And when he had declared all [these] things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

And {G2532} when he had declared {G1834} all these things {G537} unto them {G846}, he sent {G649} them {G846} to {G1519} Joppa {G2445}.

he explained everything to them and sent them to Yafo.

He explained what had happened and sent them to Joppa.

and having rehearsed all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Acts 10:8 marks a crucial moment in the unfolding narrative of the early church, highlighting the immediate obedience of Cornelius to a divine directive. This verse describes Cornelius dispatching his trusted men to Joppa, setting in motion the chain of events that would lead to the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith.

Context

This verse follows directly from the preceding events in Acts 10:1-7. Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, was a "God-fearing" man who regularly prayed and gave alms. He experienced a profound vision where an angel of God appeared to him, instructing him to send for Simon Peter, who was residing in the coastal city of Joppa. The angel specified that Peter was staying with Simon the tanner by the sea. Cornelius's immediate response to this heavenly mandate demonstrates his faith and readiness to follow God's will, even before fully understanding the implications.

Key Themes

  • Immediate Obedience: Cornelius's swift action in sending his men underscores the importance of promptly responding to God's revealed will. He doesn't hesitate or question but acts decisively.
  • Divine Orchestration: This verse is part of a larger divine plan to bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles within the nascent Christian community. God is actively working behind the scenes to bring Peter and Cornelius together. This divine orchestration is also evident in Peter's concurrent vision in Joppa.
  • Preparation for Gentile Inclusion: The sending of these men to Joppa is a pivotal step towards the groundbreaking event of the Holy Spirit falling upon Gentiles, a major turning point in the Book of Acts and for the universal church.
  • The Role of Messengers: Cornelius entrusts this vital mission to two of his household servants and a devout soldier, highlighting the reliance on faithful individuals to carry out God's purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "declared" is apēngeilen (ἀπήγγειλεν), meaning to 'report,' 'announce,' or 'declare.' It implies a clear, concise, and authoritative communication of the message. Cornelius faithfully relayed the specifics of his angelic encounter and the instructions he received to his trusted men, leaving no room for misunderstanding regarding their critical mission to Joppa.

Practical Application

Acts 10:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the call to obedience in our own lives. When God reveals His will, whether through Scripture, prayer, or providential circumstances, our response should be one of prompt and faithful action, much like Cornelius. His example encourages believers to be attentive to divine instruction and to trust in God's perfect timing and plan, even when the full scope of His purpose is not yet clear. This act of sending also illustrates the importance of delegating and working with others to fulfill God's kingdom purposes, recognizing that we are often part of a larger divine narrative.

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.
  • Acts 26:19

    Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
  • Galatians 1:16

    To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
  • Psalms 119:59

    ¶ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
  • Psalms 119:60

    I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
  • Acts 10:33

    Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
  • Acts 9:36

    ¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

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