Acts 10:42

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.

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}.

“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.

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.

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.

Acts 10:42 is part of Peter's pivotal sermon at the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, marking a significant turning point in the early Christian church – the explicit inclusion of Gentiles into the body of believers.

Context

Prior to this verse, Peter has had a vision confirming that God shows no partiality and that the Gospel is for all people (Acts 10:34-35). He then begins to explain to Cornelius and his household who Jesus is and what He accomplished. This verse summarizes a core aspect of the apostles' mission and Jesus' ultimate authority. It underscores the universal scope of both the Gospel message and Christ's dominion.

Key Themes

  • The Apostolic Commission: Peter emphasizes that he and the other apostles were explicitly "commanded... to preach unto the people." This highlights the divine mandate behind the spreading of the Good News, echoing the Great Commission given by Jesus Himself.
  • Jesus as the Appointed Judge: The most profound declaration here is that Jesus "was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead." This asserts Christ's supreme authority, divinely appointed to preside over all humanity, whether living at His return or those who have passed away. This theme is crucial for understanding Jesus' role in final judgment and is echoed in other New Testament writings (2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:5).
  • Universal Scope of the Gospel: By preaching to Gentiles like Cornelius, Peter is demonstrating that the message of Christ's sovereignty and salvation is not limited to the Jewish people but extends to all nations, reinforcing the principle of God's impartiality.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ordained of God" comes from the Greek word horizō (ὁρίζω), which means "to determine, appoint, fix, or designate." This emphasizes that Jesus' role as Judge is not self-proclaimed but is a specific, pre-determined, and divine appointment by God the Father. It signifies a settled, unchangeable decree.

Practical Application

Acts 10:42 calls believers to two main responses:

  1. Embrace the Mission: Like Peter, we are called to share the Gospel, testifying to Jesus' identity and authority. The message is simple yet profound: Jesus is Lord and Judge, and salvation is found in Him.
  2. Live in Light of Christ's Authority: Knowing that Jesus is the appointed Judge of all reminds us to live lives that honor Him. This truth provides both comfort for those who trust Him and a sobering call to repentance for those who do not. It underscores the urgency of sharing the Gospel before the day of judgment.

Reflection

This verse encapsulates a fundamental truth of Christian theology: Jesus Christ is not only the Savior but also the ultimate Authority and Judge of all humanity. Peter's bold declaration to a Gentile audience paved the way for the global spread of Christianity, reminding us that God's plan of salvation and judgment encompasses everyone.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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