Acts 10:26

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

But {G1161} Peter {G4074} took {G1453} him {G846} up {G1453}, saying {G3004}, Stand up {G450}; I {G2504} myself {G846} also {G2504} am {G1510} a man {G444}.

But Kefa pulled him to his feet and said, “Stand up! I myself am just a man.”

But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Acts 10:26 presents a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, highlighting the humility of the Apostle Peter and the core principle of worshipping God alone.

Context

This verse occurs during Peter's momentous visit to the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion in Caesarea. Cornelius, though a Gentile, was a devout and God-fearing man who had received a divine vision instructing him to send for Peter. When Peter arrived, Cornelius, overwhelmed with reverence and perhaps understanding Peter as a divine messenger, fell down at Peter's feet to worship him. This act of profound respect or homage was common in the Greco-Roman world towards revered figures or deities, but it crossed a crucial theological line for a follower of the one true God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of Man-Worship: Peter's immediate response, "Stand up; I myself also am a man," forcefully rejects any form of worship directed towards a human being. This underscores a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith: only God is worthy of worship. It serves as a powerful contrast to pagan practices and guards against the deification of spiritual leaders. This principle is also evident in Revelation 19:10 where an angel refuses John's worship, stating, "Worship God."
  • Humility of Peter: Despite his unique apostolic authority and the divine circumstances surrounding his visit, Peter demonstrates profound humility. He does not revel in the reverence shown but immediately redirects attention away from himself and towards God. This humility is a hallmark of true spiritual leadership, recognizing that any power or message comes from God, not from the individual.
  • Equality in Humanity: By stating, "I myself also am a man," Peter emphasizes his shared humanity with Cornelius. This simple declaration helps to break down the social and religious barriers between Jew and Gentile, paving the way for the inclusive nature of the Gospel. It subtly prepares Cornelius for the message that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their background.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word used for "man" in this verse is anthrōpos (ἄνθρωπος), which simply means a human being, a mortal. Peter's choice of this word emphasizes his shared mortality and finite nature with Cornelius, distinguishing himself sharply from the divine, who alone is immortal and infinite. This simple assertion was critical for establishing the boundary between human reverence and divine worship.

Practical Application

Acts 10:26 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • True Worship Belongs to God Alone: We must be vigilant against worshipping or idolizing spiritual leaders, celebrities, or even ideas. Our devotion and worship are reserved exclusively for the Creator (Matthew 4:10).
  • Humility in Leadership: Those in positions of spiritual authority should emulate Peter's humility, always pointing people to God rather than drawing attention to themselves. Leaders are servants, not deities.
  • Recognizing Shared Humanity: This verse reminds us that despite differences in roles, status, or background, we are all equally human before God. This perspective fosters unity and breaks down divisive barriers within the body of Christ.

Peter's immediate and unequivocal refusal of worship in Acts 10:26 serves as a foundational principle for Christian conduct, affirming the supreme sovereignty of God and the humble posture of His servants.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 19:10

    And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

  • Revelation 22:8

    And I John saw these things, and heard [them]. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

  • Revelation 22:9

    Then saith he unto me, See [thou do it] not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

  • Acts 14:14

    [Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

  • Acts 14:15

    And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

  • Isaiah 42:8

    I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

  • Matthew 4:10

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

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