Acts 10:33

KJV

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Immediately {G1824} therefore {G3767} I sent {G3992} to {G4314} thee {G4571}; and {G5037} thou {G4771} hast well {G2573} done {G4160} that thou art come {G3854}. Now {G3568} therefore {G3767} are {G3918} we {G2249} all {G3956} here present {G3918} before {G1799} God {G2316}, to hear {G191} all things {G3956} that are commanded {G4367} thee {G4671} of {G5259} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. Now all of us are here in the presence of God to hear everything the Lord has ordered you to say.”

Berean Standard Bible

So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us.”

American Standard Version

Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:33 captures Cornelius's profound eagerness and reverent posture as he welcomes Peter, the apostle, into his home. Having been divinely instructed to summon Peter, Cornelius declares that he and his entire household are gathered "before God" with an expectant heart, ready to receive every word Peter is commanded to speak by God. This verse powerfully sets the stage for the groundbreaking inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian community, highlighting divine orchestration, human obedience, and the universal reach of the Gospel message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:33 is the culmination of a divinely orchestrated encounter between two pivotal figures: Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, and Peter, a leading apostle. The narrative immediately preceding this verse details two parallel divine visions. In [Acts 10:1-8](/acts/10-1-8 "Acts 10:1-8 - Cornelius's Vision"), an angel appears to Cornelius, instructing him to send for Simon Peter, who is staying in Joppa. Simultaneously, Peter receives a [transformative vision in Joppa](/acts/10-9-23 "Acts 10:9-23 - Peter's Vision and Gentile Inclusion"), where a sheet descends from heaven filled with all kinds of "unclean" animals, and a voice commands him to eat. This vision, initially perplexing to Peter, is God's way of challenging his deeply ingrained Jewish dietary and social distinctions, preparing him to minister to Gentiles without prejudice. Upon the arrival of Cornelius's messengers, Peter, guided by the Spirit, understands the vision's true meaning: God considers no person unclean. Thus, Acts 10:33 serves as Cornelius's enthusiastic and humble welcome, signaling his readiness, and that of his household, to receive the divine message Peter is about to deliver, directly preceding Peter's sermon that leads to the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles ([Acts 10:34-48](/acts/10-34-48 "Acts 10:34-48 - Peter Preaches to Cornelius's Household")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The encounter in Acts 10 occurs against a backdrop of significant religious and cultural divides between Jews and Gentiles in the 1st century Roman Empire. Jewish law and tradition strictly forbade close association, dining, or entering the homes of Gentiles, who were considered ritually unclean. For a devout Jew like Peter, crossing this boundary was a profound spiritual and social transgression. Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, was a "God-fearer," a Gentile who worshipped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism (e.g., through circumcision). This made him a unique bridge figure. Caesarea was the Roman administrative capital of Judea, a cosmopolitan city with a significant Gentile population, making it a fitting location for this groundbreaking event. The breaking of these deeply entrenched cultural and religious barriers through divine command and Peter's obedience was revolutionary, signifying God's intention to extend salvation beyond the confines of Judaism.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Acts and broader New Testament theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Orchestration**, demonstrating how God actively intervenes through visions and providential encounters to advance His redemptive plan, bringing together individuals from vastly different backgrounds for His purposes. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Obedience to Divine Revelation**, as both Cornelius and Peter promptly obey the specific instructions they receive, setting aside personal preferences and cultural norms. Thirdly, and most profoundly, Acts 10:33 sets the stage for the crucial theme of **God's Impartiality** and the **Inclusion of Gentiles** into the Christian faith. Cornelius's declaration, "Now therefore are we all here present before God," anticipates Peter's subsequent realization in [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God Shows No Partiality") that "God shows no partiality." This event marks a pivotal moment in the early church's understanding that the Gospel is for "all things that are commanded thee of God," signifying the universal scope of salvation through Christ, transcending ethnic and social distinctions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Immediately (Greek, _exautēs'_):** This adverb, derived from "from that hour," signifies instantaneous action and promptness. In Cornelius's statement, it highlights his swift and unquestioning obedience to the angelic command. It conveys a sense of urgency and readiness that is foundational to his reception of the Gospel.
* **present (Greek, _páreimi'_):** Meaning "to be near" or "at hand," this word describes the physical presence of Cornelius and his household. However, in this context, combined with "before God," it carries a deeper spiritual connotation of being attentively and reverently assembled, not just physically present but mentally and spiritually engaged and ready to receive.
* **hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience, to understand, or to be reported. Here, it denotes an active and receptive listening, implying a desire not just to perceive sound but to comprehend and respond to the message. It underscores the purpose of their gathering: to genuinely listen to and internalize the divine word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Immediately therefore I sent to thee;":** This clause reveals Cornelius's prompt and obedient response to the angelic vision. The "therefore" connects his action directly to the divine instruction he received, emphasizing his faithfulness and eagerness to follow God's directive without delay. It also highlights the divine orchestration of this pivotal meeting.
* **"and thou hast well done that thou art come.":** Cornelius expresses gratitude and affirmation to Peter for his obedience in coming, despite the significant cultural barriers. This acknowledgment validates Peter's difficult decision to enter a Gentile home, reinforcing the idea that both men are acting in accordance with God's will. The phrase "well done" indicates a divine approval of Peter's actions.
* **"Now therefore are we all here present before God,":** This is the heart of Cornelius's declaration. "Now therefore" marks a transition to the immediate purpose of their gathering. The phrase "we all here present" emphasizes the collective and unified readiness of his entire household, including family and close friends. Crucially, "before God" elevates the assembly from a mere human meeting to a solemn, sacred occasion, implying a profound sense of reverence, accountability, and expectation of divine presence and revelation.
* **"to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.":** This final clause articulates the explicit purpose of their gathering: to listen to Peter's message. Cornelius understands that Peter is not speaking his own words but is a divinely appointed messenger. The emphasis on "all things that are commanded thee of God" signifies their complete openness and willingness to receive and obey the full scope of God's revelation, demonstrating a posture of humility and submission to divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. **Emphasis** is evident in Cornelius's repeated use of "therefore" and the phrase "we all here present," underscoring the urgency, unity, and divine nature of their gathering. The phrase "before God" acts as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Theological Emphasis**, transforming a simple domestic gathering into a sacred assembly, highlighting the profound reverence and spiritual gravity with which Cornelius and his household approached this moment. There is also a strong sense of **Anticipation**, as Cornelius's words build suspense for Peter's forthcoming sermon, which will reveal the "all things that are commanded thee of God." The narrative also utilizes **Juxtaposition** between Peter's initial reluctance to associate with Gentiles and Cornelius's eager, inclusive welcome, setting the stage for the dramatic breaking of cultural barriers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:33 powerfully demonstrates the principle of divine initiative coupled with human responsiveness. God orchestrates the encounter, and both Cornelius and Peter exhibit immediate obedience, leading to a pivotal moment in redemptive history. This event underscores God's unwavering commitment to His universal plan of salvation, breaking down barriers that humanity erects. It reveals that true worship and receptivity to God's word are not confined to any single ethnic or social group but are open to all who, like Cornelius, seek Him with a sincere heart and a humble, expectant spirit. The readiness to hear "all things that are commanded thee of God" is a model for all believers, emphasizing the importance of active listening and submission to divine authority.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Cornelius's posture in Acts 10:33 offers a profound blueprint for our own engagement with God's word. His immediate obedience, the collective readiness of his household "before God," and their eager desire to hear "all things that are commanded thee of God" challenge us to examine our own spiritual receptivity. Are we quick to obey when God speaks, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones or challenging our preconceived notions? Do we approach corporate worship and personal study of Scripture with the same reverence and expectation, recognizing that we are truly "before God" and that His word is authoritative and transformative? Furthermore, this passage reminds us of God's impartial love and His desire for all people to come to Him. It calls us to embody that same inclusive love, extending the Gospel invitation to everyone, regardless of background, and to break down any barriers that hinder the spread of God's truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cornelius's "immediate" response challenge my own tendency to delay or question divine promptings?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "present before God" in my personal devotion and communal worship? Am I truly receptive to His voice?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting "all things that are commanded thee of God," perhaps due to cultural norms or personal biases?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of collective readiness and unity within my faith community to hear and obey God's word?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Cornelius saying "before God"?**

Answer: The phrase "before God" (**G1799 _enṓpion_ G2316 _theós_**) is highly significant. It transforms a simple gathering in a private home into a sacred assembly. It indicates that Cornelius and his household understood that Peter was not merely a human guest but a messenger of God, and thus, the message he was about to deliver was directly from the Almighty. This posture reflects profound reverence, humility, and an acknowledgment of God's presence and authority over their lives. It implies a readiness not just to hear words, but to receive divine revelation and to submit to God's will. This solemn declaration sets the spiritual tone for the groundbreaking events that follow, emphasizing that the inclusion of Gentiles was a divine initiative, not a human one.

**Why was it so important for Cornelius to gather "all" his household and friends?**

Answer: Cornelius's decision to gather "all" his household and close friends demonstrates his deep conviction and desire for everyone under his influence to hear God's message. It highlights the communal aspect of faith and the early spread of the Gospel within family units and social networks. This inclusive gathering also underscores the magnitude of the moment—Cornelius understood that the message Peter carried was not just for him, but for everyone who desired to hear from God. It foreshadows the universal nature of the Gospel, which is for "all" people ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). His action ensured that when the Holy Spirit fell, it was witnessed and experienced by a significant group, providing strong evidence for the early church that God was indeed extending salvation to Gentiles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:33, with its depiction of a Gentile household gathered in eager anticipation "before God" to hear His word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The breaking down of the formidable wall of separation between Jew and Gentile, so vividly illustrated in this narrative, is precisely what Christ accomplished through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. As [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace") declares, Christ "is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." Cornelius's readiness to hear "all things that are commanded thee of God" points to the universal call to repentance and faith in Christ, the one through whom God speaks His final and complete word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The fact that the Holy Spirit falls upon these Gentiles as they hear Peter preach the good news about Jesus ([Acts 10:44](/acts/10-44 "Acts 10:44 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles")) signifies that salvation, access to God, and the indwelling Spirit are now available to "whoever believes in him" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), regardless of ethnic background. Thus, Cornelius's expectant gathering is a powerful prefigurement of the global church, composed of people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Redeemed from Every Nation")), all united in Christ and gathered "before God" to worship and obey their Savior.

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

Galatians 4:14

And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus.

James 1:19

¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Acts 28:28

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.

Proverbs 9:9

Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy [is] understanding.

1 Peter 2:1

¶ Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: