King James Version

What Does Acts 10:28 Mean?

Acts 10:28 in the King James Version says “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 on... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 10:28 · KJV


Context

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,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter explained: '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.' The vision's meaning became clear - it concerned people, not merely food. God was abolishing ceremonial distinctions between Jews and Gentiles under the new covenant. Reformed theology sees this as the transition from old covenant particularity (Israel) to new covenant universality (all nations). The gospel breaks down all human barriers and divisions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish oral tradition (later codified in the Talmud) forbade Jews from entering Gentile homes or eating with Gentiles to maintain ceremonial purity. This tradition went beyond Mosaic law but was deeply ingrained. Peter's obedience to enter Cornelius's home marked a revolutionary change.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the gospel abolish ceremonial and ethnic distinctions between peoples?
  2. What 'unlawful' cultural barriers might God be calling His church to cross today?
  3. Why was the transition from Jewish particularity to universal gospel so difficult for the early church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἔφη1 of 26

he said

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

τε2 of 26

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

πρὸς3 of 26

unto

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,

αὐτούς4 of 26

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

Ὑμεῖς5 of 26

Ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐπίστασθε6 of 26

know

G1987

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

ὡς7 of 26

how

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἀθέμιτόν8 of 26

an unlawful thing

G111

illegal; by implication, flagitious

ἐστιν9 of 26

that it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀνδρὶ10 of 26

for a man

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

Ἰουδαίῳ11 of 26

that is a Jew

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

κολλᾶσθαι12 of 26

to keep company

G2853

to glue, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively)

13 of 26

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

προσέρχεσθαι14 of 26

come unto

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

ἀλλοφύλῳ·15 of 26

one of another nation

G246

foreign, i.e., (specially) gentile

καὶ16 of 26

but

G2532

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

ἐμοὶ17 of 26

me

G1698

to me

18 of 26
G3588

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

θεὸς19 of 26

God

G2316

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

ἔδειξεν20 of 26

hath shewed

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

μηδένα21 of 26

any

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

κοινὸν22 of 26

common

G2839

common, i.e., (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane

23 of 26

or

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἀκάθαρτον24 of 26

unclean

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

λέγειν25 of 26

call

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἄνθρωπον·26 of 26

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 10:28 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 10:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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