Acts 10:26
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 11
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
αὐτὸς
him
G846
αὐτὸς
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 11
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
ἤγειρεν
took
G1453
ἤγειρεν
took
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
5 of 11
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἀνάστηθι·
Stand up
G450
Ἀνάστηθι·
Stand up
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
7 of 11
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
κἀγὼ
I
G2504
κἀγὼ
I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
8 of 11
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
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.Isaiah 42:8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.Isaiah 48:13Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.Matthew 4:10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Historical Context
This occurred circa AD 40-41 in Caesarea at Cornelius's house. Peter's Jewish background made him particularly sensitive to worship belonging to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5). His response established a pattern for Christian leaders - servants, not lords.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Peter's declaration teach about the equality of all believers before God?
- How does this passage undermine claims of special human mediatorial authority?
- Why is humility essential for church leaders and ministers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter's response - 'Stand up; I myself also am a man' - demonstrates appropriate humility and proper theology. Peter refused any special status beyond fellow humanity. This equality before God establishes that ministers are servants, not mediators between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Reformed theology maintains the priesthood of all believers - no human mediator stands between believers and God except Christ. Peter's humility here contradicts claims of papal supremacy developed later in church history.