King James Version

What Does Acts 10:42 Mean?

Acts 10:42 in the King James Version says “And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of... — study this verse from Acts chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Acts 10:42 · KJV


Context

40

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly ;

41

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter declared Christ 'commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.' The risen Christ commissioned apostolic preaching and testimony. The message centers on Christ as the divinely appointed Judge of all - both living ('quick') and dead. This establishes Christ's authority to judge and the necessity of responding to Him now. Reformed eschatology affirms Christ as the final Judge (2 Timothy 4:1), before whom all will stand. His judgment is comprehensive, righteous, and final.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' commission to the apostles (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8) authorized their preaching. The emphasis on Christ as Judge warned Cornelius's household that neutrality toward Christ is impossible - all will face Him as Judge, making present faith urgent.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Christ's role as Judge teach about the urgency of the gospel?
  2. How should Christ's future judgment affect our present witness and living?
  3. Why is it important that the same Jesus who offers salvation will also execute judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

παρήγγειλεν2 of 20

he commanded

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

ἡμῖν3 of 20

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

κηρύξαι4 of 20

to preach

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

τοῦ5 of 20

which

G3588

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

λαῷ6 of 20

unto the people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

καὶ7 of 20

And

G2532

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

διαμαρτύρασθαι8 of 20

to testify

G1263

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

ὅτι9 of 20

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

αὐτός10 of 20

he

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

ἐστιν11 of 20

it is

G2076

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

τοῦ12 of 20

which

G3588

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

ὡρισμένος13 of 20

was ordained

G3724

to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify

ὑπὸ14 of 20

of

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 (

τοῦ15 of 20

which

G3588

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

θεοῦ16 of 20

God

G2316

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

κριτὴς17 of 20

to be the Judge

G2923

a judge (genitive case or specially)

ζώντων18 of 20

of quick

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

καὶ19 of 20

And

G2532

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

νεκρῶν20 of 20

dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)


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 10:42 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 10:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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