Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιος
a just
G1342
δίκαιος
a just
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
7 of 34
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φοβούμενος
one that feareth
G5399
φοβούμενος
one that feareth
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
9 of 34
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 34
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
μαρτυρούμενός
of good report
G3140
μαρτυρούμενός
of good report
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
12 of 34
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὸ
among
G5259
ὑπὸ
among
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
14 of 34
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ὅλου
all
G3650
ὅλου
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
15 of 34
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνους
the nation
G1484
ἔθνους
the nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
17 of 34
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχρηματίσθη
was warned from God
G5537
ἐχρηματίσθη
was warned from God
Strong's:
G5537
Word #:
20 of 34
to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of g5530), i.e., divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of g5532) to constitute
ὑπὸ
among
G5259
ὑπὸ
among
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
21 of 34
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ἀγγέλου
angel
G32
ἀγγέλου
angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
22 of 34
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἁγίου
an holy
G40
ἁγίου
an holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
23 of 34
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
μεταπέμψασθαί
to send
G3343
μεταπέμψασθαί
to send
Strong's:
G3343
Word #:
24 of 34
to send from elsewhere, i.e., (middle voice) to summon or invite
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
26 of 34
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 34
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
house
G3624
οἶκον
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
28 of 34
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
29 of 34
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
30 of 34
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ῥήματα
words
G4487
ῥήματα
words
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
32 of 34
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
Historical Context
Centurions commanded 80-100 soldiers in Roman legion. Several biblical centurions display remarkable faith (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 23:47). Cornelius's reputation among Jews despite being Gentile Roman officer showed exceptional character. God-fearers like Cornelius attended synagogue, practiced Jewish ethics, but hadn't fully converted. Around 40 CE, God orchestrated this meeting to revolutionize early Christianity's ethnic boundaries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God prepare both parties (Peter and Cornelius) for significant encounters?
- What role does reputation and character play in spiritual receptivity?
- In what ways do God-fearers represent bridging category between Judaism and Christianity?
- How should believers recognize divine orchestration in unexpected meetings?
- What does angelic involvement emphasize about this encounter's significance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. The messengers' description of Cornelius establishes his credibility while emphasizing divine initiative in this revolutionary Gentile outreach.