King James Version

What Does Acts 10:21 Mean?

Acts 10:21 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Acts 10:21 · King James Version


Context

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.


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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? Peter's immediate, direct response demonstrates readiness to embrace God's revealed will, transitioning from vision's perplexity to obedient action.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This encounter around 40 CE marked Christianity's watershed moment—apostolic recognition of Gentile inclusion without requiring Jewish conversion. Cornelius, Roman centurion, represented Gentile God-fearers attracted to Judaism but excluded from full participation. Peter's willingness to engage these Gentile messengers showed immediate application of rooftop vision's lesson.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does immediate obedience to divine revelation demonstrate genuine submission to God's will?
  2. What role does direct communication play in clarifying God's purposes?
  3. In what ways did Peter's vision prepare him for this encounter?
  4. How should believers respond when God's direction challenges cultural or religious traditions?
  5. What does Peter's openness teach about flexibility when God reveals new understanding?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
καταβὰς1 of 25

“went down”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 25

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

Πέτρος3 of 25

“Peter”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

πρὸς4 of 25

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ἡ5 of 25

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνδρας6 of 25

“the men”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

ἡ7 of 25

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπεσταλμενοῦς8 of 25

“were sent”

G649

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

ἀπὸ9 of 25

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἡ10 of 25

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κορνηλίου11 of 25

“Cornelius”

G2883

cornelius, a roman

πρὸς12 of 25

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὑτὸν,13 of 25

“him”

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

εἶπεν14 of 25

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Ἰδού,15 of 25

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐγώ16 of 25

“I”

G1473

i, me

εἰμι17 of 25

“am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἣν18 of 25

“he whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ζητεῖτε·19 of 25

“ye seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τίς20 of 25

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἡ21 of 25

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰτία22 of 25

“is the cause”

G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

δι'23 of 25

“wherefore”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ἣν24 of 25

“he whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πάρεστε25 of 25

“ye are come”

G3918

to be near, i.e., at hand; neuter present participle (singular) time being, or (plural) property


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 10:21 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 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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