Acts10
English Standard Version
1 there , a what was the ,
2a man , to the , to .
3 the of the he a an of come to , .
4 he , is , ? he to , have a .
5 is .
6 is , a , the .
7 the to had , he of a from among those who ,
8 having to , he .
9 , as were on their the , the the to .
10 he something to , while were it, a
11 the a , let by its the .
12 all of of the .
13 there a : , ; .
14 , By no , ; I have that is .
15 the came a , has made , .
16 , the was at .
17 was as to the he had , , the were , having for , the
18 to was was .
19 while was , the to , , are .
20 and go , have .
21 the and , the you are . is the your ?
22 they , , a , an - , who is well of the , was a to for to come to have to .
23 he to be his . The he and , of the .
24 on the following they . and had .
25 , and his and him.
26 , , Stand ; a .
27 as he with , he persons .
28 he , You it for a to with to anyone of , has that I should not .
29 when I was , I . I you for .
30 , , , I in at the , , a
31 , , has been have been .
32 for is . is the of , a , the .
33 I at , have to . are in the of to that have been the .
34 his and : I ,
35 anyone who what is .
36As for the he to , preaching of ( of ),
37you , the :
38 with the with . He doing who were the , .
39 of he the of the . They to by him a ,
40but on the ,
41 to the to who had been as , with the .
42 he to to the to the to be of the the .
43To the that who of .
44While was , the who the .
45 the from the had with were , the of the was the .
46 they were in . ,
47 for people, have the have?
48 he to be the of . they to for .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 10.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Cornelius directed to send for Peter. (1–8). Peter's vision. (9–18). He goes to Cornelius. (19–33). His discourse to Cornelius. (34–43). The gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out. (44–48).
vv1-8
Hitherto none had been baptized into the Christian church but Jews, Samaritans, and those converts who had been circumcised and observed the ceremonial law; but now the Gentiles were to be called to partake all the privileges of God's people, without first becoming Jews. Pure and undefiled religion is sometimes found where we least expect it. Wherever the fear of God rules in the heart, it will appear both in works of charity and of piety, neither will excuse from the other. Doubtless Cornelius had true faith in God's word, as far as he understood it, though not as yet clear faith in Christ. This was the work of the Spirit of God, through the mediation of Jesus, even before Cornelius knew him, as is the case with us all when we, who before were dead in sin, are made alive. Through Christ also his prayers and alms were accepted, which otherwise would have been rejected. Without dispute or delay Cornelius was obedient to the heavenly vision. In the affairs of our souls, let us not lose time.
vv9-18
The prejudices of Peter against the Gentiles, would have prevented his going to Cornelius, unless the Lord had prepared him for this service. To tell a Jew that God had directed those animals to be reckoned clean which were hitherto deemed unclean, was in effect saying, that the law of Moses was done away. Peter was soon made to know the meaning of it. God knows what services are before us, and how to prepare us; and we know the meaning of what he has taught us, when we find what occasion we have to make use of it.
vv19-33
When we see our call clear to any service, we should not be perplexed with doubts and scruples arising from prejudices or former ideas. Cornelius had called together his friends, to partake with him of the heavenly wisdom he expected from Peter. We should not covet to eat our spiritual morsels alone. It ought to be both given and taken as kindness and respect to our kindred and friends, to invite them to join us in religious exercises. Cornelius declared the direction God gave him to send for Peter. We are right in our aims in attending a gospel ministry, when we do it with regard to the Divine appointment requiring us to make use of that ordinance. How seldom ministers are called to speak to such companies, however small, in which it may be said that they are all present in the sight of God, to hear all things that are commanded of God! But these were ready to hear what Peter was commanded of God to say.
Key Words
Καισάρεια (Kaisáreia): Cæsaria, the name of two places in Palestine
ἦν (ēn): I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
τὶς (tìs): some or any person or object
ἀνήρ (anḗr): a man (properly as an individual male)
ὄνομα (ónoma): a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Κορνήλιος (Kornḗlios): Cornelius, a Roman
ἑκατοντάρχης (hekatontárchēs): the captain of one hundred men
ἐκ (ek): literal or figurative; direct or remote)
καλέω (kaléō): to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
Ἰταλικός (Italikós): Italic, i.e. belonging to Italia
Cross References
Acts 10Peter's own subsequent recital of his Joppa vision to the Jerusalem church, confirming details.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The Mosaic law code distinguishing clean and unclean beasts, which the vision explicitly rescinds.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Parallel refusal of human worship by Paul and Barnabas, echoing Peter's 'I myself am a man.'
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
The prophetic description of the Messiah being anointed with the Holy Ghost and power.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Peter later appeals to this event to prove God's acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles.
Supported by JFB
Paul's theological conclusion that no food is unclean of itself, aligning with Peter's vision.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The doubling or tripling of a vision indicates the thing is established by God.
Supported by JFB
The foundational Old Testament declaration that God does not respect persons.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Pauline exposition that there is no difference between Jew and Greek; Christ is Lord over all.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The gift of the Holy Ghost poured out, mirroring the initial Jewish Pentecost.
Supported by JFB
Like Abraham, Cornelius is commended for leading his entire household to fear God.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Daniel receiving an angelic vision during the time of the evening sacrifice, the ninth hour.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Internal link confirming Cornelius's prayers and alms as the memorial mentioned by the angel.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Historical proof of resurrection: the disciples eating and drinking with Jesus after He rose.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Another Roman centurion commended for loving the Jewish nation and giving alms.
Supported by JFB