Acts 10:27

KJV

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} as he talked {G4926} with him {G846}, he went in {G1525}, and {G2532} found {G2147} many {G4183} that were come together {G4905}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As he talked with him, Kefa went inside and found many people gathered.

Berean Standard Bible

As Peter talked with him, he went inside and found many people gathered together.

American Standard Version

And as he talked with him, he went in, and findeth many come together:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:27 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's mission, depicting the Apostle Peter's entry into the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, where he discovers a large assembly eagerly awaiting his message. This seemingly simple act transcends mere social interaction, symbolizing the Gospel's dramatic expansion beyond its Jewish origins to embrace the Gentiles, challenging long-held cultural and religious boundaries under divine orchestration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:27 is the culmination of a divinely orchestrated sequence of events designed to break down the deeply ingrained barriers between Jews and Gentiles within the early Christian movement. The narrative immediately preceding this verse details two parallel divine revelations: first, Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter in Joppa ([Acts 10:3-6](/acts/10-3-6 "Acts 10:3-6 - Cornelius's Vision")). Simultaneously, Peter experiences a profound vision of a sheet filled with "unclean" animals, accompanied by a divine command to "kill and eat" ([Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals")). This vision challenges Peter's strict adherence to Jewish dietary laws and, more importantly, prepares him for a radical shift in his understanding of God's impartiality. The Spirit then explicitly instructs Peter to go with Cornelius's messengers without hesitation ([Acts 10:19-20](/acts/10-19-20 "The Spirit's Instruction to Peter")), directly leading him to Caesarea and into Cornelius's Gentile home.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For a devout Jew like Peter, entering the home of a Gentile was considered ritually defiling according to Jewish purity laws, which mandated separation from non-Jews to maintain ceremonial cleanliness. This cultural barrier was deeply entrenched, making Peter's act of crossing the threshold a significant departure from tradition. Cornelius, though a Gentile, is described as a "devout man who feared God" ([Acts 10:2](/acts/10-2 "Acts 10:2 - Cornelius, a Devout Man")), indicating he was a "God-fearer"—a Gentile who worshipped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism. Caesarea, the setting, was a Roman administrative capital and a predominantly Gentile city, making it a fitting stage for the Gospel's expansion to the nations. Cornelius's proactive gathering of his "relatives and close friends" ([Acts 10:24](/acts/10-24 "Acts 10:24 - Cornelius Gathers His Household")) underscores his faith and the collective spiritual hunger that transcended typical social boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** This chapter, culminating in Peter's entry, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Acts. Foremost among these is the **universality of the Gospel**, demonstrating God's intention to extend salvation to all peoples, not just the Jews. It highlights **divine initiative and human obedience**, as both Cornelius and Peter are divinely prepared and respond in faith, setting aside their preconceptions and cultural norms. The narrative also emphasizes **God's impartiality**, a theme explicitly articulated by Peter later in the chapter ([Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")), showing that God accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right, regardless of ethnicity. Finally, the scene underscores the theme of **breaking down barriers**, as the social and religious dividing wall between Jew and Gentile begins to crumble, paving the way for a truly inclusive church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **talked (Greek, _synomiléō'_):** This word (G4926) signifies "to converse mutually" or "to talk with." In Acts 10:27, it highlights the ongoing dialogue between Peter and Cornelius as they enter the house. It suggests a personal exchange, perhaps a continuation of their conversation from the journey or a brief, respectful greeting upon arrival, setting a tone of mutual respect and anticipation.
* **went in (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** Derived from _eis_ (into) and _érchomai_ (to come), _eisérchomai_ (G1525) means "to enter" (literally or figuratively). Peter's act of "going in" is more than a physical movement; it is a profound symbolic action. For a devout Jew, entering a Gentile's home was a violation of traditional purity laws. This entry signifies Peter's obedience to God's vision and command, marking a crucial step in the breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers.
* **come together (Greek, _synérchomai'_):** From _sýn_ (with) and _érchomai_ (to come), _synérchomai_ (G4905) means "to convene," "to assemble," or "to come in company with." The phrase "many that were come together" emphasizes the significant number of people Cornelius had gathered. This word choice underscores the collective readiness and spiritual hunger of Cornelius's household and wider circle, indicating a pre-arranged assembly eagerly awaiting Peter's arrival and message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as he talked with him":** This phrase indicates that Peter and Cornelius were engaged in conversation, likely as they approached or just entered the house. It suggests a personal, direct interaction between the two men, highlighting Peter's willingness to engage with Cornelius despite the cultural barriers. This ongoing dialogue sets the immediate scene for Peter's discovery.
* **"he went in":** This simple clause describes Peter's physical act of entering Cornelius's Gentile home. As discussed, this action carries immense theological weight, representing Peter's obedience to God's directive and his willingness to transcend deeply ingrained Jewish customs and purity laws. It is the moment the physical barrier is crossed, paving the way for spiritual breakthrough.
* **"and found many that were come together":** This final clause reveals Peter's immediate observation upon entering. The presence of "many" people, already "come together" or assembled, signifies Cornelius's extraordinary faith and proactive preparation. It underscores the collective spiritual hunger and anticipation within the Gentile household, setting the stage for the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit that is about to occur. Peter was not met by a lone individual but by a community ready to receive.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 10:27 employs several subtle but powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**: Peter's physical act of "going in" to a Gentile home symbolizes the spiritual breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, a theme central to the New Testament. This action represents the Gospel's expansion beyond its initial Jewish confines. There is also an element of **Anticipation** and **Foreshadowing** in the phrase "found many that were come together." The assembled crowd creates an atmosphere of eager expectation, foreshadowing the momentous outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon these Gentiles, an event that will validate God's inclusive plan. Furthermore, the narrative subtly uses **Juxtaposition** by placing Peter, a representative of traditional Jewish purity, directly into the midst of a large Gentile gathering, highlighting the dramatic shift in God's redemptive plan and Peter's own understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:27 serves as a crucial hinge point in the book of Acts, demonstrating God's sovereign plan to extend salvation to all humanity, irrespective of ethnic or cultural background. Peter's obedience in crossing the threshold into Cornelius's home, despite deeply ingrained Jewish customs, underscores the transformative power of God's revelation and the imperative for believers to overcome their own prejudices. The presence of a large, expectant Gentile audience highlights God's prior work in preparing hearts and the universal call to salvation, proving that God's grace is not limited by human distinctions but is freely offered to all who believe. This moment anticipates the full integration of Gentiles into the body of Christ, dismantling the spiritual and social barriers that once separated them from the covenant people.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:27 challenges contemporary believers to examine their own comfort zones and cultural biases in the pursuit of sharing the Gospel. Just as Peter was called to step beyond his familiar Jewish context, we are called to cross social, economic, and cultural divides to reach those whom God is preparing. The readiness of Cornelius's household serves as a powerful reminder for us to cultivate a spirit of expectation and openness to God's work in unexpected places and among unexpected people. Our homes, workplaces, and communities can become fertile ground for divine appointments if we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and willing to be instruments of God's inclusive love. This verse encourages us to actively seek out and embrace opportunities to share the transforming message of Christ with all people, recognizing that God is impartial and desires all to come to repentance and faith. It compels us to ask: Are we willing to go where God sends us, even if it means challenging our own traditions or prejudices?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What cultural or personal barriers might I be hesitant to cross in sharing the Gospel with others?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of readiness and expectation for God's work in my life and community, similar to Cornelius's household?**
* **In what ways can my home or gathering spaces become places where others encounter God's truth and experience His welcome?**

### FAQ

**Why was Peter entering a Gentile's home such a significant act?**

Answer: For a devout Jew like Peter, entering the home of a Gentile was considered a violation of strict Jewish purity laws and social customs. These laws mandated separation from non-Jews to maintain ceremonial cleanliness, as contact with Gentiles could render a Jew ritually defiled. Peter's vision of unclean animals in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals") directly challenged this understanding, preparing him to recognize that God had cleansed all people and that the Gospel was for everyone. His decision to enter Cornelius's home was an act of profound obedience to God's progressive revelation, demonstrating his willingness to set aside deeply ingrained cultural and religious barriers for the sake of the Gospel.

**Who were the "many that were come together" in Cornelius's house?**

Answer: The "many that were come together" refers to Cornelius's "relatives and close friends" whom he had gathered in anticipation of Peter's arrival, as mentioned in [Acts 10:24](/acts/10-24 "Acts 10:24 - Cornelius Gathers His Household"). This detail highlights Cornelius's remarkable faith and proactive initiative. He didn't just invite Peter for himself; he understood the significance of the divine appointment and desired for his entire household and extended circle to hear the message. Their collective presence underscores their spiritual hunger and readiness, setting the stage for the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit that immediately follows Peter's sermon in [Acts 10:44](/acts/10-44 "Acts 10:44 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:27, with Peter's entry into Cornelius's Gentile home, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ's entire ministry was characterized by a radical inclusivity, reaching out to the marginalized, the outcast, and those considered "unclean" by society. He declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and this fulfillment included breaking down the spiritual and social "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile through His sacrifice on the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Peter's actions in Acts 10 are a direct outworking of Christ's redemptive purpose, demonstrating that the salvation offered through His blood is for "whoever believes in Him" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The gathering of Gentiles in Cornelius's house is a living testament to Christ's universal commission to "make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), revealing the expansive nature of His kingdom 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 "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

2 Corinthians 2:12

¶ Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

John 4:35

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and [then] cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

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.

Acts 14:27

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

Colossians 4:3

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: