Acts 10:37

KJV

That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

KJV (with Strong's)

That word {G4487}, I say, ye {G5210} know {G1492}, which was published {G1096} throughout {G2596} all {G3650} Judaea {G2449}, and began {G756} from {G575} Galilee {G1056}, after {G3326} the baptism {G908} which {G3739} John {G2491} preached {G2784};

Complete Jewish Bible

You know what has been going on throughout Y’hudah, starting from the Galil after the immersion that Yochanan proclaimed;

Berean Standard Bible

You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:

American Standard Version

that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judæa, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:37 forms a foundational statement within Peter's pivotal sermon to Cornelius's household, establishing the shared knowledge among his listeners regarding the public ministry of Jesus Christ. Peter asserts that the "word"—encompassing the life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus—was widely known throughout Judaea, having commenced in Galilee following the preparatory baptismal ministry of John the Baptist. This verse serves as Peter's premise, grounding the Gospel message in verifiable historical events that were common knowledge in the region.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:37 is positioned at the very beginning of Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his household in Caesarea, immediately after Peter's profound realization of God's impartiality towards all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background ([Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")). This sermon is a watershed moment in the early church, signifying the unequivocal opening of the Gospel to Gentiles. Peter, having been prepared through a transformative vision concerning clean and unclean foods ([Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet")), and having received direct divine instruction to accompany Cornelius's messengers, now articulates the core of the Christian message. By beginning with a reference to events "ye know," Peter establishes a common ground of historical understanding before delving into the theological implications of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection in the subsequent verses ([Acts 10:38-43](/acts/10-38-43 "Acts 10:38-43 - Peter's Summary of Jesus' Ministry, Death, and Resurrection")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Caesarea Maritima, a Roman administrative capital and a bustling port city, distinct from the Jewish religious center of Jerusalem. This city was home to a diverse population, including many Gentiles and Roman military personnel, making Cornelius, a Roman centurion, a fitting recipient of the Gospel that transcended Jewish boundaries. The historical reality of Jesus' public ministry, beginning in Galilee (a region often viewed with some disdain by the religious elite in Jerusalem, as seen in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question about Nazareth")), and spreading "throughout all Judaea," underscores the widespread and undeniable impact of His work. John the Baptist's ministry, characterized by a call to repentance and baptism, was also a well-known phenomenon across the region, serving as a significant preparatory movement for the arrival of the Messiah, as described in [Luke 3:3-6](/luke/3-3-6 "Luke 3:3-6 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way"). Peter's assumption that his audience "knows" these events highlights their public nature and the general awareness of Jesus' and John's activities among the populace.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major theological and narrative themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes the **historical grounding and public verifiability of the Gospel message**. The "word" concerning Jesus was not a secret cult but a series of events "published throughout all Judaea," accessible to public scrutiny. Secondly, it highlights the **continuity of God's redemptive plan**, showing how Jesus' ministry seamlessly followed and fulfilled the preparatory work of John the Baptist. This continuity is crucial for understanding the progression of salvation history. Thirdly, the mention of Galilee as the starting point and the spread "throughout all Judaea" underscores the **geographical progression of the Gospel**, mirroring the commission given by Jesus in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"), where the disciples are commanded to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." This initial spread within Jewish lands foreshadows the later expansion to the Gentiles, epitomized by the very event unfolding in Acts 10.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _rhēma'_):** (G4487) This term refers to an "utterance" or "saying," but by implication, it can also mean a "matter" or "topic," especially in narration. Here, it signifies the entire message, narrative, and truth concerning Jesus Christ—His identity, works, and saving purpose. It's not just a single spoken word but the comprehensive account of the Gospel events.
* **Know (Greek, _eídō'_):** (G1492) This verb, used in the perfect tense, implies a settled or acquired knowledge. It means "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know" or "to be aware." Peter is not asking if they know, but asserting that they already possess this knowledge, indicating that the events surrounding Jesus were widely recognized and understood by the general populace, including Gentiles like Cornelius.
* **Published (Greek, _gínomai'_):** (G1096) This verb means "to cause to be" or "to become" (come into being). In this context, it conveys that the "word" or events concerning Jesus "came to pass" or "occurred" and thereby became "published" or widely known. It emphasizes the factual occurrence and public dissemination of Jesus' ministry.
* **Preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** (G2784) This verb means "to herald" or "to proclaim" as a public crier, especially divine truth. It describes John the Baptist's active and public proclamation of his message, underscoring the authoritative and public nature of his ministry which prepared the way for Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That word, [I say], ye know":** Peter confidently asserts that his audience, including Cornelius and his household, is already familiar with the "word" (the message and events surrounding Jesus). This opening establishes a common ground of understanding, indicating that Jesus' ministry was not a secret or obscure movement but a widely recognized public phenomenon. The parenthetical "I say" in the KJV clarifies Peter's direct address and emphasis.
* **"which was published throughout all Judaea":** This clause emphasizes the widespread dissemination and public nature of the events concerning Jesus. The Greek phrase implies that these events "came to pass" or "occurred" and thereby became known across the entire region of Judaea, signifying their significant impact and public notoriety beyond a localized following.
* **"and began from Galilee":** This specifies the geographical origin of Jesus' public ministry. Galilee, a northern region, was Jesus' primary base of operations and where many of His miracles and teachings took place. This detail aligns with the Gospel accounts and underscores the humble beginnings of the Messiah's work in a region often looked down upon by the religious establishment in Jerusalem.
* **"after the baptism which John preached":** This final phrase chronologically and theologically links Jesus' public debut to the well-known and influential ministry of John the Baptist. John's baptism of repentance served as a divine preparation, paving the way for Jesus' own ministry. Peter highlights this sequence, demonstrating the continuity and divine orchestration of these events.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's sermon employs several literary devices to effectively convey his message. The use of **Assertion** is prominent, as Peter confidently declares, "That word, ye know," establishing a shared premise rather than introducing entirely new information. This rhetorical strategy immediately engages his audience, implying a common understanding of the historical facts. There is also an element of **Geographical Progression**, as Peter traces the movement of the "word" from its origin in "Galilee" to its spread "throughout all Judaea," foreshadowing the broader expansion of the Gospel. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Historical Reference**, grounding the theological claims about Jesus in verifiable, public events. This emphasis on historical fact lends credibility and authority to Peter's subsequent proclamation of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:37 powerfully underscores the historical rootedness of the Christian faith. It asserts that the Gospel is not based on mythical tales or private revelations, but on public, verifiable events that transpired in specific geographical locations and at discernible points in history. This historical foundation provides immense confidence in the truth of the Christian message, demonstrating God's consistent work through human history. The verse also highlights the divine orchestration of salvation history, showing how John the Baptist's preparatory ministry seamlessly led into Jesus' public work, all according to God's sovereign plan to bring salvation to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")
* [Luke 3:3-6](/luke/3-3-6 "Luke 3:3-6 - John the Baptist's Ministry of Preparation")
* [Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon on Jesus' Public Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:37 invites us to reflect on the robust, verifiable nature of the Gospel. In an age often skeptical of truth claims, the fact that Peter could appeal to common knowledge about Jesus' public ministry provides a powerful apologetic for our faith. It reminds us that Christianity is not a blind leap but an informed trust in historical realities. For believers, this offers deep assurance and a firm foundation for our hope. We are called to be witnesses of a Christ whose life, death, and resurrection were not hidden but openly displayed. For those exploring faith, this verse encourages an honest investigation into the historical claims of Jesus, rather than dismissing them as mere legend. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of preparatory work in evangelism—just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are often called to lay groundwork in people's hearts and minds, addressing questions and building bridges, before the full Gospel message can be received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the public and verifiable nature of Jesus' ministry, as highlighted in this verse, strengthen your personal faith and confidence in the Gospel?**
* **In what ways can we, as followers of Christ, effectively communicate the historical foundation of our faith to a skeptical world today?**
* **Considering John the Baptist's role, how might God be using "preparatory ministries" or experiences in your own life or in the lives of those around you to pave the way for a deeper encounter with Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why does Peter emphasize "Galilee" and "Judaea" as geographical locations?**

Answer: Peter emphasizes these specific regions to ground his sermon in verifiable historical and geographical facts. Galilee was the primary region where Jesus conducted His public ministry, performed many miracles, and taught extensively. Judaea represents the broader Jewish territory where the news of Jesus' activities spread rapidly. By naming these places, Peter asserts that Jesus' ministry was not a localized, obscure event but a widespread phenomenon known across the entire land, lending credibility and common reference points to his message for both Jewish and Gentile listeners.

**What is the significance of "the word" in this context?**

Answer: "The word" (Greek: _rhēma_) in Acts 10:37 is not merely a single utterance or teaching but encompasses the entire narrative, message, and truth concerning Jesus Christ. It refers to the comprehensive account of His life, public ministry, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension—the core events that constitute the Gospel. Peter uses this term to refer to the widely known story of Jesus, which forms the basis for his subsequent theological exposition.

**How did people "know" this word, especially Gentiles like Cornelius?**

Answer: The widespread nature of Jesus' ministry meant that news of His teachings, miracles, and the events surrounding Him had permeated society. While not everyone would have been an eyewitness, reports, testimonies, and discussions about Jesus would have been common. For devout Gentiles like Cornelius, who feared God and likely had some familiarity with Jewish scriptures and religious movements, the activities of a prominent figure like Jesus and His forerunner, John the Baptist, would have been widely discussed and known through various channels, including trade, travel, and interaction with Jewish communities.

**What was John's baptism, and why is it mentioned here as a precursor to Jesus' ministry?**

Answer: John's baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, symbolizing a turning away from sin and a preparation for the coming Messiah ([Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John's Baptism of Repentance")). It was a widely recognized and influential movement throughout Judaea. Peter mentions it here to establish a clear chronological and theological link between John's preparatory work and Jesus' public ministry. John's role was to "prepare the way of the Lord" ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Crying in the Wilderness")), and Jesus' ministry began "after" John's, signifying that Jesus was the one to whom John pointed and for whom he prepared hearts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:37, though seemingly a historical statement, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The "word" that was "published throughout all Judaea" is ultimately the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ Himself ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His public ministry, beginning in Galilee, fulfills ancient prophecies, particularly [Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1-2 "Isaiah 9:1-2 - Light Dawns in Galilee"), which spoke of a great light dawning in "Galilee of the Gentiles." John the Baptist's preaching and baptism served as the divinely appointed prelude, preparing hearts for the arrival of the Messiah, just as [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant") foretold. Jesus' submission to John's baptism marked the formal inauguration of His public ministry, identifying with humanity in need of repentance, even though He was sinless ([Matthew 3:13-17](/matthew/3-13-17 "Matthew 3:13-17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). Thus, the historical facts Peter cites are not mere biographical details but the very unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the "word" that brings salvation to all, both Jew and Gentile ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

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

Luke 4:14

¶ And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Acts 13:24

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

Acts 13:25

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.

Acts 26:26

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

Mark 1:14

¶ Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

Mark 1:15

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Acts 28:22

But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.