Acts 10
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Commentaries
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There was a certain man in Caesarea - This was Caesarea of Palestine, called also Strato's Tower, as has been already noted, and the residence of the Roman procurator. A centurion - Ἑκατονταρχης, The chief or captain of 100 men, as both the Greek and Latin words imply. How the Roman armies were formed, divided, and marshalled, see in the notes on Mat 20:16 (note). A centurion among the Romans was about the same rank as a captain among us. The band called the Italian band - The word σπειρα, which we translate band, signifies the same as cohort or regiment, which sometimes consisted of 555 infantry, and 66 cavalry; but the cohors prima, or first cohort, consisted of 1105 infantry, and 132 cavalry, in the time of Vegetius. But the cavalry are not to be considered as part of the cohort, but rather a company joined to it. A Roman legion consisted of ten cohorts; the first of which surpassed all the others, both in numbers and in dignity. When in former times the Roman legion contained 6000, each cohort consisted of 600, and was divided into three manipuli; but both the legions and cohorts were afterwards various in the numbers they contained. As there were doubtless many Syrian auxiliaries, the regiment in question was distinguished from them as consisting of Italian, i.e. Roman, soldiers. The Italian cohort is not unknown among the Roman writers: Gruter gives an inscription, which was found in the Forum Sempronii, on a fine table of marble, nine feet long, four feet broad, and four inches thick; on which are the following words: - l. maesio. l. f. pol. rvfo. proc. avg. trib. mil. leg. x. appollinaris. trib. coh. mil. ITALIC. volunt. qvae. est. in. syria. praef. fabrvm. bis. See Gruter's Inscriptions, p. ccccxxxiii-iv. This was probably the same cohort as that mentioned her…
Open source ↗ACCESSION AND BAPTISM OF CORNELIUS AND HIS PARTY; OR, THE FIRST-FRUITS OF THE GENTILES. (Acts 10:1-48) CÃ&brvbrsarea--(See on Act 8:40). the Italian band--a cohort of Italians, as distinguished from native soldiers, quartered at CÃ&brvbrsarea, probably as a bodyguard to the Roman procurator who resided there. An ancient coin makes express mention of such a cohort in Syria. [AKERMAN, Numismatic Illustrations of the New Testament.]
Open source ↗There was a certain man in Caesarea,.... This was the Caesarea formerly called Strato's tower, not Caesarea Philippi; for the former, and not the latter, lay near Joppa: called Cornelius; which was a Roman name, and he himself was a Roman or an Italian: a centurion of the band called the Italian band; which consisted of soldiers collected out of Italy, from whence the band took its name, in which Cornelius was a centurion, having a hundred men under him, as the name of his office signifies.
Open source ↗The bringing of the gospel to the Gentiles, and the bringing of those who had been strangers and foreigners to be fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, were such a mystery to the apostles themselves, and such a surprise (Eph 3:3, Eph 3:6), that it concerns us carefully to observe all the circumstances of the beginning of this great work, this part of the mystery of godliness - Christ preached to the Gentiles, and believed on in this world, Ti1 3:16. It is not unlikely that some Gentiles might before now have stepped into a synagogue of the Jews, and heard the gospel preached; but the gospel was never yet designedly preached to the Gentiles, nor any of them baptized - Cornelius was the first; and here we have, I. An account given us of this Cornelius, who and what he was, who was the first-born of the Gentiles to Christ. We are here told that he was a great man and a good man - two characters that seldom meet, but here they did; and where they do meet they put a lustre upon each other: goodness makes greatness truly valuable, and greatness makes goodness much more serviceable. 1. Cornelius was an officer of the army, Act 10:1. He was at present quartered in Cesarea, a strong city, lately re-edified and fortified by Herod the Great, and called Cesarea in honour of Augustus Caesar. It lay upon the sea-shore, very convenient for the keeping up of a correspondence between Rome and its conquests in those parts. The Roman governor or pro-consul ordinarily resided here, Act 23:23, Act 23:24; Act 25:6. Here there was a band, or cohort, or regiment, of the Roman army, which probably was the governor's life-guard, and is here called the Italian band, because, that they might be the more sure of their fidelity, they were all native Romans, or Italians. Corne…
Open source ↗10:1-8 a Roman army officer: Literally a centurion, the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in the Roman army, in command of a century, a subdivision of roughly 100 men. Luke often describes centurions in favorable terms (10:22; 21:32; 22:25-26; 23:17, 23; 27:6, 11, 43; 28:16; Luke 7:1-10; 23:47). It was important for Luke to show that Christianity was not hostile to Roman officials or institutions and could, like Judaism, be permitted in the Roman Empire (see Acts Book Introduction, “Purposes of Acts: Politics”). • a captain of the Italian Regiment: A regiment included six centuries; a Roman legion was usually divided into ten regiments. The New Testament mentions the Italian Regiment and the Imperial Regiment (Acts 27:1).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Καισάρεια (Kaisáreia, G2542) — Cæsaria, the name of two places in Palestine ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) Κορνήλιος (Kornḗlios, G2883) — Cornelius, a Roman ἑκατοντάρχης (hekatontárchēs, G1543) — the captain of one hundred men ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) σπεῖρα (speîra, G4686) — a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e. (figuratively) a mass of men (a Roman military cohort; also… καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) Ἰταλικός (Italikós, G2483) — Italic, i.e. belonging to Italia
Open source ↗εὐσεβής (eusebḗs, G2152) — well-reverent, i.e. pious καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φοβέω (phobéō, G5399) — to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… οἶκος (oîkos, G3624) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family… τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē, G1654) — compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a… λαός (laós, G2992) — a people (in general; thus differing from G1218 (δῆμος), which denotes one's own populace) δέομαι (déomai, G1189) — to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition
Open source ↗εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅραμα (hórama, G3705) — something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural) φανερῶς (phanerōs, G5320) — plainly, i.e. clearly or publicly ὡσεί (hōseí, G5616) — as if ἔννατος (énnatos, G1766) — ninth ὥρα (hṓra, G5610) — an "hour" (literally or figuratively) ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very εἰσέρχομαι (eisérchomai, G1525) — to enter (literally or figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀτενίζω (atenízō, G816) — to gaze intently αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἔμφοβος (émphobos, G1719) — in fear, i.e. alarmed καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy προσευχή (proseuchḗ, G4335) — prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel) ἐλεημοσύνη (eleēmosýnē, G1654) — compassionateness, i.e. (as exercised towards the poor) beneficence, or (concretely) a… ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… πέμπω (pémpō, G3992) — to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form… ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ἰόππη (Ióppē, G2445) — Joppe (i.e. Japho), a place in Palestine μεταπέμπω (metapémpō, G3343) — to send from elsewhere, i.e. (middle voice) to summon or invite Σίμων (Símōn, G4613) — Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἐπικαλέομαι (epikaléomai, G1941) — to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.) Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle
Open source ↗οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ξενίζω (xenízō, G3579) — to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object Σίμων (Símōn, G4613) — Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites βυρσεύς (byrseús, G1038) — a tanner ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that οἰκία (oikía, G3614) — properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are θάλασσα (thálassa, G2281) — the sea (genitive case or specially) λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words σοί (soí, G4671) — to thee τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) σέ (sé, G4571) — thee
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words Κορνήλιος (Kornḗlios, G2883) — Cornelius, a Roman ἀπέρχομαι (apérchomai, G565) — to go off (i.e. depart), aside (i.e. apart) or behind (i.e. follow), literally or… φωνέω (phōnéō, G5455) — to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or… δύο (dýo, G1417) — "two" αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… οἰκέτης (oikétēs, G3610) — a fellow resident, i.e. menial domestic καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εὐσεβής (eusebḗs, G2152) — well-reverent, i.e. pious στρατιώτης (stratiṓtēs, G4757) — a camper-out, i.e. a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐξηγέομαι (exēgéomai, G1834) — to consider out (aloud), i.e. rehearse, unfold ἅπας (hápas, G537) — absolutely all or (singular) every one αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō, G649) — set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ἰόππη (Ióppē, G2445) — Joppe (i.e. Japho), a place in Palestine
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐπαύριον (epaúrion, G1887) — occurring on the succeeding day, i.e. (G2250 (ἡμέρα) being implied) to-morrow ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ὁδοιπορέω (hodoiporéō, G3596) — to be a wayfarer, i.e. travel καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐγγίζω (engízō, G1448) — to make near, i.e. (reflexively) approach πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle ἀναβαίνω (anabaínō, G305) — to go up (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… δῶμα (dōma, G1430) — properly, an edifice, i.e. (specially) a roof προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἕκτος (héktos, G1623) — sixth
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… πρόσπεινος (próspeinos, G4361) — hungering further, i.e. intensely hungry καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… γεύομαι (geúomai, G1089) — to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill) ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed παρασκευάζω (paraskeuázō, G3903) — to furnish aside, i.e. get ready αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐπιπίπτω (epipíptō, G1968) — to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἔκστασις (ékstasis, G1611) — a displacement of the mind, i.e. bewilderment, "ecstasy"
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θεωρέω (theōréō, G2334) — to be a spectator of, i.e. discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… ἀνοίγω (anoígō, G455) — to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object σκεῦος (skeûos, G4632) — a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife… καταβαίνω (katabaínō, G2597) — to descend (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) μέγας (mégas, G3173) — big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) ὀθόνη (othónē, G3607) — a linen cloth, i.e. (especially) a sail δέω (déō, G1210) — to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively) τέσσαρες (téssares, G5064) — four
Open source ↗ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ὑπάρχω (hypárchō, G5225) — to begin under (quietly), i.e. come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively,… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole τετράπους (tetrápous, G5074) — a quadruped γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θηρίον (thēríon, G2342) — a dangerous animal ἑρπετόν (herpetón, G2062) — a reptile, i.e. (by Hebraism (compare H07431)) a small animal πετεινόν (peteinón, G4071) — a flying animal, i.e. bird οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… φωνή (phōnḗ, G5456) — a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose),… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀνίστημι (anístēmi, G450) — to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle θύω (thýō, G2380) — properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e. (by implication) to sacrifice… φάγω (phágō, G5315) — to eat (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Πέτρος (Pétros, G4074) — a (piece of) rock (larger than G3037 (λίθος)); as a name, Petrus, an apostle ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) μηδαμῶς (mēdamōs, G3365) — by no means κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because φάγω (phágō, G5315) — to eat (literally or figuratively) οὐδέποτε (oudépote, G3763) — not even at any time, i.e. never at all πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole κοινός (koinós, G2839) — common, i.e. (literally) shared by all or several, or (ceremonially) profane ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than ἀκάθαρτος (akáthartos, G169) — impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him.
But Philip appeared at Azotus and traveled through that region, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,
Then the soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called the whole company together.
After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus.
But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.”