But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

ACTS 10:26KJV
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Acts 10:26 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:26 mean?

Acts 10:26 shows Peter telling Cornelius to stand up, explaining that Peter himself is just a man. Peter refuses any special honor or worship, making it clear that he is not different from other people.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, is speaking to Cornelius, a Roman centurion who has just met him. Cornelius, overwhelmed and respectful, had fallen at Peter’s feet. Peter’s response sets a boundary, reminding Cornelius that no human deserves worship or reverence meant for God alone.

The Greek behind Acts 10:26

  • ἀνέστηθι (anastēthi, “stand up”): This word is a command, urging Cornelius to rise immediately. It shows Peter’s urgency in correcting any misunderstanding about his status.
  • καὶ αὐτὸς ἄνθρωπός εἰμι (kai autos anthrōpos eimi, “I myself also am a man”): The Greek word ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) simply means “human being.” Peter emphasizes his humanity, rejecting any idea that he is divine or worthy of worship.

Why Acts 10:26 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about Peter’s role, showing he does not accept veneration or worship, even as a leader in the early church.
  • Peter’s words highlight the equality of all people before God, regardless of background or position.
  • The verse connects to the wider story in Acts 10, where God is making it clear that the message of Jesus is for everyone, not just a select group or special individuals.

Where else these words appear

“I” Greek G2504 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

“up” Greek G450 · used in 111 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Luke 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
  • Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

“took” Greek G1453 · used in 135 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
  • Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

“am” Greek G1510 · used in 137 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • John 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
  • Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.