Acts 10:25
And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 15
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐγένετο
was
G1096
ἐγένετο
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρον
Peter
G4074
Πέτρον
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
6 of 15
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.Matthew 8:2And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.Daniel 2:46Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.Daniel 2:30But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.
Historical Context
In Roman culture, prostration before superiors was common. Cornelius may have meant respectful homage, but in a religious context, this gesture approached worship. Peter, as a Jew, understood the danger of anything resembling worship of creatures.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is worship of any creature (human or angel) forbidden?
- How does Peter's refusal of veneration contradict later traditions of venerating saints and clergy?
- What is the proper attitude toward church leaders according to Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Peter entered Cornelius's house, 'Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.' Cornelius's gesture, whether reverence or worship, was inappropriate. Peter's response (v.26) corrected this immediately. This incident warns against offering to any human the worship due God alone. From a Reformed perspective, this safeguards against the Catholic error of venerating saints and clergy - all humans are fellow servants (Revelation 19:10), unworthy of worship. Peter's humility contrasts with later papal claims to receive veneration.