King James Version

What Does Acts 10:20 Mean?

Acts 10:20 in the King James Version says “Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 10:20 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Spirit commanded Peter: 'Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.' The command to go 'doubting nothing' addressed Peter's hesitation about associating with Gentiles. The phrase 'I have sent them' reveals the Spirit's sovereign orchestration - the Gentile messengers came at the Spirit's sending, not mere human initiative. Reformed theology emphasizes the Spirit's active role in bringing elect sinners to gospel messengers. Peter's obedience despite cultural and religious barriers would open salvation's door to the Gentile world.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish-Gentile separation was deeply ingrained through centuries of law observance. For Peter to enter a Gentile home violated traditional understanding of ceremonial purity (John 18:28). The Spirit's direct command was necessary to overcome this barrier.

Reflection Questions

  1. What doubts does the Spirit sometimes need to address for us to obey His leading?
  2. How does the Spirit's 'sending' of the Gentile messengers demonstrate God's sovereignty in salvation?
  3. What cultural or traditional barriers might God call us to cross for the gospel's sake?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 13

therefore

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἀναστὰς2 of 13

Arise

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

κατάβηθι3 of 13

and get thee down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

καὶ4 of 13

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πορεύου5 of 13

go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

σὺν6 of 13

with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτούς7 of 13

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μηδὲν8 of 13

nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

διακρινόμενος9 of 13

doubting

G1252

to separate thoroughly, i.e., (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from, or (by implication) oppose; figuratively, to discriminate (by implication,

διότι10 of 13

for

G1360

on the very account that, or inasmuch as

ἐγὼ11 of 13

I

G1473

i, me

ἀπέσταλκα12 of 13

have sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

αὐτούς13 of 13

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 10:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 10:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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