Acts 10 24

Acts 10:24 kjv

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

Acts 10:24 nkjv

And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Acts 10:24 niv

The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Acts 10:24 esv

And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Acts 10:24 nlt

They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Acts 10 verses

Acts 10 24 Meaning

This verse describes Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who, driven by devotion and faith, had assembled his relatives and close friends. He was eagerly anticipating Peter's arrival, demonstrating a profound desire to hear God's message through him. This signifies a crucial turning point where the Gospel was about to extend beyond its Jewish origins to the Gentiles.

Acts 10 24 Context

The broader context of Acts chapter 10 is the pivotal moment when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was officially extended to the Gentiles. Up until this point, Christianity was largely perceived as a sect within Judaism. However, through a series of divine interventions involving both Peter, the apostle to the Jews, and Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, God orchestrated the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers. Cornelius's household gathering represents the initial welcoming of non-Jews into the early Christian community. Peter's presence signifies divine validation of this inclusion.

Acts 10 24 Word Analysis

• And: (Greek: καί - kai) A conjunction linking clauses and ideas, indicating progression and continuation.
• Cornelius: (Greek: Κορνήλιος - Kornélios) The name of a Roman centurion, reflecting Roman presence in Judea.
• a: (Greek: εἷς - heis) Meaning "one," used here as an indefinite article, signifying a single individual.
• centurion: (Greek: ἑκατόνταρχος - hekatóntarchos) A commander of approximately 100 soldiers in the Roman army. This denotes his social and military standing.
• of the cohort: (Greek: σπείρης - speírēs) Refers to a "speira," a Roman military unit, likely a cohort or part of one, establishing his presence in Judea.
• called: (Greek: καλoúμενος - kalouménos) Participle of "kaléo," meaning to be named or summoned.
• Cornelius: (Greek: Κορνήλιος - Kornélios) Repeated for emphasis, grounding the narrative in his identity.
• devout: (Greek: εὐσεβής - eusebḗs) Meaning pious, God-fearing, reverent. This highlights his spiritual inclination, despite not being a Jew.
• one: (Greek: εἷς - heis) Emphasizing singularity.
• who: (Greek: ὅς - hos) Relative pronoun, linking Cornelius to the following description.
• feared: (Greek: φοβούμενος - phoboumenos) Present participle of "phobéo," meaning to fear, reverence, be in awe of. This signifies his deep respect for God.
• God: (Greek: τόν Θεόν - ton Theón) The Supreme Being, acknowledging his worship.
• with: (Greek: σὺν - syn) Preposition indicating accompaniment or entirety.
• all: (Greek: ὅλῳ - hólō) All or whole.
• his: (Greek: αὐτοῦ - autoû) Possessive pronoun.
• household: (Greek: τῷ οἴκῳ - tōi oíkoi) Meaning his family, home, and dependents.
• giving: (Greek: μεταδιδούς - metadidous) Present participle of "metadidōmi," to impart, share, give.
• alms: (Greek: ἐλεημοσύνας - eleēmosýnas) Plural of "eleēmosýnē," mercy, charity, acts of kindness to the poor.
• generously: (Greek: πολλὰ - pollá) Literally "many," indicating numerous acts or a large quantity of giving, implying generosity and sincerity.
• to: (Greek: πρὸς - pros) Preposition indicating direction towards.
• the people: (Greek: τὸν λαόν - ton laón) The people, referring to the Jewish people, among whom he lived.
• assembled: (Greek: προσκαλούμενος - proskaloumenos) Present participle of "proskaléō," to call to oneself, summon, invite. This word implies an intentional gathering for a purpose.
• his: (Greek: αὐτοῦ - autoû) Possessive pronoun.
• kinsfolk: (Greek: οἰκείους - oikeíous) Relatives, those of his household or family members.
• and: (Greek: καὶ - kai) Conjunction.
• his: (Greek: αὐτοῦ - autoû) Possessive pronoun.
• near: (Greek: τοὺς ἀναγκαίους - toùs anankaíous) Those who are necessary, close, or intimate friends and companions.
• friends: (Greek: φίλους - phílous) Friends.

Group of words analysis: "devout and one who feared God with all his household, giving alms generously to the people." This phrase collectively describes Cornelius's character as a non-Jew who exhibited deep reverence and practiced significant acts of charity. This devotion, recognized by God (as seen in Acts 10:4), was the prelude to his encounter with Peter.

Group of words analysis: "assembled his kinsfolk and his near friends." This shows Cornelius’s desire not only for himself but also for his inner circle to hear God’s message. It highlights a community-oriented approach to spiritual seeking.

Acts 10 24 Bonus Section

The text implies that Cornelius's consistent devotion and prayers were noticed by God. This aligns with many biblical teachings emphasizing that sincere seeking after God, even from those outside the established covenant, is acknowledged by Him. The emphasis on "kinsfolk and near friends" suggests a community impact initiated by one man’s faith, demonstrating how individual righteousness can influence and draw others into spiritual seeking. It sets up the precedent for God working through imperfect individuals to achieve His purposes of salvation for all nations.

Acts 10 24 Commentary

Cornelius was a remarkable figure – a Gentile Roman officer in occupied Israel who actively worshipped the God of Israel. His piety was not superficial; it manifested in consistent prayer and extensive generosity towards the Jewish people, even those he might have overseen as part of Roman authority. This commitment to God, evident in his household and charitable acts, set the stage for God to reveal Himself further. He was preparing a receptive audience, including his closest family and friends, for the extraordinary message that was about to reach them through Peter. This verse underscores the universality of God’s reach and the importance of prepared hearts, regardless of background, in receiving the Gospel.