Acts 10:24

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:24 details the arrival of Peter and his companions in Caesarea, where Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, eagerly awaited them. This verse highlights Cornelius's profound anticipation and preparation, as he had already gathered his family and close associates, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in early Christian history: the explicit extension of the Gospel to Gentiles, demonstrating God's impartial plan of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:24 is a crucial transitional verse, immediately following Peter's journey from Joppa to Caesarea, a journey prompted by a divine vision concerning clean and unclean foods ([Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Peter's Vision of the Sheet")). Simultaneously, Cornelius, a Gentile, had received an angelic visitation instructing him to send for Peter ([Acts 10:3-6](/acts/10-3-6 "Cornelius's Vision and Instructions")). This verse marks the physical convergence of these two divinely orchestrated paths, leading directly into Peter's sermon and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles, a groundbreaking event that challenged the early church's understanding of inclusion. It serves as the immediate prelude to Peter's groundbreaking sermon to Cornelius's household in [Acts 10:34-43](/acts/10-34-43 "Peter's Sermon to Cornelius's Household").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Caesarea Maritima was a significant Roman port city on the Mediterranean coast and the administrative capital of the Roman province of Judea. Founded by Herod the Great, it was a cosmopolitan hub, home to a diverse population of Romans, Greeks, and Jews. As a centurion, Cornelius held a position of considerable authority within the Roman military, commanding 100 soldiers. His description as "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household" ([Acts 10:2](/acts/10-2 "Cornelius's Piety")) indicates he was a "God-fearer," a Gentile who adhered to Jewish monotheism and moral principles without fully converting to Judaism (e.g., circumcision). This status made him and his household uniquely receptive to the Gospel, bridging the gap between Jewish and Gentile worlds in a way that was both culturally significant and divinely strategic.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Orchestration**, illustrating how God meticulously coordinates events—from visions to journeys—to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the parallel experiences of Peter and Cornelius in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts Chapter 10 - Peter and Cornelius"). Secondly, it highlights **Anticipation and Readiness**, as Cornelius's proactive gathering of his household demonstrates a profound spiritual hunger and preparedness to receive God's message. Thirdly, and most significantly, it foreshadows **Inclusive Evangelism**, setting the stage for the revolutionary truth that God shows no partiality ([Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "God Shows No Partiality")), extending salvation to all people, regardless of ethnic or social background, a theme central to the expansion of the early church beyond its Jewish origins, as further developed in [Acts 11](/acts/11 "Acts Chapter 11 - The Gospel to the Gentiles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **waited for (Greek, _prosdokáō'_):** This verb signifies "to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await." Cornelius was not passively waiting but was actively expecting and prepared, demonstrating a profound spiritual readiness and faith in the divine instruction he had received. His "waiting" was an active posture of hopeful expectation.
* **kinsmen (Greek, _syngenḗs'_):** This term refers to "a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman." Cornelius's invitation extended beyond his immediate household to his broader family network, indicating a desire to share the anticipated divine encounter with those intimately connected to him by familial ties.
* **friends (Greek, _phílos'_):** Properly meaning "dear" or "fond," this word denotes "an associate" or "neighbor." When combined with "near" (G316, _anankaîos_, meaning "necessary" or "close"), it emphasizes that Cornelius gathered not just casual acquaintances but his closest, most trusted, and perhaps most influential, companions. This highlights his intention to share the blessing with his inner circle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea."**: This clause establishes the setting and timing, emphasizing the promptness of Peter's obedience to the divine summons. The journey from Joppa to Caesarea would have taken a full day, making "the morrow after" a precise and logical progression in the narrative.
* **"And Cornelius waited for them,"**: This highlights Cornelius's active anticipation and obedience to the angelic instruction. His waiting was not a passive act but one filled with eager expectation, demonstrating his faith that Peter would indeed arrive with a message from God.
* **"and had called together his kinsmen and near friends."**: This crucial detail reveals Cornelius's communal spirit and evangelistic heart. He desired not only to receive the message himself but to share the spiritual blessing with his extended family and closest associates, underscoring the importance of community in the reception of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Anticipation** is a dominant theme, palpable in Cornelius's active "waiting" and his proactive gathering of an audience, creating a sense of eager expectation for the divine encounter. This also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the momentous spiritual breakthrough that is about to occur—the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community. The specific mention of "kinsmen and near friends" uses **Synecdoche** (where a part represents the whole) to imply the broader reach of the Gospel beyond the individual, encompassing entire households and social networks. Furthermore, the precise timing and convergence of Peter and Cornelius's journeys exemplify **Divine Irony**, as the Jewish apostle, initially hesitant to associate with Gentiles, is led by God to a Gentile household that is already prepared and eager to receive the message, demonstrating God's surprising and inclusive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:24 serves as a powerful testament to God's universal plan of salvation, demonstrating His initiative in breaking down long-standing barriers between Jew and Gentile. Cornelius's proactive gathering of his household and friends underscores the communal nature of faith and the innate human desire to share profound spiritual experiences with loved ones. This event profoundly illustrates the truth that God is not confined by human distinctions or prejudices, but actively seeks out those who fear Him and work righteousness from every nation, preparing hearts for the reception of His word. The scene sets the stage for the revolutionary understanding that salvation through Christ is for all who believe, irrespective of their ethnic or social background, laying foundational groundwork for the church's global mission.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "God Shows No Partiality"): Peter declares, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Breaks Down the Wall of Division"): Paul explains how Christ "hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us... for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace."
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity 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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Cornelius's actions in Acts 10:24 offer a profound model for believers today. His eager anticipation of God's word, coupled with his selfless desire to share that blessing with his entire network of "kinsmen and near friends," challenges us to cultivate a similar spiritual hunger and communal generosity. In a world often characterized by individualism, Cornelius reminds us that faith is often best experienced and shared within the context of community. His example encourages us to be intentional in preparing our hearts and homes to receive God's truth, and to actively invite those we care about—family, friends, neighbors, colleagues—into spaces where they too can encounter the transforming power of the Gospel. Are we as eager to share the Good News as Cornelius was to receive it? Do we actively create opportunities for others to hear and respond to Christ? This verse calls us to move beyond passive faith to active, inclusive evangelism, recognizing that God's love is for everyone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cornelius's active anticipation of Peter's arrival challenge my own spiritual readiness and expectation for God to work in my life?**
* **In what ways can I, like Cornelius, intentionally gather my "kinsmen and near friends" to share the Good News or invite them into a spiritual conversation?**
* **What barriers, real or perceived, might I need to overcome in my own life or community to embrace God's inclusive love for all people, as demonstrated in this passage?**

### FAQ
**Why was it significant that Cornelius gathered his kinsmen and near friends?**

Answer: Cornelius's act of gathering his "kinsmen and near friends" was profoundly significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrated his deep conviction and spiritual readiness; he wasn't just seeking personal enlightenment but believed the message Peter would bring was vital for everyone he cared about. Second, it highlighted the communal aspect of salvation and the early church's mission. The Gospel was not just for individuals but for households and communities, reflecting the biblical emphasis on corporate faith. Finally, it underscored the revolutionary nature of the event: a Gentile household, including their extended network, was prepared to receive the Holy Spirit and enter the Christian fellowship, paving the way for the widespread Gentile conversion documented throughout [the book of Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The History of the Early Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:24, though seemingly a simple logistical detail, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered expansion of the Kingdom. Cornelius's eager anticipation of Peter's arrival, bringing the "words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved" ([Acts 11:14](/acts/11-14 "The Message of Salvation for Cornelius's Household")), mirrors the world's longing for the Messiah, who is the ultimate source of salvation. Just as Cornelius prepared a receptive audience for the Gospel, Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, prepared the way for all humanity to be reconciled to God, breaking down the spiritual and ethnic barriers that separated people from Him and from each other ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Breaks Down the Wall of Division")). The gathering of "kinsmen and near friends" around Cornelius prefigures the formation of the universal Church, a new family united not by blood or social ties, but by faith in Christ, where "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ Jesus")). This verse, therefore, is a powerful testament to Christ's inclusive mission, extending His saving grace to all who believe, regardless of background, and inviting them into His global family.

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 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.