And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

ACTS 10:25KJV
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Acts 10:25 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:25 mean?

Acts 10:25 describes how Cornelius, a Roman centurion, met Peter as he arrived and fell down at Peter’s feet, showing him deep respect and even worshipping him. The verse highlights Cornelius’s reverence for Peter, likely because he saw Peter as a messenger from God.

Cornelius had sent for Peter after receiving a vision from God, and when Peter entered his house, Cornelius responded with a gesture that went beyond ordinary respect. This moment sets the stage for Peter to clarify his own role and to teach Cornelius about the true focus of worship. The scene shows the eagerness and humility of Cornelius as he seeks to understand God’s message.

The Greek behind Acts 10:25

  • προσκυνέω (proskyneō, "worshipped him"): This Greek word often means to bow down or show deep reverence, sometimes even worship. In this context, it shows that Cornelius viewed Peter with extraordinary honor, perhaps not fully understanding that such worship is reserved for God.
  • ἔπεσεν (epesen, "fell down"): The Greek word here means to physically fall or collapse at someone’s feet. This action emphasizes Cornelius’s humility and awe in Peter’s presence.

Why Acts 10:25 matters

  • Acts 10:25 helps clarify that even sincere seekers like Cornelius can misunderstand the proper object of worship, which Peter will address in the next verse.
  • The verse highlights the cultural and religious gap between Cornelius, a Gentile, and Peter, a Jewish apostle, setting up the importance of their meeting for the early church.
  • This moment underscores the humility and openness of Cornelius, showing why God chose to reveal more of His message to him.

Where else these words appear

“met” Greek G4876 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 9:37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
  • Luke 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
  • Hebrews 7:1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;

“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 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

“worshipped” Greek G4352 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

“down” Greek G4098 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.