Acts 10:24

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

And {G2532} the morrow {G1887} after they entered {G1525} into {G1519} Caesarea {G2542}. And {G1161} Cornelius {G2883} waited for {G4328} them {G846}{G2258}, and had called together {G4779} his {G846} kinsmen {G4773} and {G2532} near {G316} friends {G5384}.

and he arrived at Caesarea the day after that. Cornelius was expecting them — he had already called together his relatives and close friends.

The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

And on the morrow they entered into Cæsarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his kinsmen and his near friends.

Commentary

Acts 10:24 marks a pivotal moment in the expansion of the early Christian church, illustrating the divine orchestration that brought together Peter, the apostle to the Jews, and Cornelius, a devout Gentile. This verse sets the stage for the groundbreaking events that would follow in Caesarea.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following Peter's transformative vision on the rooftop in Joppa (Acts 10:9-16), and Cornelius's own angelic instruction to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-6), Peter and his companions arrive in Caesarea. Caesarea Maritima was a significant Roman port city and the administrative capital of Judea, making it a melting pot of cultures and a strategic location for the gospel to spread beyond its Jewish origins. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was already known as a "devout man, and one that feared God with all his house" (Acts 10:2), highlighting his spiritual readiness even before Peter's arrival.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Anticipation and Preparation: Cornelius's proactive gathering of his "kinsmen and near friends" demonstrates his profound anticipation and readiness to receive God's message. He didn't just wait; he prepared an audience for the divine encounter he expected.
  • Inclusive Evangelism: This scene is a powerful testament to the early church's mission to transcend ethnic and social barriers. God's plan was to include Gentiles fully into the body of believers, a revolutionary concept for many Jewish Christians at the time. This event paves the way for Peter's later declaration that God is no respecter of persons.
  • Community and Fellowship: Cornelius's desire to share the expected blessing with his extended household and close circle underscores the communal nature of faith. He wanted everyone he cared about to hear the message of salvation, emphasizing the importance of sharing one's spiritual journey with loved ones.
  • Divine Orchestration: The precise timing of Peter's arrival and Cornelius's preparation highlights God's sovereignty in guiding the spread of the gospel. Every detail, from visions to journeys, was divinely coordinated.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kinsmen and near friends" (Greek: syngeneis kai anankaious philous) emphasizes the breadth and depth of Cornelius's invitation. It wasn't just his immediate family or servants, but his wider network of relatives and close associates. This suggests a deliberate effort to include all those important to him, indicating his strong conviction that the message Peter would bring was for everyone he loved and respected.

Practical Application

Acts 10:24 encourages believers today to cultivate a similar spirit of anticipation for God's work and a willingness to share spiritual blessings with our own networks. Just as Cornelius prepared a receptive audience, we are called to be ready to receive and share the Good News. It reminds us that God's love and salvation are for all people, regardless of background, and inspires us to break down barriers in our evangelism, inviting "kinsmen and near friends"—and indeed, anyone—to hear about Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 8:40

    But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

  • Mark 5:19

    Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.

  • Mark 5:20

    And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all [men] did marvel.

  • John 1:41

    He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

  • John 1:49

    Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

  • Luke 5:29

    And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

  • Isaiah 2:3

    And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
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