Acts 10:42
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρήγγειλεν
he commanded
G3853
παρήγγειλεν
he commanded
Strong's:
G3853
Word #:
2 of 20
to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin
κηρύξαι
to preach
G2784
κηρύξαι
to preach
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
4 of 20
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαῷ
unto the people
G2992
λαῷ
unto the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
6 of 20
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διαμαρτύρασθαι
to testify
G1263
διαμαρτύρασθαι
to testify
Strong's:
G1263
Word #:
8 of 20
to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτός
he
G846
αὐτός
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 20
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
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὡρισμένος
was ordained
G3724
ὡρισμένος
was ordained
Strong's:
G3724
Word #:
13 of 20
to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
14 of 20
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 (
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.1 Peter 4:5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.2 Timothy 4:1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;Acts 17:31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.Acts 1:2Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
Historical Context
Jesus' commission to the apostles (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8) authorized their preaching. The emphasis on Christ as Judge warned Cornelius's household that neutrality toward Christ is impossible - all will face Him as Judge, making present faith urgent.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Christ's role as Judge teach about the urgency of the gospel?
- How should Christ's future judgment affect our present witness and living?
- Why is it important that the same Jesus who offers salvation will also execute judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Peter declared Christ 'commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.' The risen Christ commissioned apostolic preaching and testimony. The message centers on Christ as the divinely appointed Judge of all - both living ('quick') and dead. This establishes Christ's authority to judge and the necessity of responding to Him now. Reformed eschatology affirms Christ as the final Judge (2 Timothy 4:1), before whom all will stand. His judgment is comprehensive, righteous, and final.