And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

ACTS 10:22KJV
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Acts 10:22 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:22 mean?

Acts 10:22 records the messengers sent by Cornelius explaining to Peter that Cornelius, a respected Roman centurion known for his justice and reverence for God, was instructed by a holy angel to invite Peter to his house and listen to his message. The verse shows that Cornelius was well thought of by the Jewish people and that his invitation to Peter was prompted by a divine encounter.

In this scene, Cornelius’s servants and a soldier have arrived at Simon the tanner’s house, where Peter is staying, and are explaining their purpose to Peter. They emphasize Cornelius’s good character (“just man,” “feareth God”) and his reputation among the Jewish nation, highlighting that a holy angel (not just a personal desire) directed Cornelius to seek out Peter. This sets up the importance of Peter’s visit and the divine approval behind it.

The Greek behind Acts 10:22

  • δίκαιος (dikaios, “just”): This word means someone who is upright or righteous, not just in a legal sense but in character and behavior. It underscores that Cornelius is not only respected by people but also seen as morally upright.
  • φοβούμενος τὸν θεόν (phoboumenos ton theon, “one that feareth God”): This phrase often describes Gentiles who worship the God of Israel and respect Jewish customs, even if they are not full converts. It signals Cornelius’s deep respect for the God of the Jews.
  • μαρτυρούμενος (martyoumenos, “of good report”): This word means “well spoken of” or “testified about,” showing that Cornelius’s reputation is widely recognized and positive among the Jewish people.
  • ἄγγελος ἅγιος (angelos hagios, “holy angel”): The messengers specify that the instruction came from a holy angel, reinforcing that Cornelius’s request is not just personal but divinely authorized.

Why Acts 10:22 matters

  • Acts 10:22 clarifies that Cornelius’s invitation to Peter is rooted in a divine command, not just personal curiosity, which sets the stage for Peter to take the request seriously.
  • The verse highlights Cornelius’s unique position as a Gentile who is both respected by Jews and responsive to God, showing the openness of God’s message to all people.
  • This explanation helps bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers, a major theme in Acts, by showing that God’s guidance is at work in both groups.

Where else these words appear

“send” Greek G3343 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
  • 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;
  • Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

“God” Greek G5537 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
  • Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

“Cornelius” Greek G2883 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
  • Acts 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
  • Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

“centurion” Greek G1543 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
  • Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
  • Acts 24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.