Acts 10:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Arise {G450} therefore {G235}, and get thee down {G2597}, and {G2532} go {G4198} with {G4862} them {G846}, doubting {G1252} nothing {G3367}: for {G1360} I {G1473} have sent {G649} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Get up, go downstairs, and have no misgivings about going with them, because I myself have sent them.”

Berean Standard Bible

So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:20 captures a pivotal divine command from the Holy Spirit to Peter, instructing him to overcome his cultural and theological reservations and accompany the Gentile messengers sent by Cornelius without hesitation. This direct intervention by God highlights His sovereign orchestration of events, guiding Peter towards a revolutionary understanding of the Gospel's universal reach, signaling the imminent inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, and challenging deeply ingrained prejudices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a divinely orchestrated sequence of events in [Acts chapter 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"). Immediately preceding this command, Peter has just experienced a profound vision on a rooftop in Joppa, detailed in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals"). In this vision, a large sheet filled with all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish law, descends, and a voice commands Peter to "Rise, Peter; kill, and eat." Peter's repeated refusal, based on his adherence to dietary laws, is met with the divine declaration, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." While Peter is still pondering the meaning of this perplexing vision, the three men sent by Cornelius arrive at the gate, specifically seeking him out. [Acts 10:19](/acts/10-19 "Acts 10:19 - The Spirit speaks to Peter") explicitly states that "while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee." Acts 10:20 then records the Spirit's direct, actionable instruction, connecting the vision's theological implications to a concrete, immediate mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first-century Jewish world was deeply structured by the Mosaic Law, including strict dietary regulations and purity codes that sharply distinguished Jews from Gentiles. Gentiles were often considered "unclean" and contact with them was to be avoided by devout Jews. This cultural barrier was not merely social but theological, rooted in centuries of tradition and interpretation of the Law. Peter, as a devout Jew, would have instinctively recoiled from the idea of associating with or entering the home of a Gentile, especially a Roman centurion. Cornelius, despite being a "devout man, and one that feared God with all his house" ([Acts 10:2](/acts/10-2 "Acts 10:2 - Cornelius's Piety")), was still an uncircumcised Gentile, representing everything that separated Jews from the wider world. The setting in Joppa, a coastal city, highlights the intersection of cultures and trade, yet the social and religious divisions remained strong. The divine command in [Acts 10:20](/acts/10-20 "Acts 10:20 - The Spirit's Command to Peter") directly challenges these deeply ingrained cultural and religious norms, preparing Peter for a radical paradigm shift.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several key themes in the Book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Guidance and Sovereignty**, as God actively intervenes through the Holy Spirit to direct Peter's steps and orchestrate the expansion of the Gospel. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Obedience to God's Will**, demanding Peter to set aside his personal biases and cultural upbringing in favor of God's clear instruction. The command to "doubt nothing" directly addresses the internal struggle of **Overcoming Prejudice and Doubt**, preparing Peter to understand that [God shows no partiality](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God shows no partiality"). Most significantly, this verse is a foundational moment for the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into the early Christian community, setting the stage for Peter's unprecedented visit to Cornelius's household and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit on uncircumcised believers, a pivotal event detailed in [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **doubting (Greek, _diakrínō'_):** From G1252, meaning "to separate thoroughly," "to withdraw from," or "to discriminate." Figuratively, it means "to discriminate (by implication, decide)" or "to hesitate." In this context, the command "doubting nothing" (μηδὲν διακρινόμενος) carries a dual force: Peter is not to hesitate or waver in his obedience, nor is he to make a distinction or discriminate against the Gentile visitors based on traditional Jewish purity laws or prejudice. It's a powerful injunction against both internal indecision and external bias.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** From G649, meaning "to set apart," or "to send out (properly, on a mission)." This word emphasizes the divine commissioning of Cornelius's messengers. It's not a random encounter; God Himself has dispatched these men, giving Peter's mission divine authority and purpose. The use of "I have sent them" (ἐγὼ ἀπέσταλκα αὐτούς) underscores God's active, personal involvement and sovereign initiative in this groundbreaking encounter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Arise therefore, and get thee down":** This is a direct, imperative command from the Holy Spirit, urging Peter to immediate physical action. "Arise" (ἀνίστημι) implies moving from his current state of contemplation or rest, while "get thee down" (καταβαίνω) refers to descending from the rooftop where he had his vision and was praying, to the street level where Cornelius's men were waiting. The "therefore" (ἀλλὰ) links this command directly to Peter's recent vision and his pondering of its meaning, indicating that the Spirit is providing the interpretation and application of that divine revelation.
* **"and go with them":** This phrase directly instructs Peter to associate with the Gentile messengers, a culturally shocking directive for a devout Jew. It requires Peter to override his ingrained prejudices and purity concerns, initiating contact that would typically be avoided. This is the practical outworking of the vision's message about God cleansing all things and all people.
* **"doubting nothing":** This is the core of the Spirit's command, addressing Peter's internal struggle and potential hesitation. As analyzed above, "doubting" (διακρίνω) encompasses both mental wavering and discriminatory judgment. Peter is commanded to proceed with full conviction, without questioning the divine directive or allowing his Jewish cultural biases against Gentiles to impede his obedience.
* **"for I have sent them":** This is the divine rationale and assurance behind the command. The "I" (ἐγὼ) is emphatic, referring to God Himself (through the Holy Spirit). This declaration removes any doubt about the legitimacy or origin of the messengers. It asserts God's sovereign initiative and purpose in bringing these Gentiles to Peter, making Peter's obedience not merely a response to a request, but a participation in God's unfolding plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Direct Speech** is prominent, as the Holy Spirit speaks directly to Peter, lending immediate authority and urgency to the command. The use of **Imperative Verbs** ("Arise," "get thee down," "go") underscores the non-negotiable nature of the divine instruction, demanding immediate and unquestioning obedience. There is also a strong element of **Divine Assurance** in the concluding phrase "for I have sent them," which serves as both a reason for Peter's obedience and a guarantee of God's backing. This phrase acts as a **Divine Rationale**, explaining *why* Peter must act despite his reservations. Furthermore, the entire scene, including this verse, functions as a profound example of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the monumental inclusion of Gentiles into the early church, a theme that will dominate much of the rest of the Book of Acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:20 is a watershed moment, demonstrating God's active role in dismantling the barriers between Jew and Gentile, a central theme of the New Covenant. It reveals that God's plan of salvation is not confined to one ethnic group but extends to all humanity, fulfilling ancient prophecies of a universal kingdom. The Holy Spirit's direct intervention underscores the Spirit's role in guiding the church into new truths and expanding its mission beyond its initial boundaries. This verse signifies a crucial step in the theological understanding that God is impartial and that faith in Christ, not ethnic origin or adherence to ceremonial law, is the basis for acceptance into God's family.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Peter was called to step out of his comfort zone and challenge deeply ingrained cultural and religious biases, we too are often challenged by the Holy Spirit to re-evaluate our preconceived notions about people, ministries, or methods. This verse reminds us that God's mission is expansive, often leading us to unexpected places and people whom we might, by our own biases, deem "unlikely" recipients of the Gospel. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of radical obedience, trusting God's sovereign hand even when His directives seem counter-intuitive or challenge our comfort. The command "doubting nothing" is a call to shed our prejudices, embrace God's impartiality, and be ready to extend the love and truth of Christ to all, recognizing that God has "sent" us to those He has prepared.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What cultural or personal biases might be preventing me from fully embracing God's mission to all people?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might God be calling me to "arise" and "go" without "doubting nothing," even if it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable?**
* **How does the Holy Spirit's direct guidance to Peter encourage me to listen more intently for divine direction in my own life?**

### FAQ

**Why was Peter commanded to "doubt nothing" when going with the Gentiles?**

Answer: Peter was commanded to "doubt nothing" (μηδὲν διακρινόμενος) for a dual reason, addressing both his internal state and his external actions. Internally, it meant he was not to hesitate, waver, or question the divine instruction, despite the cultural and religious implications of associating with Gentiles. Peter, as a devout Jew, had strong convictions about Jewish purity laws, which traditionally forbade close association with uncircumcised Gentiles. His recent vision of the sheet with unclean animals had already begun to challenge these convictions, and the Spirit's command was the direct application of that vision. Externally, "doubting nothing" also carried the nuance of not making a distinction or discriminating against the Gentiles based on their ethnic or religious background. God was breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, and Peter's unquestioning obedience was crucial for this groundbreaking expansion of the Gospel, as seen in his subsequent realization that [God is no respecter of persons](/acts/10-34 "God's Impartiality").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:20, while a command to Peter, profoundly points to Christ's universal redemptive work. The breaking down of the wall between Jew and Gentile, initiated here, is the direct fulfillment of Christ's mission to reconcile all humanity to God through His sacrifice. Just as Peter was commanded to "doubt nothing" about associating with Gentiles, Christ's atoning work on the cross removed all spiritual barriers, making it possible for "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Jesus Himself declared that He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus' Mission")), a mission that inherently transcends ethnic or social boundaries. The Holy Spirit's guidance to Peter in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius") is an extension of Christ's Great Commission to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), demonstrating how the risen Lord continues to build His church by drawing people from "every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). This pivotal moment in Acts foreshadows the glorious reality that in Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 15:7

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

Acts 15:9

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Zechariah 2:9

For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

Zechariah 2:11

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

Acts 8:26

¶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Acts 13:4

¶ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 9:17

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.