Acts 10 26

Acts 10:26 kjv

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Acts 10:26 nkjv

But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man."

Acts 10:26 niv

But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."

Acts 10:26 esv

But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man."

Acts 10:26 nlt

But Peter pulled him up and said, "Stand up! I'm a human being just like you!"

Acts 10 verses

Acts 10 26 Meaning

Acts 10:26 demonstrates Peter's profound humility and clear understanding that worship is due only to God. When Cornelius prostrates himself at Peter's feet, a gesture that could be interpreted as reverence due to a divine being or high authority, Peter immediately lifts him up, asserting his own shared humanity. This act explicitly rejects any elevation of Peter to a status worthy of worship, firmly distinguishing him as merely a man and not God.

Acts 10 26 Context

This verse is part of a pivotal narrative in the book of Acts, marking the breakthrough of the Gospel to Gentiles. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, had a vision where an angel instructed him to send for Simon Peter. Peter, in parallel, received a vision involving unclean animals, teaching him that God considers no person unclean. When Peter arrived at Cornelius's house in Caesarea, Cornelius, overcome with reverence and awe from his angelic encounter and the expectation of a divine messenger, fell down at Peter's feet. This act of proskynesis (prostration) was a gesture of profound respect, often accorded to royalty or divinities in the ancient world, and potentially misinterpreted as an act of worship. Peter's immediate response to lift Cornelius up underscores a fundamental distinction between human messengers and the divine authority they represent, preventing any form of man-worship.

Acts 10 26 Word analysis

• But Peter: Contrasts Cornelius's action with Peter's immediate and decisive reaction. It highlights Peter's character and proper theological understanding.
• lifted him up: (Greek: ēgeiren auton - ᾔγειρεν αὐτόν). An active verb, indicating Peter’s deliberate and physical intervention to prevent Cornelius from remaining prostrate. This wasn't passive acceptance but an immediate correction. It emphasizes Peter’s resolve against any appearance of accepting worship.
• saying: (Greek: legōn - λέγων). Implies an oral instruction accompanying the physical action, clarifying his intent and providing the reason for his action.
• Stand up: (Greek: Anistēthi - ἀνάστηθι). A direct imperative command to rise. Simple, unequivocal, and demanding immediate action from Cornelius.
• I too am a man: (Greek: Kagō anthrōpos eimi - κἀγὼ ἄνθρωπος εἰμί). This is the theological crux of the statement.
  • Kagō (κἀγὼ): Means "and I" or "I also" or "I too." The "and" implies "just like you." It stresses Peter's shared humanity with Cornelius, diminishing any perceived hierarchical or divine difference.
  • anthrōpos (ἄνθρωπος): The standard Greek word for "man," "human being." It clearly defines Peter's nature as mortal and created, not divine. This term is deliberately chosen to explicitly deny any superhuman or divine status.
  • eimi (εἰμί): "I am." A simple, declarative statement of being. It's an affirmation of his complete humanity and nothing more.
• Words-group significance: The phrase "I too am a man" serves as a direct polemic against any notion of worshipping human beings or spiritual leaders. It sets a precedent for apostles and leaders in the Christian faith to refuse divine honors, always pointing worship toward God alone. It underlines the radical difference between humanity and divinity, safeguarding against idolatry and undue reverence for individuals, regardless of their spiritual authority or prophetic message.

Acts 10 26 Bonus section

This incident provides a stark contrast to other accounts where humans accepted divine worship, like Herod Agrippa I in Acts 12:21-23, who, upon accepting praise as a god, was struck down. It also parallels the humility of Barnabas and Paul in Acts 14:11-18, who similarly rejected worship from the Lycaonians. Peter's declaration also resonates with Old Testament warnings against putting trust in or elevating mere mortals, as seen in Ps 146:3 and Isa 2:22. The emphasis on shared humanity ("I too am a man") highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel, breaking down the barrier of Gentile/Jew, as both are equally human and equally in need of God's grace, with no one man superior in an idolatrous sense. This brief verse safeguards the unique supremacy of God and Jesus Christ as the sole objects of ultimate worship.

Acts 10 26 Commentary

Acts 10:26 is a concise yet powerful declaration against hero-worship and idolatry, setting a foundational principle for Christian leadership. Peter’s refusal of reverence from Cornelius is not merely a polite gesture but a profound theological statement. He immediately recognized the spiritual danger of accepting honor due only to God, understanding that the message of salvation could be corrupted if the messenger were mistaken for the source of salvation. This episode establishes that true spiritual authority does not stem from personal exaltation but from faithful servanthood to God, pointing all glory back to the Creator. It aligns Peter's conduct with the humble servanthood taught by Jesus and contrasts sharply with the contemporary practices of deifying emperors or other powerful figures. Christian leaders, then and now, are called to mirror this humility, understanding their role as mere conduits of God's grace, never themselves the object of devotion.