Acts 10:48

KJV

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} he commanded {G4367} them {G846} to be baptized {G907} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962}. Then {G5119} prayed they {G2065} him {G846} to tarry {G1961} certain {G5100} days {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And he ordered that they be immersed in the name of Yeshua the Messiah. Then they asked Kefa to stay on with them for a few days.

Berean Standard Bible

So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

American Standard Version

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:48 marks a pivotal moment in the early church, as Peter, having witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his Gentile household, commands their water baptism. This act formally integrates the first Gentile converts into the Christian community, signifying God's universal salvation and validating the inclusion of non-Jews without requiring adherence to Mosaic law. The verse also records the Gentiles' request for Peter to remain with them, indicating their desire for continued instruction and fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:48 concludes a groundbreaking narrative arc spanning the entire tenth chapter of Acts. The preceding verses detail Peter's transformative vision of unclean animals, which challenged his Jewish dietary laws and, by extension, his understanding of who God considered "clean" and acceptable. Simultaneously, Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, received a divine vision instructing him to send for Peter. The climax occurs in [Acts 10:44-47](/acts/10-44-47 "Acts 10:44-47 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles"), where, while Peter is still preaching, the Holy Spirit falls upon Cornelius's entire household, causing them to speak in tongues and glorify God, mirroring the Pentecost experience in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost"). This undeniable divine authentication of Gentile conversion, prior to any human ritual, leads directly to Peter's command for their baptism in verse 48, solidifying their full acceptance into the nascent Christian community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society was deeply rooted in a covenantal identity that emphasized separation from Gentiles, who were often considered ritually unclean. This separation was maintained through strict dietary laws, social customs, and religious practices. For a Jew like Peter to enter a Gentile home, let alone share a meal or fellowship, was a profound cultural and religious boundary transgression. The Roman centurion Cornelius, though a "God-fearer" (a Gentile who worshipped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism), still represented the "unclean" world to many Jews. The events of Acts 10, therefore, represent a radical redefinition of community and purity, directly challenging centuries of deeply ingrained Jewish tradition and paving the way for the gospel to spread beyond its Jewish origins.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Gentile Inclusion**, demonstrating God's impartial love and the universal scope of salvation, breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" as described in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"). It also underscores the **Sovereignty of the Holy Spirit**, as the Spirit's descent *precedes* human action (baptism), emphasizing that salvation is God's initiative, not contingent on human rituals or ethnic background. Furthermore, the passage highlights the **Authority of the Apostles**, as Peter, guided by divine revelation, exercises his apostolic authority to command baptism, confirming the new paradigm. Finally, it illustrates the **Continuity and Transformation of God's Plan**, showing how the promises to Abraham for all nations (e.g., [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")) are being fulfilled in Christ through the Spirit, expanding the boundaries of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commanded (Greek, _prostássō'_):** This verb, derived from _pros_ (towards) and _tassō_ (to arrange), signifies "to arrange towards" or "to enjoin." In this context, it conveys Peter's authoritative directive, not merely a suggestion. It indicates that Peter, as an apostle guided by the Holy Spirit, was issuing an instruction that carried divine weight, confirming the necessity of water baptism even after the Spirit's outpouring. This command underscores the importance of obedience to established Christian practices.
* **baptized (Greek, _baptízō'_):** Meaning "to immerse, submerge," or "to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet)," this term refers specifically to the Christian ordinance of baptism. Here, it denotes the act of water immersion as a public declaration of faith and identification with Christ. The fact that Peter commands this *after* the Holy Spirit has fallen highlights that while salvation and the Spirit are God's sovereign gifts, baptism remains an essential, commanded act of obedience and a visible sign of entrance into the Christian community.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** This word, meaning "name" literally or figuratively, often denotes authority, character, or reputation. To be baptized "in the name of the Lord" means to be baptized by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, identifying with His person, His saving work, and acknowledging His ownership and lordship over one's life. It signifies a profound allegiance and submission to Christ, embodying the very essence of Christian identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord":** This clause reveals Peter's decisive action following the Holy Spirit's descent upon Cornelius's household. The "he" refers to Peter, who, having witnessed undeniable evidence of God's acceptance of these Gentiles (their speaking in tongues and glorifying God, just like the Jewish believers at Pentecost), now issues a command for their water baptism. The phrase "in the name of the Lord" is crucial, signifying that the baptism is performed under the authority of Jesus Christ and serves as a public declaration of allegiance to Him. It confirms their full inclusion into the Christian community, not based on Jewish law or circumcision, but solely on their faith and the evidence of the Spirit's work.
* **"Then prayed they him to tarry certain days":** This second clause describes the immediate response of Cornelius and his household. Having received the Holy Spirit and been commanded to be baptized, their desire is for Peter to remain with them. The verb "prayed" (Greek, _erōtáō'_) here means "to request" or "to entreat," indicating a sincere plea. Their request to "tarry certain days" (Greek, _epiménō'_, meaning to stay over or remain) suggests a hunger for further instruction, fellowship, and deeper understanding of the Christian faith from Peter, the one God sent to them. It highlights their newfound spiritual eagerness and commitment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Narrative Climax**, as this verse represents the culmination of God's groundbreaking work in Acts 10, definitively opening the door for Gentile inclusion into the church. The preceding events build tension and expectation, resolved by Peter's command. There is also significant **Symbolism** in the act of baptism itself, which, even after the spiritual reality of the Spirit's indwelling, serves as a visible, public sign of an internal transformation and identification with Christ. Furthermore, the narrative demonstrates **Divine Validation**, as the Holy Spirit's prior outpouring on the Gentiles explicitly validates Peter's command and the legitimacy of their conversion, overcoming deeply entrenched prejudices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:48 is a theological landmark, demonstrating God's radical inclusivity and the universal scope of the gospel. It unequivocally establishes that salvation is by grace through faith, authenticated by the Holy Spirit, and not dependent on ethnic background or adherence to the Mosaic Law. This event decisively breaks down the Jewish-Gentile barrier within the early church, paving the way for the global mission of Christianity. It underscores that water baptism, while not a prerequisite for salvation (as the Spirit came first), is an essential act of obedience and public identification with Christ for all believers.

* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")
* [Galatians 3:27-28](/galatians/3-27-28 "Galatians 3:27-28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:11-18](/ephesians/2-11-18 "Ephesians 2:11-18 - Gentiles and Jews Reconciled in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:48 provides a powerful blueprint for the church's mission and individual discipleship today. It challenges us to embrace God's expansive love, recognizing that His grace extends to all people, regardless of their background, social status, or past. We are called to dismantle any barriers, whether cultural, ethnic, or personal, that might hinder the spread of the gospel or the welcoming of new believers into our communities. Peter's obedience, even when it meant stepping outside his comfort zone and challenging deeply held traditions, serves as a profound example for us. We must cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading, being willing to adapt our methods and perspectives when God reveals a new direction. Furthermore, the passage reinforces the enduring significance of water baptism as a public testimony of faith and identification with Christ, an outward sign of an inward transformation. It reminds us that while God initiates salvation, our joyful response includes obedience to His commands and a desire for continued growth and fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What cultural or personal biases might I unknowingly hold that could hinder my ability to share the gospel or welcome others into Christian fellowship?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to step out of my comfort zone, similar to Peter, to obey His leading?**
* **How does my understanding of baptism align with its significance as both an act of obedience and a public declaration of faith?**
* **How can my church community better reflect the radical inclusivity demonstrated in Acts 10:48?**

### FAQ

**Why did Peter command water baptism if the Holy Spirit had already fallen on them?**

Answer: The sequence of events in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius") is crucial. The Holy Spirit's outpouring on Cornelius's household in [Acts 10:44-47](/acts/10-44-47 "Acts 10:44-47 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles") was God's undeniable validation of their faith and acceptance into His family, proving that salvation was for Gentiles too, without first becoming Jews. Peter's command for water baptism in [Acts 10:48](/acts/10-48 "Acts 10:48 - Baptism of Cornelius's Household") was the appropriate human response to this divine act. It served as a public, visible declaration of their new identity in Christ and their inclusion into the Christian community. While the Spirit's indwelling signifies spiritual rebirth, water baptism is a commanded act of obedience, symbolizing identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and a public testimony of faith. It confirms and formalizes their new status before the church and the world.

**What does it mean to be baptized "in the name of the Lord"?**

Answer: To be baptized "in the name of the Lord" (referring to Jesus Christ) signifies much more than a mere verbal formula. It means to be baptized by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledging His lordship and ownership over one's life. It implies being identified with His person, His saving work (His death, burial, and resurrection), and His mission. It is an act of allegiance and submission to Christ, publicly declaring that one belongs to Him and is now part of His body, the church. This phrase underscores the Christ-centered nature of Christian baptism and the authority by which it is performed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:48, with its radical inclusion of Gentiles through faith and baptism, profoundly foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus's mission was not merely for Israel but for "the lost sheep" of the world, culminating in His command to make disciples of "all nations" in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Peter's vision and subsequent actions in Acts 10 directly fulfill the prophetic trajectory of the Old Testament, where God promised to bless "all the families of the earth" through Abraham's seed ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The tearing down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, so evident in Cornelius's conversion and baptism, is the direct result of Christ's atoning sacrifice, which reconciled both groups to God in one body through the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Acts 10:48 is a vivid demonstration of the New Covenant reality, where access to God is no longer based on ethnic lineage or adherence to the Law, but on faith in Jesus Christ, the one Lord over all, who welcomes all who call upon His name ([Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "Romans 10:12-13 - The Lord is Lord of All")).

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

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:16

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:13

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 1:17

¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Acts 8:12

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

John 4:2

(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)