Acts 10 30

Acts 10:30 kjv

And 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,

Acts 10:30 nkjv

So 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,

Acts 10:30 niv

Cornelius answered: "Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me

Acts 10:30 esv

And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing

Acts 10:30 nlt

Cornelius replied, "Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me.

Acts 10 verses

Acts 10 30 Meaning

Cornelius, a Roman centurion and devout Gentile, inquired of Peter about his vision, asking what God had commanded him. Peter responded by stating he truly understood that God shows no partiality. God accepts anyone from any nation who fears Him and does what is right. This divine revelation empowered Peter to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, breaking down the religious barriers of the time.

Acts 10 30 Context

The 10th chapter of Acts narrates a pivotal moment in early Christian history: the inclusion of Gentiles into the people of God. Peter, a prominent apostle, initially held traditional Jewish views that distinguished between Jews and Gentiles, due to religious laws concerning purity and separation. This understanding stemmed from the Mosaic Law, which outlined specific practices for Israel as God's chosen people, often setting them apart from other nations.

Cornelius's story, preceding Peter's statement, demonstrates God's initiative in reaching out to a Gentile. Cornelius was a man of faith and prayer, fearing God and known for his generosity. The Holy Spirit directed him to send for Peter. Simultaneously, Peter received a vision of a sheet descending from heaven filled with animals, some clean and some unclean, accompanied by God's instruction to "kill and eat." Peter's initial refusal, citing his adherence to Jewish dietary laws, highlights the ingrained separation. However, God's repeated command, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean," revolutionized Peter's understanding.

The historical and cultural context for the early church was one of deep-seated animosity and separation between Jews and Gentiles. For centuries, Israel had been God's chosen people, distinct from the surrounding nations, often viewed as pagans or enemies. The Law of Moses reinforced these distinctions through commandments regarding food, social interactions, and religious practices. Therefore, the idea of a Gentile, uncircumcised and uninitiated into the Law of Moses, being accepted by God on the same terms as a Jew was revolutionary. This verse, spoken by Peter, marks a turning point, signaling the opening of the Gospel to all humanity without ethnic or religious prerequisites. It directly challenges and dismantles the prevailing exclusivity, pointing towards a universal salvation offered through Christ.

Acts 10 30 Word Analysis

• And (και - kai): A conjunctive particle indicating addition or connection. It links Peter's statement to Cornelius's question and the preceding events.
• opening (ἀνοίξας - anoixas): From ἀνοίγω (anoigo), meaning to open. Here, it signifies Peter beginning to speak, uninhibitedly and with newfound understanding.
• his (αὐτοῦ - autou): Possessive pronoun, referring to Peter.
• mouth (στόμα - stoma): Mouth, the organ of speech. Literally, "opening his mouth."
• Peter (Πέτρος - Petros): The apostle Peter, a key figure.
• began (ἤρξατο - rōrxato): Middle voice of the verb ἄρχομαι (archomai), meaning to begin. Emphasizes the commencement of his speech.
• to speak (λαλῶν - lalōn): Present participle of λαλέω (laleō), meaning to speak, talk. Describes the action of speaking.
• and (καὶ - kai): Again, a conjunctive particle.
• said (εἶπεν - eipen): Aorist indicative of λέγω (legō), to say. A straightforward past tense verb.
• truly (ἀληθῶς - alēthōs): Adverb from ἀληθής (alēthēs), meaning true, real. Emphasizes the genuine nature of his understanding.
• now (νῦν - nun): Adverb of time, indicating the present moment, signifying a new realization.
• I (ἐγὼ - egō): First-person singular pronoun.
• understand (νοῶ - noō): First-person singular present indicative of νοέω (noeō), to perceive, think, understand. Refers to mental apprehension and realization.
• that (ὅτι - hoti): Conjunction introducing a subordinate clause explaining what Peter understands.
• God (ὁ θεός - ho theos): The definite article and the noun for God.
• shows (προσώποις - prosōpois): Dative plural of πρόσωπον (prosōpon), meaning face, countenance, person. Used here in the idiom "to show partiality to persons." The idea is God does not respect or favor certain people (persons) over others based on external status or identity.
• no (οὐκ - ouk): Negative adverb, "not."
• partiality (προσωπολήπτης - prosōpolēptēs): While the singular "prosopolemptes" means partial, the text uses the dative plural of "prosopon." The English translation "partiality" captures the meaning. The underlying concept is that God does not "lift up faces," meaning He doesn't favor individuals based on their outward appearance, status, or ethnicity.

Word Group Analysis:

• "opening his mouth": This idiom suggests a more formal or significant statement, implying a readiness to declare something important.
• "truly now I understand": This emphasizes a recent, profound, and transformative realization for Peter, prompted by his experiences and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• "God shows no partiality": This is the core theological statement. The phrase implies that God's acceptance is not based on human status, nationality, or ritualistic purity but on the condition of the heart and one's response to Him.

Acts 10 30 Bonus Section

The revelation given to Peter directly fulfills prophecies found in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 56:7 which states that God’s house will be a house of prayer for all nations, and that burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on His altar for Gentiles who join themselves to the Lord. This understanding is echoed in Paul’s later writings, particularly Romans 11, where he explains God’s dealings with Israel and the Gentiles. Peter’s experience here provides a practical, lived example of the inclusivity that was always part of God's broader plan, albeit perhaps not fully understood by His people in previous ages. It demonstrates the leading role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the church into deeper truths of the Gospel.

Acts 10 30 Commentary

Peter's declaration in Acts 10:34 marks a profound theological shift within the early Church. It directly states that God's favor is universal, not exclusive to any single group. This realization was not merely intellectual for Peter; it was a transformation that enabled him to bridge the divide between Jewish and Gentile believers. Previously, Jewish custom dictated strict separation from Gentiles. Peter's vision and God's subsequent confirmation empowered him to understand that the barrier of sin was being removed through Christ for all who believed, regardless of their background. This means God does not favor based on lineage (like being a Jew) or social standing. What matters is a genuine reverence for Him and upright living. This foundational truth paved the way for the Gentile mission, confirming that salvation is freely available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.