Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

ACTS 10:23KJV
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Acts 10:23 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:23 mean?

Acts 10:23 describes Peter inviting the men sent by Cornelius into his home and giving them lodging for the night. The next day, Peter leaves with them, and some fellow believers from Joppa also go along.

Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, is in the city of Joppa when men arrive with a message from Cornelius, a Roman centurion. By welcoming these Gentile visitors and staying with them, Peter shows hospitality that crosses traditional Jewish boundaries. The verse sets up Peter’s journey to meet Cornelius, which becomes a turning point for the early church’s mission to non-Jews.

The Greek behind Acts 10:23

  • The word "lodged" (ἐξένισεν, exenisen) means to host or provide hospitality, often to a stranger. This word highlights Peter’s willingness to break with Jewish customs that typically avoided close association with Gentiles.
  • The phrase "accompanied him" (συνῆλθον, sunēlthon) means to go together with someone. This shows that Peter was not acting alone; other believers from Joppa joined him, suggesting the importance and accountability of the journey.

Why Acts 10:23 matters

  • Acts 10:23 shows Peter’s openness to God’s leading, even when it means crossing cultural and religious lines that were deeply held at the time.
  • The verse highlights the involvement of other believers, showing that the decision to visit Cornelius was witnessed and supported by the early Christian community.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the significant events that follow, where the message of Jesus is clearly extended to Gentiles, shaping the direction of the early church.

Where else these words appear

“lodged” Greek G3579 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
  • Acts 17:20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
  • Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

“Joppa” Greek G2445 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
  • Acts 9:43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

“morrow” Greek G1887 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
  • John 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“accompanied” Greek G4905 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 2:6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
  • Acts 21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.