Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Original Language Analysis
προσέταξεν
he commanded
G4367
προσέταξεν
he commanded
Strong's:
G4367
Word #:
1 of 15
to arrange towards, i.e., (figuratively) enjoin
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 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
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized
G907
βαπτισθῆναι
to be baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
4 of 15
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
7 of 15
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
9 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
10 of 15
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 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
ἐπιμεῖναι
to tarry
G1961
ἐπιμεῖναι
to tarry
Strong's:
G1961
Word #:
13 of 15
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
Cross References
Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Acts 8:16(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)Galatians 3:27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.Acts 19:5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.Acts 8:12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.John 4:2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Historical Context
Commanded baptism indicates apostolic authority to admit Gentiles without requiring circumcision or Jewish conversion. In the name of the Lord (Jesus) signifies baptism's Christian distinctiveness. Prayed him to tarry shows desire for continued instruction. This baptism around 40 CE established precedent—Gentile believers entered church through faith and baptism alone, without Jewish ceremonial requirements. Peter's extended stay taught these new converts, establishing Gentile Christianity's foundations.
Questions for Reflection
- What does baptism signify regarding inclusion in Christian community?
- How does commanding baptism demonstrate apostolic authority?
- What balance should exist between conversion and ongoing instruction?
- In what ways does this passage establish faith-alone entrance to Christianity?
- What does desire for continued teaching reveal about genuine conversion?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Peter's command to baptize newly-converted Gentiles demonstrates full inclusion in Christian community, while their request for extended teaching shows spiritual hunger.