Acts 10 18

Acts 10:18 kjv

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

Acts 10:18 nkjv

And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

Acts 10:18 niv

They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

Acts 10:18 esv

and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there.

Acts 10:18 nlt

they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

Acts 10 verses

Acts 10 18 Meaning

The verse describes the action of Cornelius's messengers after being visited by an angel. They were sent to find Simon Peter, who was staying with Simon the tanner in Joppa. Their immediate obedience and departure demonstrate their eagerness and the significance of the angelic message they received.

Acts 10 18 Context

Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, had a vision where an angel instructed him to send for Peter in Joppa. Peter, a disciple of Jesus, was also undergoing a spiritual preparation, experiencing a vision that broadened his understanding of God's inclusion of Gentiles in His salvation plan. The arrival of Cornelius's messengers at Peter's location marks the pivotal moment where these two divine interventions converge, leading to the first major outreach of the Gospel to a non-Jewish audience. This event, unfolding in the early days of the church, is a critical turning point in the fulfillment of Jesus' Great Commission to reach all nations.

Acts 10 18 Word Analysis

• "And" (καὶ - kai): A coordinating conjunction, linking the previous narrative or sentence with what follows, indicating continuation and progression.
• "He": Refers to Cornelius.
• "having": Indicates possession or being the recipient of something.
• "asked": (ἐπερωτήσας - eperōtēsas): From ἐπερωτάω (eperōtao), meaning to ask of, to inquire of, to demand. Here, it signifies a direct request.
• "the": Definite article, specifying the messengers.
• "two": The number two, referring to specific individuals.
• "of": Shows origin or belonging.
• "his": Possessive pronoun, indicating belonging to Cornelius.
• "household-servants": (οἰακόων - oiakōōn): From οἰακόος (oïakos), referring to household slaves or servants. This term emphasizes their subordinate but integral role within Cornelius's estate.
• "and": (καὶ - kai): Conjunction.
• "one": The number one.
• "of": Shows belonging.
• "his": Possessive pronoun.
• "devout": (εὐλαβῆ - eulabē): From εὐλαβής (eulabēs), meaning reverent, God-fearing, devout. It describes a spiritual disposition, a characteristic important in God's eyes.
• "soldiers": (στρατιώτην - stratiōtēn): From στρατιώτης (stratiōtēs), a soldier. This refers to a military man within his retinue, implying not just a physical guard but one who was also spiritually inclined.
• "from": Indicates origin or selection.
• "among": Signifies selection from within a group.
• "those": Refers to people in general or specific individuals within Cornelius's attendants.
• "who": Relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clause.
• "were": Past tense of the verb "to be".
• "attending": (παρεδρεύοντα - paredreüonta): From παραδρεύω (paredreuō), meaning to sit by, attend upon, serve closely. It highlights proximity and dedicated service.
• "him": The object of the attendance.

Phrase/Words Group Analysis:

• "his household-servants and one of his devout soldiers": This phrase specifies the individuals Cornelius chose to send. They were not randomly selected but were specifically chosen from his immediate circle, and notably, one of them shared his devout character. This selection reflects Cornelius's trust in them and potentially his desire to send those who would understand the spiritual nature of the mission. The inclusion of "devout soldiers" emphasizes that even within military ranks, individuals who feared God could be found and utilized in God's plans.

Acts 10 18 Bonus Section

The specific numbers (two servants and one soldier) might symbolize completeness or a sufficient witness. The "devout soldier" being a key figure aligns with the Old Testament's pattern of using individuals in military roles, such as David or Gideon, who also possessed faith. This event also demonstrates the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in preparing both the messenger (Peter) and the recipient (Cornelius) for this pivotal moment in redemptive history. The efficiency of Cornelius’s response also points to a well-organized household and a deep respect for authority, both secular and spiritual.

Acts 10 18 Commentary

Cornelius acts with swift obedience to the angelic command. He sends three specific men: two servants from his household, indicating proximity and trustworthiness, and a soldier who is also described as devout. This soldier was not merely a guard but one of Cornelius's attendants who shared a fear of God. The selection process underscores the importance of choosing individuals who are both reliable and spiritually discerning for God's missions. Their mission was clearly defined: to locate and bring Peter to Caesarea. This immediate action reflects a profound respect for the heavenly message and an eagerness to participate in what God was orchestrating. The detail about the soldier being "devout" highlights a consistent theme in Scripture: God uses individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their profession, as long as they are obedient and God-fearing.