Acts 10:19-33

Acts 10. The Conversion of Cornelius. This incident is parallel to the conversion of the Ethiopian by Philip; both show the extension of the Gospel beyond the Jews, and prepare for the story of the Pauline mission. On the opening vision cf. Acts 8:26, Acts 16:9; Galatians 2:2. See also p. 767.

Acts 10:19. Peter on the roof would hear their voices calling for him. He did not need the Spirit to tell him their errand, only to help him to make the decision.

Acts 10:20. nothing doubting: cf. James 1:6.

Acts 10:23. brethren from Joppa: an apostle has a retinue, and this is an important occasion.

Acts 10:24. Cornelius has allowed two days for the journey each way, and has made preparations to receive Peter with dignity.

Acts 10:25. D and other MSS add further touches: when Peter approached Cæ sarea, one of the servants ran before and announced his arrival, and Cornelius rushed out, etc. That a Roman officer could act as the text says is sufficiently surprising. The centurion of Luke 7:6 is evidently influencing his confrè re.

Acts 10:26. Cf. Acts 14:15; Revelation 19:10.

Acts 10:28. Peter finds himself in a new situation, in a Gentile house, expected to address a company of Gentiles; and he acknowledges what all present must have known, that he is breaking through a custom of his race (Philip had not gone so far); he appeals to his vision for justification, and asks why he was sent for; Cornelius repeats the substance of Acts 10:3, and invites Peter to speak.