使徒行傳 10
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Traditional)
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。 2 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。 3 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!」
4 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。 5 如今你要派人去約帕,請一個叫西門·彼得的人來。 6 他住在一個叫西門的皮革匠家裡,房子在海邊。」
7 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, 8 把剛才的事告訴他們,然後差他們去約帕。
彼得見異象
9 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。
Acts 10
English Standard Version
Peter and Cornelius
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of (A)what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man (B)who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 (C)About the ninth hour of the day[a] (D)he saw clearly in a vision (E)an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms (F)have ascended (G)as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging (H)with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Peter's Vision
9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, (I)Peter went up (J)on the housetop about (K)the sixth hour[b] to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into (L)a trance 11 and saw (M)the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; (N)for I have never eaten anything that is (O)common or (P)unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, (Q)“What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what (R)the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, (S)the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering (T)the vision, (U)the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and (V)accompany them without hesitation,[c] for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and (W)God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by (X)a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and (Y)to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests.
The next day he rose and went away with them, and (Z)some of (AA)the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and (AB)fell down at his feet and (AC)worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, (AD)“Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew (AE)to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but (AF)God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”
30 And Cornelius said, (AG)“Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at (AH)the ninth hour,[d] and behold, (AI)a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, (AJ)your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 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.”
Gentiles Hear the Good News
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that (AK)God (AL)shows no partiality, 35 but (AM)in every nation anyone who fears him and (AN)does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for (AO)the word that he sent to Israel, (AP)preaching good news of (AQ)peace through Jesus Christ ((AR)he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, (AS)beginning (AT)from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how (AU)God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (AV)with the Holy Spirit and with (AW)power. He went about doing good and healing all (AX)who were oppressed by the devil, (AY)for God was with him. 39 And (AZ)we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. (BA)They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but (BB)God raised him on (BC)the third day and made him to (BD)appear, 41 (BE)not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as (BF)witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And (BG)he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify (BH)that he is the one appointed by God to be judge (BI)of the living and the dead. 43 (BJ)To him (BK)all the prophets bear witness that (BL)everyone who believes in him receives (BM)forgiveness of sins (BN)through his name.”
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still saying these things, (BO)the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among (BP)the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because (BQ)the gift of the Holy Spirit (BR)was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them (BS)speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 (BT)“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit (BU)just as we have?” 48 And he (BV)commanded them (BW)to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Footnotes
- Acts 10:3 That is, 3 p.m.
- Acts 10:9 That is, noon
- Acts 10:20 Or accompany them, making no distinction
- Acts 10:30 That is, 3 p.m.
Gevurot 10
Orthodox Jewish Bible
10 Now a certain ish in Caesarea by name Cornelius, a centurion from what was called the Italian cohort,
2 A devout man, a yire Elohim, as was all his bais, who practiced much tzedakah for the benefit of Am Yisroel, and davened to Hashem continually.
3 Cornelius clearly saw in a chazon (vision) lav davka (approximately) at the ninth hour of the day (three o’clock in the afternoon) a malach Hashem having come to him and having said to him, "Cornelius!" [TEHILLIM 55:17]
4 And having looked intently at him and having become afraid, Cornelius said, "What is it, Adon?" The malach said to him, "Your tefillos and your giving tzedakah have ascended as a zikaron (memorial) before Hashem. [TEHILLIM 20:3]
5 "Now dispatch some anashim to Yafo and send for a certain Shimon who is also called Kefa.
6 "This one is staying with a certain Shimon, a tanner, whose bais is by the sea."
7 And, when the malach speaking to him had departed, Cornelius summoned shnayim of his household avadim and a devout chaiyal (soldier) from among the ones in his service,
8 Having explained everything, sent them to Yafo.
9 Now on the next day, as these were traveling and drawing near to Yafo, around the sixth hour (noon), Kefa went up on to the roof to daven (pray).
10 And Kefa became hungry, and was wanting to have a meal; but while they were preparing it, Kefa fell into a trance;
11 And he sees Shomayim having been opened, and a certain object descending like a large linen cloth lowered by four corners upon haAretz.
12 In this were all the fourfooted animals and remasim haAdamah (creepers of the earth) and oph haShomayim (birds of heaven, birds of the air).
13 And there came a bat kol (voice) to him, "Get up, Kefa, kill and eat!"
14 But Kefa said, "Chalilah li, Adonoi! For I have never eaten basar piggul (unclean meat) or shikkutz tameh (abominable unclean thing)." [VAYIKRA 11:4-20; 20-25; DEVARIM 14:3-20; YECHEZKEL 4:14]
15 And the bat kol came to Kefa again for a second time, "What Hashem made tahor (clean), you should no longer regard as tameh (unclean)." [BERESHIS 9:3]
16 And this happened shloshah pe’amim; and immediately the object was taken up into Shomayim.
17 Now, while Kefa was greatly perplexed within himself as to what the chazon which he saw might be, hinei, the anashim, who had been sent by Cornelius, and who had, by inquiring, found the bais of Shimon, stood at the gate.
18 And, calling out, they were asking if Shimon, the one called Kefa, is staying here.
19 And while Kefa was reflecting on the chazon, the Ruach Hakodesh said to him, "Hinei, shloshah anashim are looking for you.
20 "But get up and go downstairs and accompany them without apprehensions, for I myself have sent them."
21 And Kefa went downstairs to the anashim and said, "Hinei, I am the one whom you are seeking; for what reason did you come?"
22 And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, an ish tzaddik, and a yire Elohim with a shem tov with all the Am HaYehudim, was directed by a malach kadosh to summon you to his bais and to hear a message from you."
23 Therefore, having invited them in, Kefa gave them hachnosas orchim (hospitality, lodging). And on the next day Kefa got up and went away with them, and some of the Achim b’Moshiach from Yafo accompanied him.
24 And on the following day, Moshiach’s Shliach Shimon Kefa entered into Caesarea, and Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his krovey mishpokhot (relatives) and close friends.
25 Now when it came about that Kefa entered, Cornelius met him, falling at his feet to pay him reverence. [DANIEL 7:14; 3:18]
26 Kefa made him stand up, saying, "Get up. I myself am only a ben Adam like everyone else."
27 And as he conversed with Cornelius, Kefa entered and finds many having assembled,
28 And he said to them, "You have da’as that it is asur (prohibited) for an ish Yehudi to associate with or to approach a nokhri (foreigner). And yet to me Hashem showed to call no one shikkutz (abomination) or tameh (unclean).
29 "Therefore, also, when summoned, I came, raising no objections. And so I ask for what reason you summoned me?"
30 Cornelius said, "Four days ago to this hour, I was davening in my bais at the ninth hour, and, hinei, a being stood before me enrobed in shining radiance,
31 "And he said, ‘Cornelius, your tefillah was heard and your tzedakah is remembered before Hashem.
32 ‘Therefore, send to Yafo and summon Shimon who is called Kefa. He is staying in the bais of Shimon the tanner by the sea.’
33 "At once I sent for you and you did well having come. Now, therefore, we all are present before Hashem to hear all the things that have been commanded to you by Adonoi."
34 And opening his mouth, Kefa said, "Omein, I have binah that Hashem is not one to show masso panim (partiality), [Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7; Job 34:19]
35 "But in every nation the ones who have yirat Shomayim and work Tzidkat Hashem are acceptable to him.
36 "The dvar which he sent to the Bnei Yisroel, preaching shalom through Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua (Hu Adon Kol!) [Isa 52:7; Ps 107:20; 147:18 TARGUM HASHIVIM]
37 "That word, I say, you know the thing which took place throughout all Yehudah, having begun from the Galil after the tevilah of teshuva which Yochanan preached;
38 "You know Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua from Natzeret, how Hashem anointed him with the Ruach Hakodesh and with ko’ach (power), and how he went about doing mitzvot and giving refu’ah shlemah to all the ones being oppressed by Samael (the devil) because Hashem was with him. [YESHAYAH 61:1]
39 "We are edim (witnesses) of all things which he did both in the countryside of Yehudah and in Yerushalayim. And they also put him to death, having hanged nivlato al haEtz (his body on the Tree, DEVARIM 21:23).
40 "This one Hashem made to stand up alive again on the Yom HaShelishi and granted to him to be visible,
41 "Not to Klal Yisroel, but to edim which had been chosen beforehand by Hashem, that is, to us who ate and drank together with him at Tish after the Techiyas HaMoshiach.
42 "Moshiach gave mitzvah to us to preach to the people and to bear solemn edut that this one is the one having been appointed by Hashem as Shofet HaChayyim v’HaMesim.
43 "To this one all the Nevi’im bear witness that through ha-Shem of him [Moshiach Yehoshua, Yeshua] everyone who has emunah in him has selicha (forgiveness) of chatta’'im (averos, sins).
44 While Kefa was still speaking these words, the Ruach Hakodesh fell upon all the ones hearing the dvar.
45 And the Messianic Jews who had come with Kefa were mishpoyel (standing in awe) that also upon the Goyim the matnat HaRuach Hakodesh has been poured out.
46 For they were hearing them speaking in leshonot and exalting Hashem. Then Kefa answered,
47 "Surely no one can refuse the mikveh mayim for these to be given Moshiach’s tevilah of teshuva who have received the Ruach Hakodesh just as we did, can he?" [Ac 2:4; cf Lk 3:16; Ac 11:16]
48 And Kefa directed for them to be given Moshiach’s tevilah of teshuva in the Shem of Moshiach Yehoshua (Yeshua). Then they asked him to remain some yamim.
Acts 10
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
IV. The Inauguration of the Gentile Mission
Chapter 10
The Vision of Cornelius.(A) 1 [a]Now in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Cohort called the Italica,[b] 2 devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously[c] to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly. 3 One afternoon about three o’clock,[d] he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 He looked intently at him and, seized with fear, said, “What is it, sir?” He said to him, “Your prayers and almsgiving have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send some men to Joppa and summon one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with another Simon, a tanner, who has a house by the sea.”(B) 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier[e] from his staff, 8 explained everything to them, and sent them to Joppa.
The Vision of Peter. 9 [f]The next day, while they were on their way and nearing the city, Peter went up to the roof terrace to pray at about noontime.[g] 10 He was hungry and wished to eat, and while they were making preparations he fell into a trance. 11 (C)He saw heaven opened and something resembling a large sheet coming down, lowered to the ground by its four corners. 12 In it were all the earth’s four-legged animals and reptiles and the birds of the sky. 13 A voice said to him, “Get up, Peter. Slaughter and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Certainly not, sir. For never have I eaten anything profane and unclean.”(D) 15 The voice spoke to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.”(E) 16 This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into the sky.
17 [h]While Peter was in doubt about the meaning of the vision he had seen, the men sent by Cornelius asked for Simon’s house and arrived at the entrance. 18 They called out inquiring whether Simon, who is called Peter, was staying there. 19 As Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said [to him], “There are three men here looking for you.(F) 20 So get up, go downstairs, and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your being here?” 22 They answered, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, respected by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear what you have to say.”(G) 23 So he invited them in and showed them hospitality.
The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. 24 [i]On the following day he entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 (H)When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and, falling at his feet, paid him homage. 26 Peter, however, raised him up, saying, “Get up. I myself am also a human being.” 27 While he conversed with him, he went in and found many people gathered together 28 (I)and said to them, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with, or visit, a Gentile, but God has shown me that I should not call any person profane or unclean.[j] 29 And that is why I came without objection when sent for. May I ask, then, why you summoned me?”
30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago[k] at this hour, three o’clock in the afternoon, I was at prayer in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling robes stood before me and said, 31 ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your almsgiving remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to listen to all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Peter’s Speech.[l] 34 Then Peter proceeded to speak and said,[m] “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.(J) 35 Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. 36 [n]You know the word [that] he sent to the Israelites[o] as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all,(K) 37 what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached,(L) 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth[p] with the holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.(M) 39 We are witnesses[q] of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and [in] Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. 40 This man God raised [on] the third day and granted that he be visible, 41 not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.(N) 42 He commissioned us(O) to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.[r] 43 To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The Baptism of Cornelius. 44 (P)While Peter was still speaking these things, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.[s] 45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also, 46 for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit even as we have?”(Q) 48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. 49 Then they invited him to stay for a few days.
Footnotes
- 10:1–48 The narrative centers on the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile and a “God-fearer” (see note on Acts 8:26–40). Luke considers the event of great importance, as is evident from his long treatment of it. The incident is again related in Acts 11:1–18 where Peter is forced to justify his actions before the Jerusalem community and alluded to in Acts 15:7–11 where at the Jerusalem “Council” Peter supports Paul’s missionary activity among the Gentiles. The narrative divides itself into a series of distinct episodes, concluding with Peter’s presentation of the Christian kerygma (Acts 10:4–43) and a pentecostal experience undergone by Cornelius’ household preceding their reception of baptism (Acts 10:44–48).
- 10:1 The Cohort called the Italica: this battalion was an auxiliary unit of archers formed originally in Italy but transferred to Syria shortly before A.D. 69.
- 10:2 Used to give alms generously: like Tabitha (Acts 9:36), Cornelius exemplifies the proper attitude toward wealth (see note on Acts 9:36).
- 10:3 About three o’clock: literally, “about the ninth hour.” See note on Acts 3:1.
- 10:7 A devout soldier: by using this adjective, Luke probably intends to classify him as a “God-fearer” (see note on Acts 8:26–40).
- 10:9–16 The vision is intended to prepare Peter to share the food of Cornelius’ household without qualms of conscience (Acts 10:48). The necessity of such instructions to Peter reveals that at first not even the apostles fully grasped the implications of Jesus’ teaching on the law. In Acts, the initial insight belongs to Stephen.
- 10:9 At about noontime: literally, “about the sixth hour.”
- 10:17–23 The arrival of the Gentile emissaries with their account of the angelic apparition illuminates Peter’s vision: he is to be prepared to admit Gentiles, who were considered unclean like the animals of his vision, into the Christian community.
- 10:24–27 So impressed is Cornelius with the apparition that he invites close personal friends to join him in his meeting with Peter. But his understanding of the person he is about to meet is not devoid of superstition, suggested by his falling down before him. For a similar experience of Paul and Barnabas, see Acts 14:11–18.
- 10:28 Peter now fully understands the meaning of his vision; see note on Acts 10:17–23.
- 10:30 Four days ago: literally, “from the fourth day up to this hour.”
- 10:34–43 Peter’s speech to the household of Cornelius typifies early Christian preaching to Gentiles.
- 10:34–35 The revelation of God’s choice of Israel to be the people of God did not mean he withheld the divine favor from other people.
- 10:36–43 These words are more directed to Luke’s Christian readers than to the household of Cornelius, as indicated by the opening words, “You know.” They trace the continuity between the preaching and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth and the proclamation of Jesus by the early community. The emphasis on this divinely ordained continuity (Acts 10:41) is meant to assure Luke’s readers of the fidelity of Christian tradition to the words and deeds of Jesus.
- 10:36 To the Israelites: Luke, in the words of Peter, speaks of the prominent position occupied by Israel in the history of salvation.
- 10:38 Jesus of Nazareth: God’s revelation of his plan for the destiny of humanity through Israel culminated in Jesus of Nazareth. Consequently, the ministry of Jesus is an integral part of God’s revelation. This viewpoint explains why the early Christian communities were interested in conserving the historical substance of the ministry of Jesus, a tradition leading to the production of the four gospels.
- 10:39 We are witnesses: the apostolic testimony was not restricted to the resurrection of Jesus but also included his historical ministry. This witness, however, was theological in character; the Twelve, divinely mandated as prophets, were empowered to interpret his sayings and deeds in the light of his redemptive death and resurrection. The meaning of these words and deeds was to be made clear to the developing Christian community as the bearer of the word of salvation (cf. Acts 1:21–26). Hanging him on a tree: see note on Acts 5:30.
- 10:42 As judge of the living and the dead: the apostolic preaching to the Jews appealed to their messianic hope, while the preaching to Gentiles stressed the coming divine judgment; cf. 1 Thes 1:10.
- 10:44 Just as the Jewish Christians received the gift of the Spirit, so too do the Gentiles.
Acts 10
New International Version
Cornelius Calls for Peter
10 At Caesarea(A) there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing;(B) he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon(C) he had a vision.(D) He distinctly saw an angel(E) of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering(F) before God.(G) 5 Now send men to Joppa(H) to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner,(I) whose house is by the sea.”
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.(J)
Peter’s Vision(K)
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof(L) to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.(M) 11 He saw heaven opened(N) and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!”(O) Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”(P)
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”(Q)
16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision,(R) the men sent by Cornelius(S) found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision,(T) the Spirit said(U) to him, “Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”(V)
21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man,(W) who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.”(X) 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Peter at Cornelius’s House
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers(Y) from Joppa went along.(Z) 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea.(AA) Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”(AB)
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.(AC) 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile.(AD) But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.(AE) 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
30 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(AF) stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 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.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism(AG) 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.(AH) 36 You know the message(AI) God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news(AJ) of peace(AK) through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.(AL) 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed(AM) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing(AN) all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.(AO)
39 “We are witnesses(AP) of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,(AQ) 40 but God raised him from the dead(AR) on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people,(AS) but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate(AT) and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people(AU) and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.(AV) 43 All the prophets testify about him(AW) that everyone(AX) who believes(AY) in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”(AZ)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on(BA) all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter(BB) were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out(BC) even on Gentiles.(BD) 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b](BE) and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water.(BF) They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”(BG) 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.(BH) Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Footnotes
- Acts 10:19 One early manuscript two; other manuscripts do not have the number.
- Acts 10:46 Or other languages
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011 by Artists for Israel International
Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.

