Acts 10 33

Acts 10:33 kjv

Immediately 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.

Acts 10:33 nkjv

So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."

Acts 10:33 niv

So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us."

Acts 10:33 esv

So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."

Acts 10:33 nlt

So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you."

Acts 10 verses

Acts 10 33 Meaning

This verse expresses Cornelius's deep reverence, humility, and eager anticipation to receive God's word through Peter. It signifies a profound spiritual readiness from Cornelius and his gathered household to hear not merely Peter's words, but directly "all that you have been commanded by the Lord." This statement underscores their conviction that Peter is God's appointed messenger, and their collective purpose is to submit to divine instruction, setting the stage for the Gospel's entry into the Gentile world.

Acts 10 33 Context

Acts chapter 10 marks a pivotal transition in the early Church's mission, showcasing the Lord's clear intent to extend the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries to the Gentiles. The narrative begins with two parallel divine encounters: Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion and "God-fearer" in Caesarea, receives an angelic visitation instructing him to send for Peter (Acts 10:1-8). Concurrently, Peter in Joppa experiences a threefold vision of a sheet descending with all kinds of unclean animals, accompanied by the command, "What God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:9-16). This vision challenges Peter's ingrained Jewish dietary laws and separation from Gentiles. While Peter is pondering the vision, Cornelius's messengers arrive. Directed by the Spirit, Peter overcomes his initial reluctance and agrees to go, a highly controversial act for a Jew (Acts 10:17-23, 28-29). Upon Peter's arrival, Cornelius humbles himself and explains his angelic directive, culminating in the verse Acts 10:33. This sets the stage for Peter's sermon, which articulates the inclusive nature of the Gospel message for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike.

Acts 10 33 Word analysis

• So I sent for you at once, (οὖν παραχρῆμα ἔπεμψα πρὸς σέ, oun parachrēma epempsa pros se):
  • οὖν (oun): "Therefore," "accordingly." Connects Cornelius's action as a direct consequence of the angelic instruction (Acts 10:5-7, 22). It implies a logical and immediate response.
  • παραχρῆμα (parachrēma): "Immediately," "at once," "forthwith." Emphasizes Cornelius's urgency, swift obedience, and fervent desire to act upon God's command without delay. This eagerness contrasts with Peter's initial hesitation regarding the vision.
  • ἔπεμψα πρὸς σέ (epempsa pros se): "I sent to you." Direct and personal action taken by Cornelius.
• and you have been kind enough to come. (σύ τε καλῶς ἐποίησας παραγενόμενος, sy te kalōs epoiēsas paragenomenos):
  • σύ τε (sy te): "And you also." Highlights Peter's significant part in this divine encounter.
  • καλῶς ἐποίησας (kalōs epoiēsas): "You did well," "you did right," "you have acted kindly/nobly." This is a gracious affirmation acknowledging that Peter, a Jew, performed a notable act by crossing a major social and religious barrier to enter a Gentile home (Acts 10:28-29). It suggests an understanding of the difficulty Peter had to overcome.
  • παραγενόμενος (paragenomenos): "Having come," "being present." Refers to Peter's physical presence after his obedient journey.
• Now therefore we are all here (νῦν οὖν πάντες ἡμεῖς ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ πάρεσμεν, nyn oun pantes hēmeis enōpion tou theou paresmen):
  • νῦν οὖν (nyn oun): "Now therefore," "so now." A logical transition, indicating the present state and purpose of the gathering. It carries a sense of readiness and anticipation.
  • πάντες ἡμεῖς (pantes hēmeis): "All of us," "we all." This phrase is crucial. It shows Cornelius did not keep the divine opportunity to himself, but invited his entire household and close friends (Acts 10:24). This highlights the communal aspect of seeking God's word and points to the spread of the Gospel beyond individuals. It reflects the prophetic vision of Gentiles being included in God's people.
  • ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ (enōpion tou theou): "In the presence of God," "before God." This signifies their profound reverence and belief that God Himself is the ultimate audience and orchestrator of this meeting. It imbues the gathering with a solemn and sacred character, transcending a mere human encounter. This is a deliberate shift from typical human-centric meetings to a divinely consecrated event, underscoring God's impartiality in bringing both Peter and Cornelius together. This phrase would also resonate powerfully with a Jewish background where God's presence made things holy.
• to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord. (ἀκοῦσαι πάντα τὰ προστεταγμένα σοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου, akousai panta ta prostetangmena soi hypo tou Kyriou):
  • ἀκοῦσαι (akousai): "To hear," "to listen." Implies active, obedient hearing, not just passive listening. It carries the weight of readiness to receive, understand, and apply the message, aligning with the biblical concept of "hearing and doing" (Jas 1:22).
  • πάντα τὰ προστεταγμένα (panta ta prostetangmena): "All the things commanded," "all that has been appointed/ordered." This conveys a desire to receive the complete, unedited message from God, not just select portions. The perfect passive participle (prostetangmena from prostassō, "to command, appoint") indicates a definitive and continuing divine command, signifying an established order.
  • σοι (soi): "To you" (Peter). Acknowledges Peter's specific role as God's designated messenger and agent.
  • ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου (hypo tou Kyriou): "By the Lord." This is the ultimate source of authority. Cornelius and his household are not just listening to Peter, but to God Himself through Peter. This clarifies that Peter's authority is derivative and establishes the divine origin of the forthcoming message. The term "Kyrios" ("Lord") here most likely refers to Jesus Christ, given the unfolding narrative of the gospel message centered on Him. This also serves as an indirect polemic against the notion that truth originates solely from human tradition or pagan deities; rather, it comes from the one true "Lord."
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come." This phrase beautifully illustrates the interplay of human obedience to divine revelation (Cornelius sending) and Peter's courageous breaking of cultural barriers (his coming). It highlights the immediate and mutual response of faith required for God's plan to unfold.
  • "Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God": This entire phrase speaks volumes about collective spiritual readiness and deep reverence. It indicates a sacred assembly where all human agendas are set aside, and the sole focus is on divine communion. The act of gathering "all" suggests the universality of the call and a collective thirst for truth, foreshadowing the inclusion of diverse peoples in God's family.
  • "to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.": This powerful concluding phrase encapsulates the entire purpose of the gathering: to receive divine revelation from its ultimate source through a divinely appointed messenger. It demonstrates absolute humility, teachability, and a submission to God's authoritative Word. The emphasis on "all" suggests a comprehensive openness to whatever God might reveal, even if it challenges existing beliefs.

Acts 10 33 Bonus section

• This verse stands in stark contrast to Peter's earlier resistance to God's direct command regarding clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:13-14). While Peter hesitates, Cornelius, a Gentile, displays immediate and unquestioning obedience, highlighting a reversal where the Gentile teaches the Jew about prompt faith.
• Cornelius's specific request to hear "all that you have been commanded by the Lord" demonstrates a heart ready to embrace the fullness of God's revealed will, without reservation or selection, distinguishing true spiritual hunger from casual curiosity. This comprehensive approach is a model for biblical discipleship.
• The fact that Cornelius had gathered his "kinsmen and close friends" (Acts 10:24) showcases an active evangelical desire even before hearing the Gospel's full articulation. He instinctively wanted to share the divine appointment with his circle, demonstrating that an open heart to God naturally leads to sharing with others.

Acts 10 33 Commentary

Acts 10:33 powerfully encapsulates the profound humility, fervent desire, and spiritual readiness of Cornelius and his household. Unlike those who resist or delay God's commands, Cornelius responds with immediate and total obedience, demonstrated by his swift summoning of Peter. His acknowledgement of Peter's courageous decision to visit a Gentile household further highlights Cornelius's sensitivity to cultural norms and his deep gratitude. The pivotal phrase "we are all here in the presence of God" establishes a sacred atmosphere, demonstrating that Cornelius perceives this gathering not as a social call, but a solemn encounter with the Divine. It underscores their collective eagerness, expecting to hear a direct command from the Lord Himself, communicated through Peter. This verse is not merely a polite greeting but a statement of intent: a people prepared and united in their anticipation of God's Word, demonstrating an exemplary model of receptivity for anyone seeking truth from the Most High. This set the stage for one of the most significant moments in early church history where God would definitively include Gentiles into the family of believers.