哥尼流邀請彼得

10 在凱撒利亞有一位隸屬義大利營的百夫長名叫哥尼流。 他和全家都是虔誠敬畏上帝的人,他慷慨賙濟窮人,常常禱告。 一天,大約下午三點,他在異象中清楚地看見一位上帝的天使進來呼喚他:「哥尼流!」

哥尼流驚恐地注視著他,問:「主啊,什麼事?」

天使回答說:「你的禱告和賙濟窮人的善行已經在上帝面前蒙悅納。 如今你要派人去約帕,請一個叫西門·彼得的人來。 他住在一個叫西門的皮革匠家裡,房子在海邊。」

向他說話的天使離開後,哥尼流叫來兩個家僕和自己的一個敬虔侍衛, 把剛才的事告訴他們,然後差他們去約帕。

彼得見異象

第二天中午,他們快要到達約帕時,彼得上屋頂去禱告。 10 他覺得肚子餓了,想吃東西。那家人正在預備午飯的時候,彼得進入異象, 11 看見天開了,有一樣東西好像一大塊布,四角吊著降到地上, 12 裡面有各種天上的飛禽、地上的爬蟲和四足的走獸。 13 然後有聲音對他說:「彼得,起來,宰了吃!」

14 彼得卻說:「主啊!這可不行!我從未吃過任何污穢不潔之物。」

15 那聲音又一次對他說:「上帝已經潔淨的,你不可再稱之為不潔淨。」 16 這樣一連三次之後,那塊布就被收回天上去了。

17 彼得不知所措,正在猜測這異象到底是什麼意思,哥尼流的僕人們剛好找來了, 18 正站在門口大聲問西門·彼得是否住在這裡。

19 彼得還在苦苦思索的時候,聖靈又對他說:「彼得,外面有三個人來找你, 20 快下樓跟他們去,不必多慮,他們是我差來的。」 21 彼得就下去見他們,說:「我就是你們要找的人,有什麼事?」

22 他們說:「哥尼流百夫長是個又正直又敬畏上帝的人,連猶太人都稱讚他。上帝的天使指示他請你到他家裡去,好聽你的指教。」

23 彼得就留他們住了一夜。第二天,彼得和他們以及幾個約帕的弟兄一同出發了。 24 又過了一天,他們到達凱撒利亞。哥尼流已經請來親朋好友,在等候他們。 25 他一看見彼得,就迎上去俯伏在他腳前拜他。 26 彼得連忙把他扶起來,說:「快起來,我只不過是人。」

27 彼得和他邊走邊談,進屋後,見聚集了許多人, 28 就對他們說:「你們都知道,按照猶太人的傳統,我們不可以和外族人來往。但上帝已經指示我不可把任何人視為污穢不潔。 29 所以,我受到邀請後,毫不猶豫地來了。請問你們為什麼請我來?」

30 哥尼流說:「四天前,大約也是下午三點這個時候,我在家裡禱告,忽然有一個身穿明亮衣服的人站在我面前, 31 說,『哥尼流,上帝已經垂聽了你的禱告,也悅納你賙濟窮人的善行。 32 你派人去約帕把那位叫西門·彼得的人請來,他住在海邊一個叫西門的皮革匠家。』 33 於是我立刻派人去請你。你能來,真是榮幸,現在我們都在上帝面前,想聆聽主吩咐你傳給我們的話。」

福音臨到外族人

34 彼得說:「現在我深深地明白,上帝不偏待人。 35 無論哪一個民族,只要敬畏祂,秉公行義,都會蒙祂接納。 36 上帝藉著萬物的主宰——耶穌基督把平安的福音傳給以色列人。 37 你們都知道,自從約翰宣講洗禮以來,從加利利開始,整個猶太地區發生了什麼事。 38 你們也知道,拿撒勒人耶穌是上帝用聖靈和大能膏立的。祂周遊四方,廣行善事,醫好被魔鬼壓制的人,因為上帝與祂同在。 39 我們親眼目睹了耶穌在猶太全境和耶路撒冷所做的一切。可是,世人卻把祂釘死在十字架上。 40 但第三天,上帝使祂從死裡復活,並且向人顯現, 41 不是向所有的人顯現,而是向被上帝預先揀選為祂做見證的人顯現,就是我們這些在祂復活以後與祂一同吃喝過的人。 42 祂命令我們向世人傳道,見證祂就是上帝指派來審判活人和死人的那位。 43 所有先知也都為祂做見證說,『誰信祂,誰的罪就能藉著祂的名得到赦免。』」

44 彼得還在說話的時候,聖靈就降臨在每一個聽道的人身上。 45 跟彼得一起來的那些嚴守割禮的信徒,看見聖靈的恩賜也澆灌到外族人身上,都很驚奇。 46 因為他們聽見這些人又說方言又讚美上帝。於是彼得說: 47 「既然這些人已經和我們一樣領受了聖靈,誰能阻止他們接受洗禮呢?」 48 彼得吩咐他們奉耶穌基督的名受洗。之後,他們又請彼得住了幾天。

10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

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

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

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

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

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

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 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,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 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.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Cornelius Sends a Delegation

10 There was a certain man in (A)Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian [a]Regiment, (B)a devout man and one who (C)feared God with all his household, who gave [b]alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About [c]the ninth hour of the day (D)he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”

So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now (E)send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with (F)Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. (G)He[d] will tell you what you must do.” And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, (H)Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about [e]the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and (I)saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! (J)For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, (K)“What God has [f]cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

Summoned to Caesarea

17 Now while Peter [g]wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, (L)the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 (M)Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

21 Then Peter went down to the men [h]who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and (N)has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them.

On the next day Peter went away with them, (O)and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter Meets Cornelius

24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, (P)“Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how (Q)unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But (R)God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

30 So Cornelius said, [i]“Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, (S)a man stood before me (T)in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, (U)your prayer has been heard, and (V)your [j]alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. [k]When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 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.”

Preaching to Cornelius’ Household

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: (W)“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But (X)in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is (Y)accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the [l]children of Israel, (Z)preaching peace through Jesus Christ—(AA)He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and (AB)began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how (AC)God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who (AD)went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, (AE)for God was with Him. 39 And we are (AF)witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom [m]they (AG)killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him (AH)God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 (AI)not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us (AJ)who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And (AK)He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify (AL)that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge (AM)of the living and the dead. 43 (AN)To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, (AO)whoever believes in Him will receive (AP)remission[n] of sins.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, (AQ)the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 (AR)And [o]those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, (AS)because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit (AT)just as we have? 48 (AU)And he commanded them to be baptized (AV)in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 10:1 Cohort
  2. Acts 10:2 charitable gifts
  3. Acts 10:3 3 p.m.
  4. Acts 10:6 NU, M omit the rest of v. 6.
  5. Acts 10:9 Noon
  6. Acts 10:15 Declared clean
  7. Acts 10:17 was perplexed
  8. Acts 10:21 NU, M omit who had been sent to him from Cornelius
  9. Acts 10:30 NU Four days ago to this hour, at the ninth hour
  10. Acts 10:31 charitable gifts
  11. Acts 10:32 NU omits the rest of v. 32.
  12. Acts 10:36 Lit. sons
  13. Acts 10:39 NU, M they also
  14. Acts 10:43 forgiveness
  15. Acts 10:45 The Jews

Petrus en Cornelius

10 In Caesarea woonde Cornelius, de commandant van het zogenaamde Italiaanse regiment. Deze man was erg gelovig. Hij en al zijn huisgenoten hadden diep ontzag voor God. Hij gaf veel weg aan de armen en was een man van gebed.

Op een middag, om een uur of drie, kreeg hij een visioen. Hij zag duidelijk een engel binnenkomen die voor hem ging staan en zei: ‘Cornelius!’ Cornelius keek hem met grote ogen aan en begon bang te worden. ‘Ja, heer,’ stamelde hij. ‘Wat is er?’ De engel zei: ‘God heeft uw gebeden gehoord en Hij heeft gezien wat u voor de armen hebt gedaan. Stuur een paar mannen naar Joppe om een zekere Petrus te zoeken en hem te vragen naar uw huis te komen. Hij logeert bij Simon, de leerlooier die aan zee woont.’ Zodra de engel weg was, riep Cornelius twee van zijn huisknechten en een van zijn lijfwachten, een gelovig man. Hij vertelde hun wat er gebeurd was en stuurde hen naar Joppe.

De volgende dag, terwijl de mannen Joppe naderden, ging Petrus het platte dak van het huis op om te bidden. Het was omstreeks het middaguur en 10 omdat hij honger had, wilde hij graag iets eten. Terwijl het eten werd klaargemaakt, raakte hij buiten zichzelf. 11 Hij zag de hemel open en er kwam iets naar beneden wat op een groot kleed leek. Het werd aan de vier hoeken vastgehouden en op de aarde neergelaten.

12 Op het kleed lagen allerlei dieren: zoogdieren, reptielen en vogels. 13 Een stem uit de hemel zei: ‘Sta op, Petrus! U mag er zoveel van slachten en eten als u wilt.’ 14 ‘Maar, Here,’ zei Petrus. ‘Ik heb nog nooit iets gegeten wat voor een Jood verboden is.’ 15 De stem kwam opnieuw: ‘Als God iets rein noemt zodat u het mag eten, dan mag u het niet onrein noemen!’ 16 Dit gebeurde drie keer en toen werd het kleed weer in de hemel opgetrokken.

17 Petrus wist er niet goed raad mee. Hij vroeg zich af wat dat visioen kon betekenen. Op datzelfde moment stonden er enkele mannen voor de deur die gestuurd waren door Cornelius. Zij hadden het huis van de leerlooier Simon gevonden 18 en vroegen of daar ook een zekere Petrus logeerde.

19 Terwijl Petrus nog over het visioen zat na te denken, zei de Geest tegen hem: ‘Petrus, er zijn enkele mannen voor u. 20 Sta op, ga naar beneden en aarzel niet met hen mee te gaan, want Ik heb hen gestuurd.’ 21 Petrus ging naar beneden. ‘U zoekt mij,’ zei hij tegen de mannen, ‘maar waarom eigenlijk?’ 22 Zij antwoordden: ‘Wij zijn gestuurd door Cornelius, een Romeins officier uit Caesarea. Hij is rechtvaardig en heeft diep ontzag voor God. Hij wordt door de Joden op handen gedragen. Nu heeft een engel van God hem gezegd dat hij u moest vragen bij hem thuis te komen om te luisteren naar wat u te zeggen hebt.’ 23 Petrus vroeg de mannen binnen te komen en nodigde hen uit te blijven slapen. De volgende morgen maakte hij zich klaar en ging met hen mee, samen met enkele andere volgelingen van Jezus uit Joppe.

24 De dag daarop kwamen zij in Caesarea aan. Cornelius, die zijn familie en zijn beste vrienden bijeen had geroepen, stond al te wachten. 25 Toen Petrus binnenkwam, liep Cornelius naar hem toe en viel op zijn knieën. 26 Maar Petrus trok hem overeind en zei: ‘Sta op! Ik ben ook maar een mens!’ 27 Al pratend kwamen zij in de kamer waar alle genodigden bij elkaar waren. 28 Petrus nam het woord en zei: ‘U weet vast wel dat het mij als Jood verboden is met mensen van een ander volk om te gaan. Maar God heeft mij duidelijk gemaakt dat ik niemand minderwaardig of onrein mag vinden. 29 Daarom ben ik zonder aarzelen meegegaan toen u mij liet vragen bij u te komen. Maar ik ben wel benieuwd waarom u dat hebt gedaan.’

30 Cornelius antwoordde: ‘Vier dagen geleden was ik ʼs middags rond drie uur hier in huis aan het bidden. 31 Ineens stond er een man voor me, met schitterend witte kleren aan. “Cornelius,” zei hij, “God heeft uw gebeden gehoord en Hij is niet vergeten wat u voor de armen hebt gedaan. 32 Stuur enkele mannen naar Joppe om een zekere Petrus te halen. Hij logeert bij Simon, de leerlooier die aan zee woont.” 33 Ik heb meteen een paar mannen naar u toe gestuurd. Fijn dat u gekomen bent. Wij zijn hier in de tegenwoordigheid van God en wachten met spanning op wat u namens Hem zult zeggen.’ 34 Petrus zei: ‘Het is mij nu pas echt duidelijk dat God geen onderscheid maakt tussen mensen. 35 Hij aanvaardt ieder die ontzag voor Hem heeft en die doet wat Hij wil, ongeacht tot welk volk die persoon behoort. 36 Hij heeft het volk van Israël de heerlijke boodschap van vrede gebracht, door Jezus Christus, de Here van allen.

37 U weet wel wat er in Israël is gebeurd. Het begon in Galilea, niet lang nadat Johannes de Doper de mensen opriep zich te laten dopen. 38 U hebt vast wel gehoord van Jezus van Nazareth, de man aan wie God de Heilige Geest en grote kracht gaf. Hij trok het land door en deed heel veel goeds. Hij genas alle mensen die in de macht van de duivel leefden, want God was met Hem. 39 Wij hebben met eigen ogen gezien wat Hij allemaal heeft gedaan, zowel in Jeruzalem als in heel Israël. Het volk heeft Hem gedood door Hem te kruisigen. 40 Maar God heeft Hem op de derde dag na zijn dood weer levend gemaakt en Hem aan enkele mensen laten zien, 41 aan getuigen die tevoren door God waren uitgekozen, niet aan het grote publiek, maar aan ons, die met Hem hebben gegeten en gedronken, nadat Hij uit de dood was opgestaan. 42 Hij heeft ons opdracht gegeven dit nieuws bekend te maken en de mensen te verzekeren dat Jezus door God is aangesteld om recht te spreken over de levenden en de doden. 43 Alle profeten hebben over Hem gesproken. Zij hebben verklaard dat ieder die in Hem gelooft, door zijn naam vergeving van zonden krijgt.’

44 Terwijl Petrus nog sprak, viel de Heilige Geest op allen die naar hem luisterden. 45 De Joodse volgelingen van Jezus die met Petrus waren meegekomen, waren verbaasd dat de Heilige Geest ook aan mensen van een ander volk was gegeven. 46 Maar er was geen twijfel mogelijk, want zij hoorden hen in vreemde talen spreken en God verheerlijken. 47 ‘Wie kan er nog bezwaar tegen hebben dat deze mensen gedoopt worden,’ zei Petrus, ‘nu zij, net als wij, de Heilige Geest hebben ontvangen?’ 48 Hij gaf de andere volgelingen van Jezus opdracht hen in de naam van Jezus Christus te dopen. Cornelius vroeg hem nog een paar dagen te blijven.

Peter Visits Cornelius

10 Now there was a man in Caesarea[a] named Cornelius, a centurion[b] of what was known as the Italian Cohort.[c] He[d] was a devout, God-fearing man,[e] as was all his household; he did many acts of charity for the people[f] and prayed to God regularly. About three o’clock one afternoon[g] he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God[h] who came in[i] and said to him, “Cornelius.” Staring at him and becoming greatly afraid, Cornelius[j] replied,[k] “What is it, Lord?” The angel[l] said to him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity[m] have gone up as a memorial[n] before God. Now[o] send men to Joppa[p] and summon a man named Simon,[q] who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest with a man named Simon, a tanner,[r] whose house is by the sea.” When the angel who had spoken to him departed, Cornelius[s] called two of his personal servants[t] and a devout soldier from among those who served him,[u] and when he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

About noon[v] the next day, while they were on their way and approaching[w] the city, Peter went up on the roof[x] to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing the meal, a trance came over him.[y] 11 He[z] saw heaven[aa] opened[ab] and an object something like a large sheet[ac] descending,[ad] being let down to earth[ae] by its four corners. 12 In it[af] were all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles[ag] of the earth and wild birds.[ah] 13 Then[ai] a voice said[aj] to him, “Get up, Peter; slaughter[ak] and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “Certainly not, Lord, for I have never eaten anything defiled and ritually unclean!”[al] 15 The voice[am] spoke to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not consider[an] ritually unclean!”[ao] 16 This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into heaven.[ap]

17 Now while Peter was puzzling over[aq] what the vision he had seen could signify, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon’s house was[ar] and approached[as] the gate. 18 They[at] called out to ask if Simon, known as Peter,[au] was staying there as a guest. 19 While Peter was still thinking seriously about[av] the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look! Three men are looking for you. 20 But get up,[aw] go down, and accompany them without hesitation,[ax] because I have sent them.” 21 So Peter went down[ay] to the men and said, “Here I am,[az] the person you’re looking for. Why have you come?” 22 They said, “Cornelius the centurion,[ba] a righteous[bb] and God-fearing man, well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation,[bc] was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear a message[bd] from you.” 23 So Peter[be] invited them in and entertained them as guests.

On the next day he got up and set out[bf] with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa[bg] accompanied him. 24 The following day[bh] he entered Caesarea.[bi] Now Cornelius was waiting anxiously[bj] for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 So when[bk] Peter came in, Cornelius met[bl] him, fell[bm] at his feet, and worshiped[bn] him. 26 But Peter helped him up,[bo] saying, “Stand up. I too am a mere mortal.”[bp] 27 Peter[bq] continued talking with him as he went in, and he found many people gathered together.[br] 28 He said to them, “You know that[bs] it is unlawful[bt] for a Jew[bu] to associate with or visit a Gentile,[bv] yet God has shown me that I should call no person[bw] defiled or ritually unclean.[bx] 29 Therefore when you sent for me,[by] I came without any objection. Now may I ask why[bz] you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius[ca] replied,[cb] “Four days ago at this very hour, at three o’clock in the afternoon,[cc] I was praying in my house, and suddenly[cd] a man in shining clothing stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your acts of charity[ce] have been remembered before God.[cf] 32 Therefore send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest in the house of Simon the tanner,[cg] by the sea.’ 33 Therefore I sent for you at once, and you were kind enough to come.[ch] So now we are all here in the presence of God[ci] to listen[cj] to everything the Lord has commanded you to say to us.”[ck]

34 Then Peter started speaking:[cl] “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people,[cm] 35 but in every nation[cn] the person who fears him[co] and does what is right[cp] is welcomed before him. 36 You know[cq] the message[cr] he sent to the people[cs] of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace[ct] through[cu] Jesus Christ[cv] (he is Lord[cw] of all)— 37 you know what happened throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John announced:[cx] 38 with respect to Jesus from Nazareth,[cy] that[cz] God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He[da] went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,[db] because God was with him.[dc] 39 We[dd] are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea[de] and in Jerusalem. They[df] killed him by hanging him on a tree,[dg] 40 but[dh] God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen,[di] 41 not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had already chosen,[dj] who ate and drank[dk] with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He[dl] commanded us to preach to the people and to warn[dm] them[dn] that he is the one[do] appointed[dp] by God as judge[dq] of the living and the dead. 43 About him all the prophets testify,[dr] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins[ds] through his name.”

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on[dt] all those who heard the message.[du] 45 The[dv] circumcised believers[dw] who had accompanied Peter were greatly astonished[dx] that[dy] the gift of the Holy Spirit[dz] had been poured out[ea] even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising[eb] God. Then Peter said, 47 “No one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did,[ec] can he?”[ed] 48 So he gave orders to have them baptized[ee] in the name of Jesus Christ.[ef] Then they asked him to stay for several days.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 10:1 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). It was known as “Caesarea by the sea” (BDAG 499 s.v. Καισάρεια 2). Largely Gentile, it was a center of Roman administration and the location of many of Herod the Great’s building projects (Josephus, Ant. 15.9.6 [15.331-341]).
  2. Acts 10:1 sn A centurion was a noncommissioned officer in the Roman army or one of the auxiliary territorial armies, commanding a centuria of (nominally) 100 men. The responsibilities of centurions were broadly similar to modern junior officers, but there was a wide gap in social status between them and officers, and relatively few were promoted beyond the rank of senior centurion. The Roman troops stationed in Judea were auxiliaries, who would normally be rewarded with Roman citizenship after 25 years of service. Some of the centurions throughout the region may have served originally in the Roman legions (regular army) and thus gained their citizenship at enlistment. Others may have inherited it, like the apostle Paul did (cf. Acts 22:28).
  3. Acts 10:1 sn A cohort was a Roman military unit of about 600 soldiers, one-tenth of a legion (BDAG 936 s.v. σπεῖρα). The Italian Cohort has been identified as cohors II Italica which is known to have been stationed in Syria in a.d. 88.
  4. Acts 10:2 tn In the Greek text this represents a continuation of the previous sentence. Because of the tendency of contemporary English to use shorter sentences, a new sentence was begun here in the translation.
  5. Acts 10:2 sn The description of Cornelius as a devout, God-fearing man probably means that he belonged to the category called “God-fearers,” Gentiles who worshiped the God of Israel and in many cases kept the Mosaic law, but did not take the final step of circumcision necessary to become a proselyte to Judaism. See further K. G. Kuhn, TDNT 6:732-34, 43-44, and Sir 11:17; 27:11; 39:27.
  6. Acts 10:2 tn Or “gave many gifts to the poor.” This was known as “giving alms,” or acts of mercy (Sir 7:10; BDAG 315-16 s.v. ἐλεημοσύνη).
  7. Acts 10:3 tn Grk “at about the ninth hour of the day.” This would be the time for afternoon prayer.
  8. Acts 10:3 tn Or “the angel of God.” Linguistically, “angel of God” is the same in both testaments (and thus, he is either “an angel of God” or “the angel of God” in both testaments). For arguments and implications, see ExSyn 252; M. J. Davidson, “Angels,” DJG, 9; W. G. MacDonald argues for “an angel” in both testaments: “Christology and ‘The Angel of the Lord’,” Current Issues in Biblical and Patristic Interpretation, 324-35.
  9. Acts 10:3 tn The participles εἰσελθόντα (eiselthonta) and εἰπόντα (eiponta) are accusative, and thus best taken as adjectival participles modifying ἄγγελον (angelon): “an angel who came in and said.”
  10. Acts 10:4 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Cornelius) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  11. Acts 10:4 tn Grk “said,” but in response to the angel’s address, “replied” is better English style.
  12. Acts 10:4 tn Grk “he”; the referent (the angel) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  13. Acts 10:4 tn Or “your gifts to the needy.”
  14. Acts 10:4 sn The language used in the expression gone up as a memorial before God parallels what one would say of acceptable sacrifices (Ps 141:2; Sir 35:6; 50:16).
  15. Acts 10:5 tn Grk “And now.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  16. Acts 10:5 sn Joppa was a seaport on the Philistine coast, in the same location as modern Jaffa.
  17. Acts 10:5 tn Grk “a certain Simon.”
  18. Acts 10:6 tn Or “with a certain Simon Berseus.” Although most modern English translations treat βυρσεῖ (bursei) as Simon’s profession (“Simon the tanner”), it is possible that the word is actually Simon’s surname (“Simon Berseus” or “Simon Tanner”). BDAG 185 s.v. βυρσεύς regards it as a surname. See also MM 118.
  19. Acts 10:7 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Cornelius) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  20. Acts 10:7 tn Or “domestic servants.” The Greek word here is οἰκέτης (oiketēs), which technically refers to a member of the household, but usually means a household servant (slave) or personal servant rather than a field laborer.
  21. Acts 10:7 tn The meaning of the genitive participle προσκαρτερούντων (proskarterountōn) could either be “a soldier from the ranks of those who served him” (referring to his entire command) or “a soldier from among his personal staff” (referring to a group of soldiers who were his personal attendants). The translation “from among those who served him” is general enough to cover either possibility.
  22. Acts 10:9 tn Grk “about the sixth hour.”
  23. Acts 10:9 tn The participles ὁδοιπορούντων (hodoiporountōn, “while they were on their way”) and ἐγγιζόντων (engizontōn, “approaching”) have been translated as temporal participles.
  24. Acts 10:9 sn Went up on the roof. Most of the roofs in the NT were flat roofs made of pounded dirt, sometimes mixed with lime or stones, supported by heavy wooden beams. They generally had an easy means of access, either a sturdy wooden ladder or stone stairway, sometimes on the outside of the house.
  25. Acts 10:10 tn The traditional translation, “he fell into a trance,” is somewhat idiomatic; it is based on the textual variant ἐπέπεσεν (epepesen, “he fell”) found in the Byzantine text but almost certainly not original.
  26. Acts 10:11 tn Grk “And he.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun.
  27. Acts 10:11 tn Or “the sky” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).
  28. Acts 10:11 tn On the heavens “opening,” see Matt 3:16; Luke 3:21; Rev 19:11 (cf. BDAG 84 s.v. ἀνοίγω 2). This is the language of a vision or a revelatory act of God.
  29. Acts 10:11 tn Or “a large linen cloth” (the term was used for the sail of a ship; BDAG 693 s.v. ὀθόνη).
  30. Acts 10:11 tn Or “coming down.”
  31. Acts 10:11 tn Or “to the ground.”
  32. Acts 10:12 tn Grk “in which.” The relative pronoun was replaced by the pronoun “it,” and a new sentence was begun in the translation at this point to improve the English style.
  33. Acts 10:12 tn Or “snakes.” Grk “creeping things.” According to L&N 4.51, in most biblical contexts the term (due to the influence of Hebrew classifications such as Gen 1:25-26, 30) included small four-footed animals like rats, mice, frogs, toads, salamanders, and lizards. In this context, however, where “creeping things” are contrasted with “four-footed animals,” the English word “reptiles,” which primarily but not exclusively designates snakes, is probably more appropriate. See also Gen 6:20, as well as the law making such creatures unclean food in Lev 11:2-47.
  34. Acts 10:12 tn Grk “the birds of the sky” or “the birds of the heaven”; the Greek word οὐρανός (ouranos) may be translated either “sky” or “heaven,” depending on the context. The idiomatic expression “birds of the sky” refers to wild birds as opposed to domesticated fowl (cf. BDAG 809 s.v. πετεινόν).
  35. Acts 10:13 tn Grk “And there came.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  36. Acts 10:13 tn Grk “a voice to him”; the word “said” is not in the Greek text but is implied.
  37. Acts 10:13 tn Or “kill.” Traditionally θῦσον (thuson) is translated “kill,” but in the case of animals intended for food, “slaughter” is more appropriate.
  38. Acts 10:14 tn Possibly there is a subtle distinction in meaning between κοινός (koinos) and ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos) here, but according to L&N 53.39 it is difficult to determine precise differences in meaning based on existing contexts.sn Peter insisted he would not violate the law by eating anything defiled and ritually unclean. These food laws were one of the practices that distinguished Jews from their Gentile neighbors. The practice made table fellowship with Gentiles awkward. For an example of Jewish attitudes to this, see Dan 1:8-16; 1 Macc 1:41-64; Letter of Aristeas 142; Tacitus, History 5.5.
  39. Acts 10:15 tn Grk “And the voice.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  40. Acts 10:15 tn Or “declare.”
  41. Acts 10:15 sn For the significance of this vision see Mark 7:14-23; Rom 14:14; Eph 2:11-22. God directed this change in practice.
  42. Acts 10:16 tn Or “into the sky” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).
  43. Acts 10:17 tn Or “was greatly confused over.” The term means to be perplexed or at a loss (BDAG 235 s.v. διαπορέω).
  44. Acts 10:17 tn Grk “having learned.” The participle διερωτήσαντες (dierōtēsantes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  45. Acts 10:17 tn BDAG 418 s.v. ἐφίστημι 1 has “ἐπί τι approach or stand by someth. (Sir 41:24) Ac 10:17.”sn As Peter puzzled over the meaning of the vision, the messengers from Cornelius approached the gate. God’s direction here had a sense of explanatory timing.
  46. Acts 10:18 tn Grk “and.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun by supplying the pronoun “they” as the subject of the following verb.
  47. Acts 10:18 tn Grk “Simon, the one called Peter.” This qualification was necessary because the owner of the house was also named Simon (Acts 9:43).
  48. Acts 10:19 tn The translation “think seriously about” for διενθυμέομαι (dienthumeomai) is given in L&N 30.2. Peter was “pondering” the vision (BDAG 244 s.v.).
  49. Acts 10:20 tn Grk “But getting up, go down.” The participle ἀναστάς (anastas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  50. Acts 10:20 tn The term means “without doubting” or “without deliberation.” It is a term of conscience and discernment. In effect, Peter is to listen to them rather than hesitate (BDAG 231 s.v. διακρίνω 6).
  51. Acts 10:21 tn Grk “Peter going down to the men, said.” The participle καταβάς (katabas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  52. Acts 10:21 tn Grk “Behold, it is I whom you seek,” or “Behold, I am the one you seek.” “Here I am” is used to translate ἰδοὺ ἐγώ εἰμι (idou egō eimi).
  53. Acts 10:22 sn See the note on the word centurion in 10:1.
  54. Acts 10:22 tn Or “just.”
  55. Acts 10:22 tn The phrase τοῦ ἔθνους τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων (tou ethnous tōn Ioudaiōn) is virtually a technical term for the Jewish nation (1 Macc 10:25; 11:30, 33; Josephus, Ant. 14.10.22 [14.248]). “All the Jewish people,” while another possible translation of the Greek phrase, does not convey the technical sense of a reference to the nation in English.sn The long introduction of Cornelius by his messengers is an attempt to commend this Gentile to his Jewish counterpart, which would normally be important to do in the culture of the time.
  56. Acts 10:22 tn Grk “hear words.”
  57. Acts 10:23 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Peter) has been specified in the translation for clarity.sn When Peter entertained them as guests, he performed a culturally significant act denoting acceptance.
  58. Acts 10:23 tn Or “went forth.”
  59. Acts 10:23 sn Some of the brothers from Joppa. As v. 45 makes clear, there were Jewish Christians in this group of witnesses.
  60. Acts 10:24 tn Grk “On the next day,” but since this phrase has already occurred in v. 23, it would be redundant in English to use it again here.
  61. Acts 10:24 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi).
  62. Acts 10:24 tn Normally προσδοκάω (prosdokaō) means “to wait with apprehension or anxiety for something,” often with the implication of impending danger or trouble (L&N 25.228), but in this context the anxiety Cornelius would have felt came from the importance of the forthcoming message as announced by the angel.
  63. Acts 10:25 tn Grk “So it happened that when.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  64. Acts 10:25 tn Grk “meeting him.” The participle συναντήσας (sunantēsas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  65. Acts 10:25 tn Grk “falling at his feet, worshiped.” The participle πεσών (pesōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  66. Acts 10:25 sn When Cornelius worshiped Peter, it showed his piety and his respect for Peter, but it was an act based on ignorance, as Peter’s remark in v. 26 indicates.
  67. Acts 10:26 tn BDAG 271 s.v. ἐγείρω 3 has “raise, help to rise….Stretched out Ac 10:26.”
  68. Acts 10:26 tn Although it is certainly true that Peter was a “man,” here ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) has been translated as “mere mortal” because the emphasis in context is not on Peter’s maleness, but his humanity. Contrary to what Cornelius thought, Peter was not a god or an angelic being, but a mere mortal.
  69. Acts 10:27 tn Grk “And he”; the referent (Peter) has been specified in the translation for clarity. Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  70. Acts 10:27 tn Or “many people assembled.”
  71. Acts 10:28 tn Here ὡς (hōs) is used like ὅτι (hoti) to introduce indirect discourse (cf. BDAG 1105 s.v. ὡς 5).
  72. Acts 10:28 tn This term is used of wanton or callously lawless acts (BDAG 24 s.v. ἀθέμιτος).
  73. Acts 10:28 tn Grk “a Jewish man” (ἀνδρὶ ᾿Ιουδαίῳ, andri Ioudaiō).
  74. Acts 10:28 tn Grk “a foreigner,” but in this context, “a non-Jew,” that is, a Gentile. This term speaks of intimate association (BDAG 556 s.v. κολλάω 2.b.α). On this Jewish view, see John 18:28, where a visit to a Gentile residence makes a Jewish person unclean.
  75. Acts 10:28 tn This is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos).
  76. Acts 10:28 tn Possibly there is a subtle distinction in meaning between κοινός (koinos) and ἀκάθαρτος (akathartos) here, but according to L&N 53.39 it is difficult to determine precise differences in meaning based on existing contexts.sn God has shown me…unclean. Peter sees the significance of his vision as not about food, but about open fellowship between Jewish Christians and Gentiles.
  77. Acts 10:29 tn Grk “Therefore when I was sent for.” The passive participle μεταπεμφθείς (metapemphtheis) has been taken temporally and converted to an active construction which is less awkward in English.
  78. Acts 10:29 tn Grk “ask for what reason.”
  79. Acts 10:30 tn Grk “And Cornelius.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  80. Acts 10:30 tn Grk “said.”
  81. Acts 10:30 tn Grk “at the ninth hour.” Again, this is the hour of afternoon prayer.
  82. Acts 10:30 tn Grk “and behold.” The interjection ἰδού (idou) is difficult at times to translate into English. Here it has been translated as “suddenly” to convey the force of Cornelius’ account of the angel’s appearance.
  83. Acts 10:31 tn Or “your gifts to the needy.”
  84. Acts 10:31 sn This statement is a paraphrase rather than an exact quotation of Acts 10:4.
  85. Acts 10:32 tn Or “with a certain Simon Berseus.” Although most modern English translations treat βυρσεῖ (bursei) as Simon’s profession (“Simon the tanner”), it is possible that the word is actually Simon’s surname (“Simon Berseus” or “Simon Tanner”). BDAG 185 s.v. βυρσεύς regards it as a surname.
  86. Acts 10:33 tn Grk “you have done well by coming.” The idiom καλῶς ποιεῖν (kalōs poiein) is translated “be kind enough to do someth.” by BDAG 505-6 s.v. καλῶς 4.a. The participle παραγενόμενος (paragenomenos) has been translated as an English infinitive due to the nature of the English idiom (“kind enough to” + infinitive).
  87. Acts 10:33 tn The translation “we are here in the presence of God” for ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ πάρεσμεν (enōpion tou theou paresmen) is given by BDAG 773 s.v. πάρειμι 1.a.
  88. Acts 10:33 tn Or “to hear everything.”
  89. Acts 10:33 tn The words “to say to us” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Cornelius knows Peter is God’s representative, bringing God’s message.
  90. Acts 10:34 tn Grk “Opening his mouth Peter said” (a Semitic idiom for beginning to speak in a somewhat formal manner). The participle ἀνοίξας (anoixas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  91. Acts 10:34 tn Grk “God is not one who is a respecter of persons,” that is, “God is not one to show partiality” (cf. BDAG 887 s.v. προσωπολήμπτης). L&N 88.239 translates this verse “I realize that God does not show favoritism (in dealing with people).” The underlying Hebrew idiom includes the personal element (“respecter of persons”) so the phrase “in dealing with people” is included in the present translation. It fits very well with the following context and serves to emphasize the relational component of God’s lack of partiality. The latter is a major theme in the NT: Rom 2:11; Eph 2:11-22; Col 3:25; Jas 2:1; 1 Pet 1:17. This was the lesson of Peter’s vision.
  92. Acts 10:35 sn See Luke 24:47.
  93. Acts 10:35 tn Or “shows reverence for him.”
  94. Acts 10:35 tn Grk “works righteousness”; the translation “does what is right” for this phrase in this verse is given by L&N 25.85.sn Note how faith and response are linked here by the phrase and does what is right.
  95. Acts 10:36 tn The subject and verb (“you know”) do not actually occur until the following verse, but have been repeated here because of the requirements of English word order.
  96. Acts 10:36 tn Grk “the word.”
  97. Acts 10:36 tn Grk “to the sons.”
  98. Acts 10:36 sn Peace is a key OT concept: Isa 52:7; Nah 1:15; also for Luke: Luke 1:79; 2:14; Acts 9:31. See also the similar phrase in Eph 2:17.
  99. Acts 10:36 tn Or “by.”
  100. Acts 10:36 tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”
  101. Acts 10:36 sn He is Lord of all. Though a parenthetical remark, this is the theological key to the speech. Jesus is Lord of all, so the gospel can go to all. The rest of the speech proclaims Jesus’ authority.
  102. Acts 10:37 tn Or “proclaimed.”
  103. Acts 10:38 sn The somewhat awkward naming of Jesus as from Nazareth here is actually emphatic. He is the key subject of these key events.
  104. Acts 10:38 tn Or “how.” The use of ὡς (hōs) as an equivalent to ὅτι (hoti) to introduce indirect or even direct discourse is well documented. BDAG 1105 s.v. ὡς 5 lists Acts 10:28 in this category.
  105. Acts 10:38 tn Grk “power, who.” The relative pronoun was replaced by the pronoun “he,” and a new sentence was begun in the translation at this point to improve the English style, due to the length of the sentence in Greek.
  106. Acts 10:38 tn The translation “healing all who were oppressed by the devil” is given in L&N 22.22.sn All who were oppressed by the devil. Note how healing is tied to the cosmic battle present in creation. Christ’s power overcomes the devil and his forces, which seek to destroy humanity.
  107. Acts 10:38 sn See Acts 7:9.
  108. Acts 10:39 tn Grk “And we.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  109. Acts 10:39 tn Grk “the land of the Jews,” but this is similar to the phrase used as the name of the province of Judea in 1 Macc 8:3 (see BDAG 1093-94 s.v. χώρα 2.b).
  110. Acts 10:39 tn Grk “in Jerusalem, whom they killed.” The relative pronoun was replaced by the pronoun “him” and a new sentence was begun in the translation at this point to improve the English style, due to the length of the sentence in Greek.
  111. Acts 10:39 tn Or “by crucifying him” (“hang on a tree” is by the time of the 1st century an idiom for crucifixion). The allusion is to the judgment against Jesus as a rebellious figure, appealing to the language of Deut 21:23. The Jewish leadership has badly “misjudged” Jesus.
  112. Acts 10:40 tn The conjunction “but” is not in the Greek text, but the contrast is clearly implied in the context. This is technically asyndeton, or lack of a connective, in Greek.
  113. Acts 10:40 tn Grk “and granted that he should become visible.” The literal Greek idiom is somewhat awkward in English. L&N 24.22 offers the translation “caused him to be seen” for this verse.
  114. Acts 10:41 tn Or “the witnesses God had previously chosen.” See Acts 1:8.
  115. Acts 10:41 sn Ate and drank. See Luke 24:35-49.
  116. Acts 10:42 tn Grk “and he.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  117. Acts 10:42 tn The verb διαμαρτύρομαι (diamarturomai) can mean “warn,” and such a meaning is highly probable in this context where a reference to the judgment of both the living and the dead is present. The more general meaning “to testify solemnly” does not capture this nuance.
  118. Acts 10:42 tn The word “them” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader.
  119. Acts 10:42 tn Grk “that this one is the one,” but this is awkward in English and has been simplified to “that he is the one.”
  120. Acts 10:42 tn Or “designated.” BDAG 723 s.v. ὁρίζω 2.b has “the one appointed by God as judge” for this phrase.
  121. Acts 10:42 sn Jesus has divine authority as judge over the living and the dead: Acts 17:26-31; Rom 14:9; 1 Thess 5:9-10; 1 Tim 4:1; 1 Pet 4:5.
  122. Acts 10:43 tn Or “All the prophets testify about him.” Although modern English translations tend to place “about him” after “testify” (so NIV, NRSV) the phrase “about him” has been left at the beginning of v. 43 for emphatic reasons.
  123. Acts 10:43 sn Forgiveness of sins. See Luke 24:47; also Acts 14:23; 19:4; 9:42; 11:17; 16:31. The gospel is present in the prophetic promise, Rom 1:1-7. The message is in continuity with the ancient hope.
  124. Acts 10:44 tn Or “came down on.” God now acted to confirm the point of Peter’s speech.
  125. Acts 10:44 tn Or “word.”
  126. Acts 10:45 tn Grk “And the.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  127. Acts 10:45 tn Or “The Jewish Christians”; Grk “The believers from the circumcision.”
  128. Acts 10:45 sn The Jewish Christians who were with Peter were greatly astonished because they thought the promise of the Spirit would be limited only to those of Israel. God’s plan was taking on fresh dimensions even as it was a reflection of what the prophets had promised.
  129. Acts 10:45 tn Or “because.”
  130. Acts 10:45 tn That is, the gift consisting of the Holy Spirit. Here τοῦ πνεύματος (tou pneumatos) is a genitive of apposition; the gift consists of the Spirit.
  131. Acts 10:45 sn The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out. Cf. the account in Acts 2, especially 2:33. Note also Joel 2:17-21 and Acts 11:15-18.
  132. Acts 10:46 tn Or “extolling,” “magnifying.”
  133. Acts 10:47 tn Grk “just as also we.” The auxiliary verb in English must be supplied. This could be either “have” (NIV, NRSV) or “did” (NASB). “Did” is preferred here because the comparison Peter is making concerns not just the fact of the present possession of the Spirit (“they received the Spirit we now possess”), but the manner in which the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house received the Spirit (“they received the Spirit in the same manner we did [on the day of Pentecost]”).
  134. Acts 10:47 tn The Greek construction anticipates a negative reply which is indicated in the translation by the ‘tag’ question, “can he?” The question is rhetorical. Peter was saying these Gentiles should be baptized since God had confirmed they were his.
  135. Acts 10:48 tn The Greek construction (passive infinitive with accusative subject) could be translated either “he ordered them to be baptized” or “he ordered that they be baptized,” but the implication in English in either case is that Peter was giving orders to the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house, telling them to get baptized. It is much more likely in the context that Peter was ordering those Jewish Christians who accompanied him to baptize the new Gentile converts. They would doubtless have still had misgivings even after witnessing the outpouring of the Spirit and hearing the tongues. It took Peter’s apostolic authority (“ordered”) to convince them to perform the baptisms.
  136. Acts 10:48 tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.” Jesus’ right to judge as the provider of forgiveness is highlighted here.