Acts 10:39

In Acts 10:39, Peter continues his groundbreaking sermon to Cornelius and his household, articulating a concise summary of Jesus's earthly ministry and ultimate sacrifice. This verse emphasizes the apostolic role as direct observers and proclaimers of the Gospel message, particularly highlighting the stark reality of Christ's crucifixion.

Context

This verse is part of Peter's pivotal sermon to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, marking a significant turning point in the early church's mission. Up until this point, the Gospel had primarily been proclaimed to Jews. Peter's vision and subsequent visit to Cornelius's house (see Acts 10:9-16) paved the way for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring them to become Jewish proselytes. In this part of his message, Peter lays out the foundational historical facts of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, which were central to the apostolic preaching (the kerygma).

Key Themes and Messages

• Eyewitness Testimony: Peter begins by asserting, "And we are witnesses." This underscores the credibility and authority of the apostles' message. They were not merely recounting hearsay but proclaiming what they had personally seen and heard concerning Jesus's life and actions. This emphasis on eyewitness accounts was crucial in an era without widespread written records.
• The Scope of Jesus's Ministry: The phrase "all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem" highlights the public and verifiable nature of Jesus's ministry. His works, teachings, and miracles were not done in secret but openly across the region, culminating in the spiritual and political center of Jerusalem.
• The Reality of the Crucifixion: The stark declaration "whom they slew and hanged on a tree" directly addresses the crucifixion of Jesus. This was not a hidden event but a public execution by Roman authorities, instigated by Jewish leaders. The phrase "hanged on a tree" carries significant theological weight, as it is a direct reference to the Old Testament law in Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which states that anyone "hanged on a tree is accursed of God." By using this specific phrase, Peter connects Jesus's death to this curse, implying that Christ bore the curse of sin for humanity (a theme later developed by Paul in Galatians 3:13).
• The Core of the Gospel: This verse, along with the subsequent mention of the resurrection (Acts 10:40), forms the bedrock of the apostolic proclamation: Jesus lived, died, and rose again.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hanged on a tree" (Greek: epì xýlou - literally "on a wood" or "on a timber") is a deliberate and significant choice. While "crucified" is the common term, this specific phrasing echoes the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) translation of Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which states that anyone hung on a tree is under God's curse. By presenting Jesus's death in this manner, Peter implicitly highlights the theological implications of His death as a substitutionary atonement, bearing the curse that humanity deserved. This same phrasing is also used in other apostolic sermons in Acts, such as Acts 5:30.

Practical Application

Acts 10:39 reminds believers of the historical grounding of their faith. The Gospel is not based on myths or legends but on verifiable events witnessed by many. For us today, this verse underscores:

• The importance of knowing and sharing the core facts of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
• The radical nature of God's plan for salvation, which involved His Son bearing the curse of humanity's sin.
• The universal reach of the Gospel message, as Peter's sermon to Cornelius opened the door for all people, regardless of background, to receive salvation through faith in Christ. This groundbreaking moment for Gentile inclusion continues to affirm God's desire for all to come to Him.