And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
Read it in contextPeter enters the household
Start reading at Acts 10:24 (Acts 10:24 to Acts 10:33).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Peter hears why he was summoned and recognizes that the gathering has been arranged to hear what God has commanded him to speak.
10:24And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
10:25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
10:26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
10:27And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
10:28And 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.
10:29Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
10:30And 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,
10:31And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
10:32Send 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.
10:33Immediately 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.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is the traditional author of Acts and the Gospel of Luke. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3; Colossians 4:14. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Luke–Acts. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Acts 10:1–10:48): Cornelius, his household, relatives, and close friends hear Peter proclaim Jesus; Jewish believers accompanying Peter witness the Holy Ghost given to the Gentile hearers. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Theophilus, the same named recipient as Luke's Gospel, with the account also serving the wider Christian readership. Biblical references: Acts 1:1; Luke 1:3. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Peter enters the household. Read Acts 10:24 through Acts 10:33 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Peter hears why he was summoned and recognizes that the gathering has been arranged to hear what God has commanded him to speak. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Acts begins after Jesus' resurrection and follows the witness through Pentecost, expansion among peoples, and Paul's arrival in Rome. It does not give a final publication date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The movement extends from Jerusalem through Judea and Samaria toward wider regions and Rome, as announced in Acts 1:8. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Peter enters the household (Acts 10:24 to Acts 10:33).
Start reading at Acts 10:24. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The risen Jesus commissions the witnesses, and their preaching centers on Him. The accounts include repentance, baptism in Jesus' name, and reception of the Holy Ghost; keep the details and order stated for each event. See Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38, Acts 10:44, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, Acts 19:6. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Compare conversion accounts carefully, preserving what each one actually narrates. Do not invent an omitted detail or flatten every episode into an identical sequence. interpretation
What Scripture saysThe book opens by referring to the author's former treatise to Theophilus, tying it to Luke, and shifts into first-person plural in the travel accounts. Acts 1:1Acts 16:10
Early traditionEarly testimony names Luke.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text.
Other accounts of this event
Cornelius, Peter, and the Gentiles receiving the Holy Ghost
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Time covered by Acts
About 30 years
AD 30 or 33Approximate beginning · Acts 1
The risen Jesus instructs His apostles
Acts begins after Jesus’ resurrection and describes His ascension.
About AD 62Approximate ending · Acts 28
Paul teaches while confined in Rome
The account closes with Paul receiving visitors and teaching during two full years in his rented lodging.
The narrative moves from Jerusalem to Rome over roughly three decades. Chapters do not represent equal amounts of time.
View historical notes and sources
Using a beginning in AD 30 or 33 and an ending around AD 62 gives approximately 29–32 years. These are reconstructed dates for the events, not a date for the writing of Acts. The book does not explicitly total its elapsed years.
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Acts 10
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
Connection to the wholePeter hears why he was summoned and recognizes that the gathering has been arranged to hear what God has commanded him to speak.
Connection to the wholeThe Jewish believers hear the Gentiles speak with tongues and magnify God; Peter then commands water baptism in the Lord's name.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Acts
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Acts addresses Theophilus as a continuation of the earlier account and follows the witnesses empowered by the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:8 supplies an important geographical frame: Jerusalem, Judaea and Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth.
Connection to the wholeJesus' promise, the coming of the Holy Ghost, Peter's preaching, and the hearers' response establish the beginning of the church's witness.
Connection to the wholePersecution scatters believers; new fields open, Saul is called, and the reception of Gentiles becomes a matter publicly explained to the church.
Connection to the wholeThe first missionary journey and the Jerusalem deliberation address the place of Gentile believers without making circumcision the entrance requirement.
Connection to the wholePaul and his companions travel through new regions and revisit churches, moving toward the journey to Jerusalem despite coming danger.
Connection to the wholePaul's custody becomes a setting for witness before authorities and brings him to Rome, where the account closes with continued proclamation.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.