Acts 10:37

That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

That word {G4487}, I say, ye {G5210} know {G1492}, which was published {G1096} throughout {G2596} all {G3650} Judaea {G2449}, and began {G756} from {G575} Galilee {G1056}, after {G3326} the baptism {G908} which {G3739} John {G2491} preached {G2784};

You know what has been going on throughout Y’hudah, starting from the Galil after the immersion that Yochanan proclaimed;

You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:

that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judæa, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Commentary

Context of Acts 10:37

Acts 10:37 is a crucial part of Peter's sermon to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household in Caesarea. This event marks a pivotal moment in early Christian history, as it signifies the unequivocal opening of the Gospel to Gentiles, demonstrating God's impartiality (Acts 10:34-35). Peter, having just experienced a transformative vision about clean and unclean foods (Acts 10:9-16) and receiving divine instruction to go with Cornelius's men, now addresses his audience. He begins by referencing the widespread knowledge of Jesus' public ministry, assuming some familiarity with these events among his listeners.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Widespread Knowledge of Jesus' Ministry: Peter asserts that the "word" – the message and events concerning Jesus Christ – was not a secret but was "published throughout all Judaea." This highlights the public and verifiable nature of Jesus' life, teachings, miracles, and resurrection, which had gained significant notoriety across the region.
  • Galilean Origin of Ministry: The phrase "began from Galilee" emphasizes that Jesus' public ministry commenced in this northern region, a detail often noted in the Gospels. This was significant as Galilee was sometimes viewed with disdain by the religious establishment in Jerusalem, yet it was the chosen starting point for the Messiah's work.
  • John the Baptist's Preparatory Role: By stating "after the baptism which John preached," Peter connects Jesus' public debut directly to the widely recognized ministry of John the Baptist. John's role was to prepare the way for the Messiah (Luke 3:3-6), and Jesus' ministry followed seamlessly from this foundational work of repentance and baptism.
  • Foundation for the Gospel Message: This verse serves as Peter's premise, establishing a common ground of understanding before he delves deeper into the specifics of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection in the subsequent verses. It underscores that the Christian message is rooted in historical events.

Linguistic Insights

The "word" (Greek: logos) mentioned here by Peter encompasses the entire message, narrative, and truth about Jesus Christ – His identity, works, and saving purpose. It's more than just a spoken message; it's the full account of the Gospel. The phrase "published throughout" (Greek: genomenon kath' holēs) conveys the idea that these events concerning Jesus had become widespread and generally known across the entire region of Judaea, indicating their significant impact and public nature.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the stage for Peter's concise summary of Jesus' life and mission, which continues in Acts 10:38, describing Jesus' anointing by the Holy Ghost and His acts of healing. The widespread nature of the "word" also aligns with Jesus' commission to His disciples in Acts 1:8, where they were to be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth," indicating a progressive spread of the Gospel message starting from its immediate geographical context.

Practical Application

Acts 10:37 reminds us that the Christian faith is not based on obscure legends but on verifiable historical events. The public nature of Jesus' ministry provides a solid foundation for belief, inviting scrutiny rather than demanding blind faith. For believers, this offers confidence in the truth of the Gospel message we proclaim. For those yet to believe, it encourages an honest investigation into the historical claims of Christianity. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of preparatory work, much like John the Baptist's ministry, in paving the way for people to receive and understand the full Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 4:14 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

  • Acts 13:24 (2 votes)

    When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

  • Acts 13:25 (2 votes)

    And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.

  • Acts 26:26 (2 votes)

    For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

  • Mark 1:14 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

  • Mark 1:15 (2 votes)

    And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

  • Acts 28:22 (2 votes)

    But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.