King James Version

What Does Acts 10:22 Mean?

Acts 10:22 in the King James Version says “And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 10:22 · KJV


Context

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 had called together his kinsmen and near friends.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The messengers' description of Cornelius establishes his credibility while emphasizing divine initiative in this revolutionary Gentile outreach.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Centurions commanded 80-100 soldiers in Roman legion. Several biblical centurions display remarkable faith (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 23:47). Cornelius's reputation among Jews despite being Gentile Roman officer showed exceptional character. God-fearers like Cornelius attended synagogue, practiced Jewish ethics, but hadn't fully converted. Around 40 CE, God orchestrated this meeting to revolutionize early Christianity's ethnic boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God prepare both parties (Peter and Cornelius) for significant encounters?
  2. What role does reputation and character play in spiritual receptivity?
  3. In what ways do God-fearers represent bridging category between Judaism and Christianity?
  4. How should believers recognize divine orchestration in unexpected meetings?
  5. What does angelic involvement emphasize about this encounter's significance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
οἱ1 of 34
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 34

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπον,3 of 34

they said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Κορνήλιος4 of 34

Cornelius

G2883

cornelius, a roman

ἑκατοντάρχης5 of 34

the centurion

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

ἀνὴρ6 of 34

man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

δίκαιος7 of 34

a just

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

καὶ8 of 34

and

G2532

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

φοβούμενος9 of 34

one that feareth

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

τὸν10 of 34
G3588

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

θεὸν11 of 34

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μαρτυρούμενός12 of 34

of good report

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

τε13 of 34

and

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ὑπὸ14 of 34

among

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ὅλου15 of 34

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τοῦ16 of 34
G3588

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

ἔθνους17 of 34

the nation

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

τῶν18 of 34
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίων19 of 34

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἐχρηματίσθη20 of 34

was warned from God

G5537

to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute

ὑπὸ21 of 34

among

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἀγγέλου22 of 34

angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἁγίου23 of 34

an holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

μεταπέμψασθαί24 of 34

to send

G3343

to send from elsewhere, i.e., (middle voice) to summon or invite

σε25 of 34

for thee

G4571

thee

εἰς26 of 34

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν27 of 34
G3588

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

οἶκον28 of 34

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ29 of 34
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

καὶ30 of 34

and

G2532

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

ἀκοῦσαι31 of 34

to hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ῥήματα32 of 34

words

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

παρὰ33 of 34

of

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

σοῦ34 of 34

thee

G4675

of thee, thy


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 10:22 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 10:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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