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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 10:1–8. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The bringing of the gospel to the Gentiles, and the bringing of those who had been strangers and foreigners to be fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, were such a mystery to the apostles themselves, and such a surprise (Eph 3:3, Eph 3:6), that it concerns us carefully to observe all the circumstances of the beginning of this great work, this part of the mystery of godliness - Christ preached to the Gentiles, and believed on in this world, Ti1 3:16. It is not unlikely that some Gentiles might before now have stepped into a synagogue of the Jews, and heard the gospel preached; but the gospel was never yet designedly preached to the Gentiles, nor any of them baptized - Cornelius was the first; and here we have,
I.An account given us of this Cornelius, who and what he was, who was the first-born of the Gentiles to Christ.
We are here told that he was a great man and a good man - two characters that seldom meet, but here they did; and where they do meet they put a lustre upon each other: goodness makes greatness truly valuable, and greatness makes goodness much more serviceable.
1.Cornelius was an officer of the army, Act 10:1. He was at present quartered in Cesarea, a strong city, lately re-edified and fortified by Herod the Great, and called Cesarea in honour of Augustus Caesar. It lay upon the sea-shore, very convenient for the keeping up of a correspondence between Rome and its conquests in those parts. The Roman governor or pro-consul ordinarily resided here, Act 23:23, Act 23:24; Act 25:6. Here there was a band, or cohort, or regiment, of the Roman army, which probably was the governor's life-guard, and is here called the Italian band, because, that they might be the more sure of their fidelity, they were all native Romans, or Italians. Cornelius had a command in this part of the army. His name, Cornelius was much used among the Romans, among some of the most ancient and noble families. He was an officer of considerable rank and figure, a centurion. We read of one of that rank in our Saviour's time, of whom he gave a great commendation, Mat 8:10. When a Gentile must be pitched upon to receive the gospel first, it is not a Gentile philosopher, much less a Gentile priest (who are bigoted to their notions and worship, and prejudiced against the gospel of Christ), but a Gentile soldier, who is a man of more free thought; and he that truly is so, when the Christian doctrine is fairly set before him, cannot but receive it and bid it welcome. Fishermen, unlearned and ignorant men, were the first of the Jewish converts, but not so of the Gentiles; for the world shall know that the gospel has that in it which may recommend it to men of polite learning and a liberal education, as we have reason to think this centurion was. Let not soldiers and officers of the army plead that their employment frees them from the restraints which some others are under, and, giving them an opportunity of living more at large, may excuse them if they be not religious; for here was an officer of the army that embraced Christianity, and yet was neither turned out of his place nor turned himself out. And, lastly, it was a mortification to the Jews that not only the Gentiles were taken into the church, but that the first who was taken in was an officer of the Roman army, which was to them the abomination of desolation.
2.He was, according to the measure of the light he had, a religious man. It is a very good character that is given of him, Act 10:2. He was no idolater, no worshipper of false gods or images, nor allowed himself in any of those immoralities to which the greater part of the Gentile world were given up, to punish them for their idolatry.
(1.)He was possessed with a principle of regard to the true and living God. He was a devout man and one that feared God. He believed in one God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and had a reverence for his glory and authority, and a dread of offending him by sin; and, though he was a soldier, it was no diminution to the credit of his valour to tremble before God.
(2.)He kept up religion in his family. He feared God with all his house. He would not admit any idolaters under his roof, but took care that not himself only, but all his, should serve the Lord. Every good man will do what he can that those about him may be good too.
(3.)He was a very charitable man: He gave much alms to the people, the people of the Jews, notwithstanding the singularities of their religion. Though he was a Gentile, he was willing to contribute to the relief of one that was a real object of charity, without asking what religion he was of.
(4.)He was much in prayer: He prayed to God always. He kept up stated times for prayer, and was constant to them. Note, Wherever the fear of God rules in the heart, it will appear both in works of charity and of piety, and neither will excuse us from the other.
II.The orders given him from heaven, by the ministry of an angel, to send for Peter to come to him, which he would never have done if he had not been thus directed to do it. Observe,
1.How, and in what way, these orders were given him. He had a vision, in which an angel delivered them to him. It was about the ninth hour of the day, at three of the clock in the afternoon, which is with us an hour of business and conversation; but then, because it was in the temple the time of offering the evening sacrifice, it was made by devout people an hour of prayer, to intimate that all our prayers are to be offered up in the virtue of the great sacrifice. Cornelius was now at prayer: so he tells us himself, Act 10:30. Now here we are told,
(1.)That an angel of God came in to him. By the brightness of his countenance, and the manner of his coming in, he knew him to be something more than a man, and therefore nothing less than an angel, an express from heaven.
(2.)That he saw him evidently with his bodily eyes, not in a dream presented to his imagination, but in a vision presented to his sight; for his greater satisfaction, it carried its own evidence along with it.
(3.)That he called him by his name, Cornelius, to intimate the particular notice God took of him.
(4.)That this put Cornelius for the present into some confusion (Act 10:4): When he looked on him he was afraid. The wisest and best men have been struck with fear upon the appearance of any extra-ordinary messenger from heaven; and justly, for sinful man knows that he has no reason to expect any good tidings thence. And therefore Cornelius cries, "What is it, Lord? What is the matter?" This he speaks as one afraid of something amiss, and longing to be eased of that fear, by knowing the truth; or as one desirous to know the mind of God, and ready to comply with it, as Joshua: What saith my Lord unto his servant? And Samuel: Speak, for thy servant heareth.
2.What the message was that was delivered to him.
(1.)He is assured that God accepts him in walking according to the light he had (v. 4): Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. Observe, Prayers and alms must go together. We must follow our prayers with alms; for the fast that God hath chosen is to draw out the soul to the hungry, Isa 58:6, Isa 58:7. It is not enough to pray that what we have may be sanctified to us, but we must give alms of such things as we have; and then, behold, all things are clean to us, Luk 11:41. And we must follow our alms with our prayers that God would graciously accept them, and that they may be blessed to those to whom they are given. Cornelius prayed, and gave alms, not as the Pharisees, to be seen of men, but in sincerity, as unto God; and he is here told that they were come up for a memorial before God. They were upon record in heaven, in the book of remembrance that is written there for all that fear God, and shall be remembered to his advantage: "Thy prayers shall be answered, and thine alms recompensed." The sacrifices under the law are said to be for a memorial. See Lev 2:9, Lev 2:16; Lev 5:12; Lev 6:15. And prayers and alms are our spiritual offerings, which God is pleased to take cognizance of, and have regard to. The divine revelation communicated to the Jews, as far as the Gentiles were concerned in it, not only as it directed and improved the light and law of nature, but as it promised a Messiah to come, Cornelius believed and submitted to. What he did he did in that faith, and was accepted of God in it; for the Gentiles, to whom the law of Moses came, were not obliged to become circumcised Jews, as those to whom the gospel of Christ comes are to become baptized Christians.
(2.)He is appointed to enquire after a further discovery of divine grace, now lately made to the world, Act 10:5, Act 10:6. He must send forthwith to Joppa, and enquire for one Simon Peter; he lodgeth at the house of one Simon a tanner; his house is by the sea side, and, if he be sent for, he will come; and when he comes he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do, in answer to thy question, What is it, Lord? Now here are two things very surprising, and worthy our consideration - [1.] Cornelius prays and gives alms in the fear of God, is religious himself and keeps up religion in his family, and all this so as to be accepted of God in it, and yet there is something further that he ought to do - he ought to embrace the Christian religion, now that God has established it among men. Not, He may do it if he pleases; it will be an improvement and entertainment to him. But, He must do it; it is indispensably necessary to his acceptance with God for the future, though he has been accepted in his services hitherto. He that believed the promise of the Messiah must now believe the performance of that promise. Now that God has given a further record concerning his Son than what had been given in the Old Testament prophecies he requires that we receive this when it is brought to us; and now neither our prayers nor our alms can come up for a memorial before God unless we believe in Jesus Christ, for it is that further which we ought to do. This is his commandment, that we believe. Prayers and alms are accepted from those that believe that the Lord is God, and have not opportunity of knowing more; but, from those to whom it is preached that Jesus is Christ, it is necessary to the acceptance of their persons, prayers, and alms, that they believe this, and rest upon him alone for acceptance. [2.] Cornelius has now an angel from heaven talking to him, and yet he must not receive the gospel of Christ from this angel, nor be told by him what he ought to do, but all that the angel has to say is, "Send for Peter, and he shall tell thee." As the former observation puts a mighty honour upon the gospel, so does this upon the gospel ministry: it was not to the highest of angels, but to those who were less that the least of all saints, that this grace was given, to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph 3:8), that the excellency of the power might be of God, and the dignity of an institution of Christ supported; for unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come (Heb 2:5), but to the Son of man as the sovereign, and the sons of men as his agents and ministers of state, whose terrors shall not make us afraid, nor their hand be heavy upon us, as this angel's now was to Cornelius. And as it was an honour to the apostle that he must preach that which an angel might not, so it was a further honour that an angel was despatched on purpose from heaven to order him to be sent for. To bring a faithful minister and a willing people together is a work worthy of an angel, and what therefore the greatest of men should be glad to be employed in.
III.His immediate obedience to these orders, Act 10:7, Act 10:8.
He sent with all speed to Joppa, to fetch Peter to him. Had he himself only been concerned, he would have gone to Joppa to him. But he had a family, and kinsmen, and friends (Act 10:24), a little congregation of them, that could not go with him to Joppa, and therefore he sends for Peter. Observe,
1.When he sent: As soon as ever the angel which spoke unto him had departed, without dispute or delay, he was obedient to the heavenly vision. He perceived, by what the angel said, he was to have some further work prescribed him, and he longed to have it told him. He made haste, and delayed not, to do this commandment. In any affair wherein our souls are concerned it is good for us not to lose time.
2.Whom he sent: Two of his household servants, who all feared God, and a devout soldier, one of those that waited on him continually. Observe, a devout centurion had devout soldiers. A little devotion commonly goes a great way with soldiers, but there would be more of it in the soldiers if there were but more of it in the commanders. Officers in an army, that have such a great power over the soldiers, as we find the centurion had (Mat 8:9), have a great opportunity of promoting religion, at least of restraining vice and profaneness, in those under their command, if they would but improve it. Observe, When this centurion had to choose some of his soldiers to attend his person, and to be always about him, he pitched upon such of them as were devout; they shall be preferred and countenanced, to encourage others to be so. He went by David's rule (Psa 101:6), Mine eye shall be upon the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me.
3.What instructions he gave them (Act 10:8): He declared all these things unto them, told them of the vision he had, and the orders given him to send for Peter, because Peter's coming was a thing in which they were concerned, for they had souls to save as well as he. Therefore he does not only tell them where to find Peter (which he might have thought it enough to do - the servant knows not what his Lord doeth), but he tells them on what errand he was to come, that they might importune him.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"And when the Angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; and when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa." Do you see, that it is not without purpose that the writer says this? It shows that those also "who waited on him continually" were such as he. "And when he had declared the whole matter unto them": observe the unassuming character of the man: for he does not say, Call Peter to me: but, in order also to induce him to come, he declared the whole matter: this was so ordered by Providence; for he did not choose to use the authority of his rank to fetch Peter to him; therefore "he declared the matter;" such was the moderation of the man: and yet no great notion was to be formed of one lodging with a tanner.
He called two of his domestic servants and a soldier who feared the Lord. Cornelius sent three to Peter, because the Gentiles destined to believe overcame Europe, Asia, and Africa with apostolic faith, partly by military efforts, that is, the urgency of preaching, partly by attending to domestic affairs. Note that one soldier and two domestics were sent. The stronger they are, the fewer you will find among the members of the Church; there are more who know how to hear the word than those who know how to speak it.
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Summary
Following a direct angelic visitation, Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, immediately responded to the divine instruction by dispatching a carefully chosen delegation. He summoned two trusted household servants and a particularly pious soldier who was continually in his service, commissioning them to travel to Joppa and bring back Simon Peter, demonstrating his prompt obedience and the reliable character of his retinue.
Context
Literary Context
Acts 10:7 serves as the immediate narrative follow-up to Cornelius's profound vision in Acts 10:3-6. The angel explicitly commanded Cornelius to send men to Joppa to summon Simon Peter. This verse, therefore, marks Cornelius's swift and obedient initiation of that divine directive, setting in motion the pivotal events that will lead to Peter's visit and the groundbreaking conversion of the first Gentile household. It highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between divine revelation and human action, emphasizing Cornelius's faith and the immediate impact of God's communication. The narrative seamlessly transitions from the heavenly realm to practical earthly logistics, underscoring the tangible nature of God's work through human agents.
Historical & Cultural Context
Cornelius was a Roman centurion, a commander of approximately 100 soldiers, stationed in Caesarea, the Roman administrative capital of Judea. This position indicates he was a man of significant authority and influence within the Roman military structure. His household would have been substantial, comprising not only family but also numerous servants and soldiers under his command. The detail that he was a "devout" man who "feared God" (Acts 10:2) places him among the "God-fearers," Gentiles who worshipped the God of Israel, observed some Jewish customs, but had not fully converted to Judaism (e.g., through circumcision). This status was common in the Roman Empire and provided a bridge between the Jewish and Gentile worlds, making Cornelius an ideal candidate for God's redemptive plan to extend salvation beyond ethnic Israel. His decision to send his own trusted household members reflects the common practice of delegating important tasks to reliable subordinates in a hierarchical society.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Initiative and Human Obedience, as Cornelius's immediate action is a direct, faithful response to God's clear instruction. His promptness sets a precedent for how believers should respond to divine leading, a theme echoed in Peter's own subsequent obedience to a vision in Acts 10:9-16. Secondly, the verse highlights God's Use of Ordinary People and Existing Relationships to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Cornelius doesn't seek outside help but utilizes his own trusted household, demonstrating how God works within the fabric of our daily lives and relationships. Thirdly, the mention of a "devout soldier" reinforces the theme of Character and Integrity, suggesting that Cornelius surrounded himself with individuals who shared his values, which facilitated the execution of God's plan. This careful selection of messengers speaks to the importance of trustworthiness in carrying out divine mandates, a quality consistently emphasized throughout the book of Acts.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning to emit a sound, to address in words or by name, or to call for. In this context, it signifies Cornelius's deliberate act of summoning specific individuals to his presence, indicating a direct command or request. This is not a casual utterance but an intentional act of leadership to initiate a crucial mission.
Referring to a fellow resident, specifically a menial domestic. This term denotes servants who lived within the master's household, implying a closer, more integrated relationship than hired laborers. Cornelius's choice of these individuals suggests a degree of trust and familiarity, indicating they were reliable members of his personal staff, privy to the goings-on of his home.
Meaning well-reverent or pious. This adjective describes the soldier's character, indicating he was a man who exhibited reverence and godliness, similar to the description of Cornelius himself in Acts 10:2. The inclusion of this detail is significant, emphasizing that Cornelius chose men not only for their practical reliability but also for their spiritual disposition, aligning with the sacred nature of the mission.
Meaning to be earnest towards, to persevere, be constantly diligent, or to adhere closely to as a servitor. This phrase highlights the soldier's unwavering loyalty and steadfastness in his duty to Cornelius. It suggests a consistent, dedicated presence and service, reinforcing the idea that Cornelius selected individuals of proven faithfulness and commitment for this critical task.
Verse Breakdown
"And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed,"
This clause establishes the immediate temporal context. The departure of the angel signifies the conclusion of the divine revelation and the moment for human action to commence. It underscores the directness and brevity of the angelic encounter, leaving Cornelius with a clear, urgent directive. The angelic presence is temporary, but its message demands an enduring response.
"he called two of his household servants,"
This part details Cornelius's immediate and practical response. The act of "calling" implies a direct command or summons, demonstrating his authority and resolve. The selection of "two" household servants suggests a deliberate choice for a specific purpose, perhaps for reliability, to ensure the message was delivered, or for practical support on the journey. These were trusted members of his domestic staff, indicating an existing relationship of loyalty and dependence.
"and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;"
This final clause provides further detail about the chosen messengers, highlighting the specific character of the third individual. The soldier's "devout" nature (pious, godly) aligns with Cornelius's own spiritual disposition, suggesting a shared reverence for God. The phrase "waited on him continually" emphasizes the soldier's unwavering loyalty and constant presence, indicating a highly trusted and reliable individual. This careful selection of messengers—two domestic staff and one dedicated military subordinate—underscores Cornelius's prudence and the importance he placed on the mission.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. Narrative Progression is evident as the verse immediately follows the angelic visitation, showing Cornelius's prompt and decisive action, thus propelling the story forward. This swift response highlights the theme of immediate obedience to divine command. Characterization is subtly but powerfully used to reveal aspects of both Cornelius and his chosen messengers. Cornelius is portrayed as a man of action and discernment, who trusts and relies on his immediate circle. The description of the soldier as "devout" and one who "waited on him continually" serves as a form of Emphasis through Detail, underscoring the quality and trustworthiness of the individuals Cornelius selected for this crucial mission. This detail not only adds verisimilitude but also subtly foreshadows the success of their journey and the importance of their testimony later in the chapter.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 10:7 is a pivotal verse, illustrating the principle that divine revelation often requires immediate and practical human response. Cornelius's swift obedience to the angel's command demonstrates a profound trust in God's word, setting a powerful example for believers. This act of sending trusted individuals from his own household highlights God's method of working through existing relationships and the resources at hand. The selection of a "devout soldier" also underscores the importance of character and spiritual alignment in those chosen for God's purposes, reflecting Cornelius's own piety and his desire to surround himself with like-minded individuals. This verse is a crucial step in God's unfolding plan to extend salvation to the Gentiles, showing divine initiative met with human faithfulness, paving the way for the radical inclusion that defines the early church's mission.
Reflection and Application
Acts 10:7 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, primarily emphasizing the critical importance of immediate and faithful obedience to God's revealed will. Cornelius, upon receiving a clear divine directive, did not hesitate or procrastinate but acted decisively. This serves as a powerful reminder that when God speaks, whether through His Word, prayer, or the counsel of godly individuals, our most appropriate response is prompt action. Furthermore, the verse highlights the wisdom of entrusting significant tasks to those who are not only capable but also possess integrity and a devout spirit. Cornelius's choice of "household servants" and a "devout soldier" underscores the value of surrounding ourselves with trustworthy individuals who share our commitment to God's purposes. This principle extends to our personal lives, our families, and our church communities: God often uses the relationships and resources He has already placed around us to accomplish His will. Our readiness to act and our discernment in choosing those to partner with us are crucial for effectively participating in God's unfolding plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Cornelius send three men instead of going himself, or sending more?
Cornelius, as a Roman centurion, held a position of significant authority and responsibility in Caesarea. It would have been highly unusual, if not impossible, for him to abandon his post to travel to Joppa. Sending trusted subordinates was a standard practice for someone in his position to execute important tasks. The choice of three men (two servants and one soldier) likely provided a balance of domestic reliability and military authority/protection for the journey, ensuring the message was delivered and Peter was safely escorted back. This number was sufficient for the task without being excessive, demonstrating prudence and efficiency in fulfilling the divine command.
What is the significance of the soldier being described as "devout"?
The description of the soldier as "devout" (Greek: eusebḗs) is highly significant. It mirrors the description of Cornelius himself in Acts 10:2, indicating that Cornelius surrounded himself with individuals who shared his reverence for God. This detail emphasizes the spiritual quality of Cornelius's household and the integrity of those he chose for this sacred mission. It suggests that the soldier was not merely a loyal subordinate but also someone who understood and respected the spiritual nature of Cornelius's vision and the importance of the task at hand, further validating the divine encounter and the subsequent events.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 10:7, while seemingly a simple narrative detail, profoundly contributes to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Cornelius's immediate obedience in dispatching these men is a direct response to a divine initiative that ultimately leads to the expansion of the gospel beyond the confines of Jewish ethnicity. The calling of Peter, facilitated by these messengers, culminates in the first recorded mass conversion of Gentiles, where the Holy Spirit falls upon them just as He did on the Jewish believers at Pentecost (Acts 10:44-48). This event powerfully demonstrates that salvation in Christ is not limited by race or background but is freely offered to all who believe, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshipping the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-10). Jesus himself declared His mission was to gather "other sheep that are not of this sheep pen" (John 10:16), and Cornelius's household represents a foundational step in that universal ingathering. The breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, fully accomplished through Christ's sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16), is tangibly manifested in the events set in motion by this verse, showcasing Christ as the universal Lord and Savior for all humanity.