Acts 10:42

KJV

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he commanded {G3853} us {G2254} to preach {G2784} unto the people {G2992}, and {G2532} to testify {G1263} that {G3754} it is {G2076} he {G846} which {G3588} was ordained {G3724} of {G5259} God {G2316} to be the Judge {G2923} of quick {G2198} and {G2532} dead {G3498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Then he commanded us to proclaim and attest to the Jewish people that this man has been appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.

Berean Standard Bible

And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.

American Standard Version

And he charged us to preach unto the people, and to testify that this is he who is ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:42 captures a pivotal declaration by Peter during his sermon at Cornelius's house, articulating the core message the apostles were commissioned to proclaim: that Jesus Christ, uniquely ordained by God, is the appointed Judge of all humanity, both those living and those who have died. This verse underscores the universal scope of Christ's authority and the Gospel message, marking a significant moment in the early church's understanding of its mission to both Jew and Gentile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:42 is situated within Peter's groundbreaking sermon to Cornelius and his household, a Gentile audience. This sermon follows Peter's transformative vision of the sheet descending from heaven, which challenged his preconceived notions about clean and unclean foods and, more profoundly, about the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan. The preceding verses [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality") highlight Peter's realization that "God shows no partiality." His sermon then unfolds, recounting Jesus' life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and the apostolic eyewitness testimony. Verse 42 serves as a climactic assertion of Jesus' ultimate authority and the apostles' divine mandate to proclaim it, setting the stage for the Holy Spirit's outpouring on the Gentiles immediately afterward [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian church was predominantly Jewish, grappling with how to integrate Gentile believers, particularly concerning adherence to Mosaic Law. Peter's visit to Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a devout Gentile, was revolutionary. Jewish custom typically forbade associating with Gentiles, especially entering their homes or eating with them, as it was considered defiling. This historical barrier is precisely what God's vision to Peter and Cornelius's own vision sought to dismantle. The declaration that Jesus is the Judge of "quick and dead" would have resonated with both Jewish expectations of a coming judgment and Roman understanding of imperial authority, but it radically reframed the identity of this ultimate Judge. This moment marked a crucial step in the church's transition from a Jewish sect to a global movement, demonstrating God's universal redemptive purpose.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it emphasizes **The Apostolic Commission and Authority**, showing that the apostles were not merely sharing personal opinions but were acting under a divine "command" to "preach" and "testify." This echoes Jesus' own Great Commission in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, the verse highlights **The Universal Sovereignty and Judgment of Christ**. The declaration that Jesus "was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead" is a profound theological statement, asserting His ultimate authority over all humanity, living and deceased. This theme is central to Christian eschatology and is reiterated in passages like [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Entrusts All Judgment to the Son") and [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Jesus, Who Will Judge the Living and the Dead"). Thirdly, it reinforces the **Inclusion of the Gentiles and God's Impartiality**, as this message of a universal Judge is being proclaimed to a Gentile household, breaking down the traditional barriers between Jew and Gentile and extending the Gospel's reach to "the people" (laós), signifying all peoples, not just Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** This word signifies to transmit a message, to enjoin, or to give a charge or command. In this context, it emphasizes the divine mandate given to Peter and the apostles. Their mission to preach and testify was not a self-initiated endeavor but a direct, authoritative instruction from God, highlighting the weight and divine backing of their message.
* **testify (Greek, _diamartýromai'_):** Derived from "dia" (through) and "martyreo" (to bear witness), this term means to attest or protest earnestly, or to hortatively bear witness. It implies a solemn, thorough, and often urgent declaration of truth. The apostles were not merely informing but solemnly affirming the truth about Jesus, urging their hearers to respond.
* **ordained (Greek, _horízō'_):** This word, from which we get "horizon," means to mark out or bound, to appoint, decree, or specify. It conveys the idea of a fixed, predetermined, and unchangeable divine appointment. Jesus' role as Judge is not accidental or temporary; it is a settled, eternal decree of God the Father, establishing His ultimate and unassailable authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he commanded us to preach unto the people":** This clause establishes the divine origin and nature of the apostolic mission. "He" refers to Jesus, who, after His resurrection, gave specific instructions to His disciples. The "us" refers to Peter and the other apostles, highlighting their direct commission. To "preach" (kērýssō) implies a public, authoritative proclamation, like a herald announcing a royal decree. "Unto the people" (laós) in this context, especially given the audience, signifies a universal scope, extending beyond the Jewish nation to all humanity.
* **"and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God":** This section details the content and nature of the apostolic testimony. The conjunction "and" links the two aspects of their mission: preaching and testifying. To "testify" (diamartýromai) suggests a solemn, earnest declaration of truth based on eyewitness experience and divine revelation. The core of this testimony is Jesus' identity: "it is he," emphasizing His unique personhood. Crucially, this Jesus "was ordained of God," meaning His role was divinely appointed, predetermined, and established by the Father, not self-proclaimed or humanly conferred.
* **"to be the Judge of quick and dead":** This final phrase reveals the specific, divinely appointed role of Jesus. He is the "Judge" (kritḗs), the one who presides over judgment. The scope of His judgment is universal: "of quick and dead." "Quick" (záō) refers to those who are living at the time of His return or the final judgment, while "dead" (nekrós) refers to all who have passed away throughout history. This declaration asserts Christ's supreme and comprehensive authority over all humanity across all time, underscoring the eschatological reality of His reign.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 10:42 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The verse functions as a powerful **Declaration**, a direct and authoritative statement of truth, delivered by Peter under divine command. The use of "commanded us to preach... and to testify" highlights the **Apostolic Authority** and divine mandate behind the message, lending it immense weight. There is a strong element of **Emphasis** on Jesus' unique identity and divinely appointed role, particularly through the phrase "it is he which was ordained of God." The phrase "Judge of quick and dead" serves as a concise yet comprehensive **Theological Statement**, summarizing Christ's ultimate eschatological authority. Furthermore, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** by placing "quick and dead" together, underscoring the all-encompassing nature of Christ's judgment, leaving no one outside His purview.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:42 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the authority of Christ, the nature of the apostolic mission, and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. The declaration that Jesus is the divinely appointed Judge of all humanity—living and dead—establishes His supreme sovereignty not only as Savior but also as the ultimate arbiter of justice. This truth provides both comfort for those who trust in Him and a sobering reality for those who reject Him. It underscores the urgency of the Gospel message, as all people will ultimately stand before Him. This verse also solidifies the theological understanding that salvation and judgment are inextricably linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ, making Him the central figure in humanity's destiny.

* [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")
* [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Jesus, Who Will Judge the Living and the Dead")
* [1 Peter 4:5](/1_peter/4-5 "1 Peter 4:5 - Christ Ready to Judge the Living and the Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:42 calls believers to a profound awareness of Christ's ultimate authority and the enduring mandate to share His truth. For those who believe, this verse offers immense comfort, knowing that the one who died for their sins is also their righteous and merciful Judge. It assures us that justice will ultimately prevail and that our hope is anchored in the one appointed by God Himself. For those yet to believe, it serves as a clear and urgent call to repentance and faith, reminding them of the inescapable reality of Christ's judgment. Practically, this verse compels us to embrace our own participation in the "preaching" and "testifying" mission, recognizing that the message of Christ's saving grace and sovereign judgment is for "the people"—all people, in every nation. It challenges us to live lives that reflect the seriousness of this truth, characterized by holiness, compassion, and a fervent desire to see others come to know the Judge who is also the Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of Jesus as the "Judge of quick and dead" impact your daily living and decision-making?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, participate in "preaching unto the people and testifying" about Jesus' authority in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does Peter's willingness to preach to Cornelius challenge your own preconceived notions or barriers in sharing the Gospel?**
* **What comfort and what challenge do you find in knowing that Jesus, who was "ordained of God," holds ultimate authority over all humanity?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus specifically called the "Judge of quick and dead"?**

Answer: This title emphasizes the universal and comprehensive scope of Jesus' judicial authority. "Quick" refers to those who are alive at the time of His return, and "dead" refers to all who have passed away throughout history. By stating He is the Judge of both, the Bible asserts that absolutely no one is outside of His ultimate jurisdiction. This role is not self-appointed but "ordained of God," signifying a divine decree that establishes His supreme and final authority over all humanity, across all generations and states of being. This truth is foundational to Christian eschatology, affirming that all will ultimately stand before Him for judgment, as seen in passages like [Revelation 20:11-13](/revelation/20-11-13 "Revelation 20:11-13 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

**What is the significance of "ordained of God" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "ordained of God" (from the Greek _horízō_) is highly significant because it underscores that Jesus' role as Judge is not a self-proclaimed or arbitrary position, but a specific, predetermined, and divinely appointed decree by God the Father. It highlights the Father's active role in entrusting all judgment to the Son, as Jesus Himself states in [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son"). This divine ordination lends absolute legitimacy and authority to Jesus' judicial function, making His judgment righteous, final, and unchallengeable. It also emphasizes the unity of purpose within the Trinity regarding humanity's ultimate destiny.

**How does this verse relate to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church?**

Answer: Acts 10:42 is a critical turning point for Gentile inclusion. Peter is delivering this sermon in the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile. Prior to this, the Gospel was largely confined to Jewish audiences. Peter's vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Acts 10:9-16 - Peter's Vision of the Sheet") and his subsequent realization in [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality") paved the way for this encounter. By proclaiming Jesus as the universal Judge to a Gentile audience, Peter is implicitly declaring that the message of salvation and judgment is for *all* people, not just Jews. The subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius's household [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles") confirms this radical expansion of the Gospel's reach, demonstrating God's impartiality and His desire to save people from every nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:42 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies both the ultimate Savior and the ultimate Judge. The "command" to preach and testify points directly to Christ's post-resurrection commission to His disciples, empowering them to spread the good news of His victory over sin and death, as seen in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"). The core of this testimony—that Jesus "was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead"—highlights His unique mediatorial role. He is not merely a prophet or a king, but the very Son of God, to whom the Father has entrusted all judgment, as Jesus Himself declared in [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Execute Judgment"). This divine appointment underscores His perfect righteousness and His capacity to justly assess all humanity. Ultimately, the judgment of "quick and dead" culminates in His second coming, where He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, and establish His eternal kingdom, a truth powerfully echoed in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). Thus, Acts 10:42 is a Christ-centered declaration, revealing His sovereign authority as both the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the Lion of Judah who will execute righteous judgment [Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah").

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 5:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

2 Timothy 4:1

¶ I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

1 Peter 4:5

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

Romans 14:9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

Romans 14:10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Matthew 28:19

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: