.

Cornelius's reaction was to summon two of his household servants and a "devout soldier" from among those who attended him.

The mention of the soldier being devout suggests that he, like Cornelius, was a God-fearing man, although not a Jew.

The instruction for Cornelius to call upon his most trusted aides and a pious soldier underlines the seriousness with which he took the angel's command.

Historical Context

At the time when Acts was written, Judea was under Roman rule, and Cornelius, as a centurion, was part of the occupying forces.

However, despite being a Roman officer, he is described earlier in Acts 10 as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed constantly.

The Roman Empire was polytheistic and worshipped a pantheon of gods, but there was also a significant presence of Jews in the region, and some Gentiles (non-Jews like Cornelius) became what is known as "God-fearers", Gentiles who were attracted to the monotheism and ethical teachings of Judaism.

The account of Cornelius is significant because it marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church when the gospel begins to spread among Gentiles as well as Jews.

Theological Insights

This verse contributes several important theological insights.

First, it shows the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith, as Cornelius is not a Jew yet receives a message from God.

Second, it highlights the concept of divine guidance through angels, which was an accepted means by which God communicated with people.

Lastly, the obedience of Cornelius to God's instructions without hesitation may serve as a model of faith and submission to God's will, implying that those who seek God sincerely are guided and rewarded with revelation and inclusion in the divine plan.

Practical Applications

Acts 10:7 offers several practical applications for contemporary life.

Firstly, it encourages promptness and decisiveness in responding to perceived divine guidance or moral imperatives.

Secondly, it underscores the value of involving trusted and virtuous companions when undertaking important tasks.

Lastly, it serves as a reminder that religious faith and daily responsibilities, such as military or public service, need not be separated but can coexist harmoniously.

Cross-References

• Acts 10:1-2: Describing Cornelius as a devout man who feared God.
• Acts 10:22: Cornelius's good report among the Jewish people and his righteousness and God-fearing attitude.
• Acts 10:3-6: The angel of God appearing to Cornelius and instructing him to send for Simon Peter.
• Acts 11:13-14: Peter retelling the vision and the instructions given to Cornelius by the angel.
• Hebrews 13:2: Encouraging hospitality, as some have entertained angels unawares.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "devout" is "eusebēs" (εὐσεβής), which means pious or reverent, indicating the soldier's moral and religious character.

"Angel" is translated from "angelos" (ἄγγελος), meaning messenger, reflecting the angel's role as a divine intermediary.

"Departed" comes from the Greek "apelthontos" (ἀπελθόντος), which signifies the angel's leaving or withdrawing after delivering the message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, such as those in Greece, Rome, and Egypt, divine or supernatural messengers frequently play roles in religious narratives.

Comparably, in this biblical context, the angel serves as a divine messenger.

The actions of Cornelius stand out as they depict a blending of Roman military obedience with a monotheistic piety characteristic of Judaism, reflecting a cultural integration that was emerging through early Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on the interaction with angels since it is a religious and supernatural claim, beyond the scope of empirical science.

However, the study of psychology might contribute to our understanding of religious experiences and the perceptions of supernatural encounters.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries offer various interpretations of this verse.

Matthew Henry's Commentary portrays Cornelius's actions as prompt obedience to the heavenly vision.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes the importance of the soldier's devoutness, indicating that Cornelius surrounded himself with like-minded people, even in his own professional sphere.

Other scholars, such as those contributing to the New International Commentary on the New Testament, highlight how this passage sets the stage for the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles, representing a decisive moment in church history.