Acts 10:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

he explained everything to them and sent them to Yafo.

Berean Standard Bible

He explained what had happened and sent them to Joppa.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:8 details Cornelius's immediate and faithful response to the angelic vision, where he dispatches his trusted men to Joppa to summon Simon Peter. This seemingly simple act is a pivotal moment in the divine orchestration of events, setting in motion the groundbreaking inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian community and demonstrating God's sovereign plan to transcend ethnic and religious barriers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate follow-up to Cornelius's profound angelic encounter described in [Acts 10:1-7](/acts/10-1-7 "Cornelius's Vision and Piety"). Having received explicit instructions to send for Peter, Cornelius's swift obedience in dispatching his men highlights his piety and readiness to act on divine revelation. It directly precedes Peter's own transformative vision on the rooftop in Joppa, as recorded in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Peter's Vision of the Sheet"), creating a divinely synchronized narrative where both parties are prepared for a revolutionary encounter that will redefine the boundaries of the nascent church. The narrative flow emphasizes God's active hand in bringing these two key figures together.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was a "God-fearer," a Gentile who revered the God of Israel, engaged in prayer, and gave alms, but had not fully converted to Judaism (e.g., through circumcision). Such individuals were common in the Roman Empire and formed a bridge between Jewish and Gentile communities. Joppa (modern Jaffa) was a significant ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, known for its maritime activity and as a gateway to Judea. Peter's presence there, staying with Simon the tanner, is culturally significant; tanners worked with animal hides, a trade often considered ceremonially unclean by strict Jews due to its association with dead animals, positioning Peter outside the most rigid Jewish circles and perhaps preparing him for a broader ministry. The act of sending trusted household servants and a devout soldier reflects the typical practice of a Roman officer, relying on his retinue for important missions.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 10:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores **Immediate Obedience to Divine Revelation**, showcasing Cornelius's exemplary response to God's command without hesitation, a model for believers. Secondly, it is a crucial step in the theme of **Divine Orchestration and Providence**, as God meticulously arranges the meeting between Peter and Cornelius, demonstrating His sovereign control over human events to accomplish His purposes. Thirdly, and most profoundly, this verse is a foundational element in the **Inclusion of Gentiles into the Church**, a central theological theme of Acts. The sending of these men to Joppa is the direct catalyst for the first major Pentecost for Gentiles, breaking down the long-standing barriers between Jew and Gentile within the people of God, a theme further developed in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "The Jerusalem Council").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **declared (Greek, _exēgéomai'_):** From the root meaning "to lead out" or "to explain thoroughly," this word signifies a clear, detailed, and authoritative recounting. Cornelius didn't just mention the vision; he "declared" or "rehearsed" all the specific instructions and details received from the angel. This implies a comprehensive communication, ensuring his messengers fully understood the gravity and specifics of their mission to Joppa.
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** This verb carries the sense of sending someone on a specific mission or with a particular purpose, often with authority or as a representative. It's the same root word from which "apostle" is derived. Here, Cornelius is not merely dispatching servants but commissioning them for a divinely mandated task, underscoring the purposeful and official nature of their journey.
* **Joppa (Greek, _Ióppē'_):** A specific geographical location, Joppa was a significant port city. Its mention here anchors the divine instruction in a concrete, verifiable place. The fact that Peter was found there, staying with Simon the tanner, highlights the specificity of God's instructions and the precise nature of His providence in bringing the right people together at the right time and place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had declared all these things unto them":** This clause emphasizes Cornelius's faithful communication of the angelic message. "All these things" refers to the entire vision and the angel's specific instructions to send for Peter, who was staying with Simon the tanner in Joppa. The recipients, "them," are identified in the preceding verse as "two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him" ([Acts 10:7](/acts/10-7 "Cornelius Dispatches His Men")). Cornelius's thorough declaration ensures that his messengers are fully informed and understand the divine imperative behind their journey.
* **"he sent them to Joppa":** This phrase describes Cornelius's immediate and decisive action. The act of "sending" (apostéllō) is not merely a logistical command but a commissioning for a divine mission. Joppa is the specific destination, a coastal city where Peter was providentially located. This action initiates the physical journey that will bring Peter and Cornelius together, demonstrating Cornelius's prompt obedience and setting the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's plan for Gentile inclusion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Progression**, swiftly moving the plot forward from divine revelation to human action. It also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as Cornelius's act of sending his men to Joppa directly anticipates the momentous encounter with Peter and the subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles, a foundational event for the universal church. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony** or **Orchestration**, as God simultaneously prepares both Cornelius and Peter, bringing them together through seemingly ordinary human actions which are, in fact, part of an extraordinary divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:8 powerfully illustrates the principle of divine initiative met with human obedience, a recurring pattern throughout biblical history. God's revelation to Cornelius is not a mere suggestion but a directive, and Cornelius's immediate response demonstrates a heart attuned to God's will. This obedience is critical for the advancement of God's kingdom, particularly in breaking down the long-standing barriers between Jew and Gentile. The sending of these men is a testament to God's meticulous providence, orchestrating seemingly disparate events to fulfill His overarching redemptive plan to include all nations in His family.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Blessed are Those Who Hear and Obey")
* [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14-18 "Christ Our Peace, Breaking Down Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Cornelius's prompt and unwavering obedience in Acts 10:8 serves as a profound model for believers today. When God speaks, whether through His written Word, the counsel of wise believers, or through providential circumstances, our response should be characterized by decisive action, not hesitation or doubt. Cornelius did not fully comprehend the revolutionary implications of his actions, yet he acted in faith. This teaches us to trust God's wisdom and timing, even when the full scope of His plan is not yet clear. Furthermore, the verse highlights the importance of delegation and collaboration in God's work; Cornelius entrusted this vital mission to his trusted men, reminding us that God often uses a network of faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes. Our readiness to be "sent" and to "send" others in service of God's kingdom is a vital aspect of living out our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to immediate obedience, even if the full outcome is unclear?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more attuned to discerning God's voice and prompt to act upon it?**
* **What barriers, internal or external, might hinder my willingness to be "sent" or to "send" others for God's purposes?**

### FAQ

**Who were "them" that Cornelius sent to Joppa?**

Answer: As specified in [Acts 10:7](/acts/10-7 "Cornelius Dispatches His Men"), "them" refers to "two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him." This detail underscores the trust Cornelius placed in these individuals and the official nature of their mission.

**Why was Joppa the specific destination for Cornelius's messengers?**

Answer: Joppa was the coastal city where Simon Peter was residing at the time, specifically staying with Simon the tanner by the sea ([Acts 10:6](/acts/10-6 "Peter's Lodging in Joppa")). The angel's precise instruction to Cornelius about Peter's location in Joppa demonstrates God's meticulous orchestration of events to bring these two key figures together for the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:8, though focused on Cornelius's obedience, profoundly foreshadows and participates in the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The breaking down of the barrier between Jew and Gentile, initiated by this very act of sending, finds its ultimate basis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ "hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ is Our Peace")). Cornelius's act of sending messengers to summon Peter, who would then preach the Gospel to Gentiles, is a direct outworking of the Great Commission given by Christ to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")). The inclusion of Gentiles, symbolized by the events in Cornelius's household, is a testament to Christ's universal Lordship and the boundless reach of His atoning work, demonstrating that in Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Thus, Cornelius's obedience serves as a human echo of Christ's perfect obedience, which opened the way for all peoples to enter into God's family.

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 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.