Acts 11:13
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
Original Language Analysis
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
4 of 25
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
εἶδεν
he had seen
G1492
εἶδεν
he had seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 25
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελον
an angel
G32
ἄγγελον
an angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
7 of 25
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἴκῳ
house
G3624
οἴκῳ
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
10 of 25
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
αὐτῷ,
his
G846
αὐτῷ,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 25
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
σταθέντα
which stood
G2476
σταθέντα
which stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
12 of 25
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ,
his
G846
αὐτῷ,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 25
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
Ἀπόστειλον
Send
G649
Ἀπόστειλον
Send
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
16 of 25
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μετάπεμψαι
call for
G3343
μετάπεμψαι
call for
Strong's:
G3343
Word #:
21 of 25
to send from elsewhere, i.e., (middle voice) to summon or invite
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Cornelius's account matched Peter's experience—both received supernatural revelation directing them toward meeting. Angel in his house parallels Peter's rooftop vision. This dual divine intervention around 40 CE demonstrated God's initiative from both sides—preparing Peter through vision while directing Cornelius through angel. Such extraordinary confirmation emphasized Gentile inclusion's theological significance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do multiple independent revelations confirm God's direction?
- What role does corroborating testimony play in validating controversial actions?
- In what ways does God prepare both parties for significant encounters?
- Why does dual divine intervention emphasize event's importance?
- What does simultaneous preparation teach about God's comprehensive sovereignty?
Analysis & Commentary
And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Cornelius's testimony to angelic visitation provides independent corroboration, establishing that both parties received divine direction simultaneously.