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Acts 10
Acts 10:1
General Information:
The writer begins to give background information about Cornelius. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)
Connecting Statement:
This is the beginning of the part of the story about Cornelius.
Now there was a certain man
This was a way of introducing a new person to this part of the historical account. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-participants)
in the city of Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment
"from Caesarea whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer in charge of 100 soldiers from the Italian section of the Roman army"
Acts 10:2
General Information:
The writer finishes giving background information about Cornelius. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)
a devout man
a man who wanted to do what God expected of him
feared God
worshiped God with deep respect and awe
prayed to God constantly
The word "constantly" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "prayed to God often" or "he prayed to God regularly" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-hyperbole)
Acts 10:3
the ninth hour
"three o'clock in the afternoon." This was the normal afternoon prayer time for Jews.
he clearly saw
"Cornelius clearly saw"
Acts 10:4
Your prayers and your alms have gone up ... into God's presence
It is implied that his gifts and prayers had been accepted by God. Alternate translation: "God is pleased by your prayers and alms. They have gone up ... to him" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Acts 10:5
General Information:
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Acts 10:6
a tanner
a person who makes leather from animal skins
Acts 10:7
When the angel who spoke to him had left
"When Cornelius' vision of the angel had ended."
a devout soldier
a soldier who wanted to do what God expected of him. See how you translated "devout" in Acts 10:2.
Acts 10:8
told them all that had happened
Cornelius explained his vision to his two servants and to one of his soldiers.
sent them to Joppa
"sent two of his two servants and the one soldier to Joppa."
Acts 10:9
General Information:
Here the word "they" refers to Cornelius' two servants and the soldier under Cornelius' command (Acts 10:7).
Connecting Statement:
The story shifts away from Cornelius to tell us what God is doing with to Peter.
about the sixth hour
"around noon"
up upon the housetop
The roofs of the houses were flat, and people often did many different activities on them.
Acts 10:10
while the people were cooking some food
"before the people finished cooking the food"
he was given a vision
"God gave him a vision" or "he saw a vision" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Acts 10:11
he saw the sky open
This was the beginning of Peter's vision. It can be a new sentence.
something like a large sheet ... four corners
The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth.
let down by its four corners
"with its four corners suspended" or "with its four corners higher than the rest of it"
Acts 10:12
General Information:
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Acts 10:13
a voice spoke to him
The person speaking is not specified. The "voice" was probably God, although it could possibly have been an angel from God. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche)
Acts 10:14
Not so
"I will not do that"
I have never eaten anything that was defiled and unclean
It is implied that some of the "four-footed animals and things that crawled on the earth, and birds of the sky" (Acts 10:12) were animals that the law of Moses prohibited God's people from eating. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Acts 10:15
What God has made clean, you must not call defiled
This refers to the animals in the sheet. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
What God has made clean
If God is the speaker, he is referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: "What I, God, have made clean" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-123person)
Acts 10:16
This happened three times
Possible meanings are 1) Peter heard the words "What God has made clean, you must not call defiled" three times or 2) a total of three times the sheet came down from heaven and Peter heard and responded to the voice. It would be best to translate without adding information here.
Acts 10:17
Peter was very confused
This means that Peter was having difficulty understanding what the vision meant.
behold
The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows, in this case, the two men standing at the gate.
stood before the gate
"stood before the gate to the house." It is implied that this house had a wall with a gate one would use to enter the property. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
after they had asked their way to the house
This happened before they arrived at the house. This could be stated earlier in the verse, as the UDB does.
Acts 10:18
They called out
Cornelius' men remained outside the gate while asking about Peter.
Acts 10:19
thinking about the vision
"wondering about the meaning of the vision"
the Spirit
"the Holy Spirit"
Behold, three
"Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: three"
three men are looking for you
Some ancient texts have a different number of men. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-textvariants)
Acts 10:20
go down
"go down from the roof of the house"
Do not hesitate to go with them
It would be natural for Peter not to want to go with them, because they were strangers and they were Gentiles.
Acts 10:21
I am he whom you are seeking
"I am the man you are looking for"
Acts 10:22
General Information:
The word "They" here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).
A centurion named Cornelius ... listen to a message from you
This can be divided into several sentences and stated in active form as the UDB does. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
fears God
worships God with deep respect and awe
all the nation of the Jews
This number of people is exaggerated with the word "all" to emphasize how widely this was known among the Jews. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-hyperbole)
Acts 10:23
General Information:
The word "them" here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).
So Peter invited them to come in and stay with him
The journey to Caesarea was too long for them to begin that afternoon.
stay with him
"be his guests"
some of the brothers from Joppa
This refers to believers who lived in Joppa.
Acts 10:24
On the following day
This was the next day after they left Joppa. The journey to Caesarea took longer than one day.
Cornelius was waiting for them
"Cornelius expected them"
Acts 10:25
when Peter entered
"when Peter entered the house"
fell down at his feet to worship him
"he knelt down and put his face close to Peter's feet." He did this to honor Peter. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction)
fell down
He purposely did this to show that he was worshiping.
Acts 10:26
Stand up! I too am a man
Peter was rebuking Cornelius mildly for worshiping Peter. Alternate translation: "Do not worship me! I am only a man, as you are" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Acts 10:27
General Information:
The word "him" here refers to Cornelius, and "he" refers to Peter.
Connecting Statement:
Peter addresses the people who are gathered in Cornelius' house.
many people gathered together
"many Gentile people gathered together." It is implied that these people Cornelius had invited were Gentiles. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)
Acts 10:28
General Information:
Here the words "You" and "yourselves" include Cornelius as well as the Gentiles who were present and so are plural. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)
it is not lawful for a Jewish man
"it is forbidden for a Jewish man." This refers to the Jewish religious law.
a foreigner
people who are not Jews
Acts 10:29
General Information:
Here both instances of "you" include Cornelius as well as the Gentiles who were present and so are plural. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)
Acts 10:30
General Information:
In verses 31 and 32 Cornelius quotes what the angel had said to him when he appeared to him at the ninth hour. The words "you" and "your" are all singular. The word "we" here does not include Peter. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)
Connecting Statement:
Cornelius responds to Peter's question.
Four days ago
Cornelius is referring to the day before the third night before he is speaking to Peter. Biblical culture counts the current day, so the day before three nights ago is "four days ago." Current Western culture does not count the current day, so many Western translations read, "three days ago."
praying
Some ancient authorities say "fasting and praying" instead of simply "praying." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-textvariants)
at the ninth hour
The normal afternoon time that the Jews pray to God.
Acts 10:31
your prayer has been heard by God
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God has heard your prayer" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
reminded God about you
"brought you to God's attention." This does not imply that God had forgotten.
Acts 10:32
call to you a man named Simon who is called Peter
"tell Simon who is also called Peter to come to you"
Acts 10:33
at once
"right away"
You are kind to have come
This expression is a polite way of thanking Peter for coming. Alternate translation: "I certainly thank you for coming"
we are all here
This refers to Cornelius and his family but not to Peter, so this is exclusive. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)
present in the sight of God
"present with God"
that you have been instructed by the Lord to say
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that the Lord has told you to say" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Acts 10:34
Connecting Statement:
Peter begins speaking to everyone in the house of Cornelius.
opened his mouth
"began to speak"
Truly
This means that what he is about to say is especially important to know.
God is not partial
"God does not favor certain people"
Acts 10:35
anyone who fears him and does righteous deeds is acceptable to him
"he accepts anyone who fears him and does righteous deeds"
to him
to God
fears
worships with deep respect and awe
Acts 10:36
General Information:
All instances of "he" here refers to God.
Connecting Statement:
Peter continues to talk to Cornelius and his guests.
who is Lord of all
Here "all" means "all people."
Acts 10:37
throughout all Judea
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "throughout Judea" or "in many places in Judea" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-hyperbole)
after the baptism that John announced
"after John preached to the people to repent and then baptized them"
Acts 10:38
the events ... and with power
This long sentence, which begins in verse 36, can be shortened into several sentences as in the UDB.
God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power
The Holy Spirit and God's power are spoken of as if they are something that can be poured out onto a person. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
all who were oppressed by the devil
The word "all" is a generalization. Alternate translation: "those who were oppressed by the devil" or "many people who were oppressed by the devil" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-hyperbole)
God was with him
The idiom "was with him" means "was helping him." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom)
Acts 10:39
General Information:
The word "We" refer to Peter and the apostles and believers who were with Jesus when he was on earth, not to his hearers. The word "him" here refers to Jesus. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)
in the country of the Jews
This refers mainly to Judea at that time.
hanging him on a tree
This is another expression that refers to crucifixion. Alternate translation: "nailing him to a wooden cross"
Acts 10:40
General Information:
Both instances of "him" refer to Jesus.
God raised him up
Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: "God caused him to live again" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom)
the third day
"the third day after he died"
caused him to be seen
"permitted many people to see him after he was raised from the dead"
Acts 10:41
General Information:
The word "us" refers to Peter and the apostles and believers who were with Jesus when he was on earth, not to his hearers. The words "him" and "he" here refers to Jesus. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)
from the dead
From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.
Acts 10:42
General Information:
Here the word "us" includes Peter and believers. It excludes his audience. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)
that this is the one who has been chosen by God
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God chose this Jesus" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
the living and the dead
This refers to people who are still living and people who have died. Alternate translation: "the people who are alive and the people who are dead" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-nominaladj)
Acts 10:43
Connecting Statement:
Peter finishes his speech to everyone in the house of Cornelius, which he began in Acts 10:34.
It is to him that all the prophets testify
"All the prophets testify about Jesus"
everyone who believes in him shall receive forgiveness of sins
This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will forgive the sins of everyone who believes in Jesus because of what Jesus has done" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
through his name
Here "his name" refers to the actions of Jesus. His name means God who saves. Alternate translation: "through what Jesus has done for them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
Acts 10:44
the Holy Spirit fell
Here the word "fell" indicates that the event happened suddenly. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit suddenly came"
all of those who were listening
Here "all" refers to all the Gentiles at the house who were listening to Peter.
Acts 10:45
the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out also
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God also poured out the Holy Spirit" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
the gift of the Holy Spirit
That is, the Holy Spirit himself was the gift.
poured out
The Holy Spirit is spoken of as if he were something that could be poured out upon people. It implies a generous amount. Alternate translation: "generously given" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
the gift
"the free gift"
also on the Gentiles
Here "also" refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit had already been given to the Jewish believers.
Acts 10:46
Gentiles speak in other languages and praising God
These were known spoken languages that caused the Jews to acknowledge that the Gentiles were indeed praising God.
Acts 10:47
Can anyone keep water from these people so they should not be baptized, these people who have received ... we?
Peter uses this question to convince the Jewish Christians that the Gentile believers should be baptized. Alternate translation: "No one should keep water from these people! We should baptize them because they have received ... we!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Acts 10:48
General Information:
The words "he" and "him" refer to Peter.
Connecting Statement:
This is the end of the part of the story about Cornelius.
he commanded them to be baptized
It is implied that the Jewish Christians were the ones who would baptize them. Alternate translation: "Peter commanded the Gentile believers to allow the Jewish Christians to baptize them" or "Peter commanded the Jewish Christians to baptize them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
Here "in the name of Jesus Christ" expresses that the reason for their baptism was that they believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: "be baptized as believers in Jesus Christ" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)