Acts 10 8

Acts 10:8 kjv

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10:8 nkjv

So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10:8 niv

He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10:8 esv

and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10:8 nlt

He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.

Acts 10 verses

Acts 10 8 Meaning

Acts 10:8 describes the immediate and precise action taken by Cornelius after receiving the divine vision. Upon understanding the angel's instructions to send for Peter, he promptly conveyed "all these things" to his two household servants and a devout soldier. Without delay, he dispatched these men from Caesarea to Joppa, signifying his unhesitating obedience and trust in God's directive, setting in motion the pivotal encounter between Peter and the Gentiles.

Acts 10 8 Context

Acts chapter 10 marks a pivotal moment in the expansion of the early church beyond its Jewish origins. The preceding verses introduce Cornelius, a Roman centurion based in Caesarea, described as a devout and God-fearing man who consistently prayed and gave generously to the poor (Acts 10:1-2). While he was praying, an angel of God appeared to him in a clear vision, identifying himself as from God and acknowledging Cornelius's prayers and alms (Acts 10:3-4). The angel then gave very specific instructions: "Send men to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea" (Acts 10:5-6). Acts 10:8 details Cornelius's immediate and diligent response to these divine commands. He did not hesitate or question but promptly communicated the entirety of the angelic message to his most trusted men—two of his household servants and a devout soldier. The purpose of their journey to Joppa was explicitly to retrieve Peter, setting the stage for Peter's own transformative vision and the groundbreaking event of Gentile inclusion in the church, thereby fulfilling God's broader redemptive plan.

Historically and culturally, a Roman centurion commanded 80-100 soldiers, indicating a position of authority and responsibility. For such a man to meticulously obey a spiritual vision from an angel demonstrates deep reverence and faith. Joppa (modern Jaffa) was an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, approximately 35 miles northwest of Caesarea. It served as a strategic point for travel and trade. Its proximity to the sea is notable, as Peter was lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose work typically took place outside city walls and by the sea due to its unclean nature in Jewish law (working with dead animal hides), symbolizing Peter's growing openness, albeit yet incomplete, to what was considered ritually impure.

Acts 10 8 Word analysis

• And (Καί - Kai): A conjunction used frequently in biblical narrative, here it functions to connect Cornelius's obedient action directly to the angelic visitation, signaling a continuous narrative flow and an immediate response.
• when he had declared (διεξηγήσατο - diexēgḗsato):
  • From diexēgéomai, meaning "to narrate in detail," "to explain fully," or "to declare thoroughly."
  • This verb emphasizes the complete and meticulous recounting of the angelic message, including the divine command. Cornelius didn't just give a vague instruction but ensured his men understood "all these things," highlighting the precision and importance of the divine directive. It underscores Cornelius's carefulness and seriousness in transmitting the heavenly mandate.
• all these things (πάντα ταῦτα - panta tauta):
  • "All" (πάντα - panta) emphasizes totality; "these things" (ταῦτα - tauta) refers specifically to the message received from the angel (Acts 10:4-6).
  • This phrase indicates that Cornelius accurately and thoroughly conveyed every detail of the divine encounter and instruction to his men. This ensured they understood the urgency and the precise nature of their mission, without any room for misinterpretation.
• unto them (αὐτοῖς - autois):
  • Refers to the "two household servants and a devout soldier" mentioned in the previous verse (Acts 10:7).
  • This highlights that Cornelius entrusted this critical mission to individuals loyal to him and who likely shared some of his reverence for God, particularly the "devout soldier," thereby ensuring the reliability and sincerity of the messengers.
• he sent them (ἐξαπέστειλεν αὐτούς - exapósteilen autoús):
  • "He sent" (ἐξαπέστειλεν - exapósteilen): A compound verb from ek (out from) and apostéllō (to send, to commission). It implies a deliberate, official dispatch, often from a position of authority, emphasizing purposeful commission or delegation. It suggests prompt and decisive action, commissioning them with authority and clear direction.
  • "them" (αὐτούς - autoús): The messengers mentioned previously. This confirms the specific act of commissioning.
• to Joppa (εἰς Ἰόππην - eis Ióppēn):
  • "To" (εἰς - eis): Denotes direction or destination.
  • "Joppa" (Ἰόππην - Ióppēn): The specific coastal city Peter was in. This geographical detail is crucial for the divine orchestration of events, ensuring Peter and Cornelius meet as God had intended.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "when he had declared all these things unto them": This phrase highlights Cornelius's careful and transparent communication. It speaks to his responsible leadership within his household and his recognition of the profound nature of the message he received. His diligent explanation prepared his messengers adequately for their sacred task.
• "he sent them to Joppa": This is an action of immediate and decisive obedience. The phrase signifies Cornelius's prompt alignment with the divine will, demonstrating faith that translates into immediate action. It marks the commencement of the journey that would bring together the two men pivotal for the breaking down of the Jew-Gentile barrier in the early church. The simple command becomes a significant catalyst.

Acts 10 8 Bonus section

The seemingly simple act of sending messengers, as detailed in Acts 10:8, underlines the interconnectedness of God's plan. Simultaneously, and unknown to Cornelius or his messengers at this exact moment, God was also preparing Peter in Joppa through a separate vision (Acts 10:9-16). This double preparation illustrates God's sovereign control over seemingly independent events, ensuring His purposes are brought to fruition through the faithful, albeit unaware, obedience of His servants. Cornelius's action in verse 8 is therefore not an isolated event but a precise, divinely timed piece of a much larger, coordinated redemptive narrative designed to bridge the Jew-Gentile divide and extend the reach of the Gospel.

Acts 10 8 Commentary

Acts 10:8 showcases Cornelius's model obedience and efficient leadership, acting as the immediate human link in a divinely orchestrated plan. Upon receiving clear instructions from an angel, he didn't ponder or delay; instead, he promptly communicated "all these things"—the complete heavenly message—to his trusted staff. This thorough explanation ensured his servants and soldier understood the divine mandate and their solemn purpose. His swift dispatching of the messengers to Joppa was an act of profound faith, demonstrating his complete trust in the unusual directive. This verse signifies the critical human response to divine revelation, initiating the pivotal sequence of events that would lead to Peter's revolutionary encounter with the Gentiles and the momentous expansion of the gospel beyond the confines of Judaism. It highlights that God prepares hearts on both sides—the sender and the sent—and expects immediate, practical obedience to His commands.

For practical usage, this verse illustrates that faith often demands immediate and precise action. When God provides a clear instruction, whether directly or through His Word or Spirit, believers are called to respond promptly and with diligence, ensuring the message and mission are faithfully carried out.