Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

ACTS 10:33KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 10:33 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:33 mean?

Acts 10:33 records Cornelius telling Peter that he immediately sent for him, and now everyone is gathered before God to listen to everything God has commanded Peter to say. The verse highlights the eagerness and readiness of Cornelius and his household to hear God's message through Peter.

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is speaking to Peter after Peter arrives at his house in Caesarea. Cornelius explains that he acted quickly ("immediately") after receiving a vision from God, and he expresses gratitude that Peter came. The verse sets the stage for Peter to share the gospel, showing Cornelius’s respect for God and his openness to Peter’s message.

The Greek behind Acts 10:33

  • "Immediately" (εὐθέως, eutheōs): This word means right away or without delay. Cornelius’s quick response shows his seriousness about following God’s instructions.
  • "Present before God" (ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ, enōpion tou theou): This phrase means being in God’s presence, not just physically gathered but with an awareness that God is watching and listening. It emphasizes the spiritual weight of the moment.
  • "To hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (ἀκοῦσαι πάντων τῶν προστεταγμένων σοι ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, akousai pantōn tōn prostetagmenōn soi hypo tou theou): The Greek here stresses that Cornelius wants to hear everything Peter has been instructed by God to say, not just part of the message.

Why Acts 10:33 matters

  • Acts 10:33 clears up that Cornelius and his household are not just curious; they are intentionally gathered to listen to God’s message, showing genuine openness and respect.
  • The verse highlights the importance of readiness to receive what God wants to say, which is a key theme in the story of Peter and Cornelius.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the significant message Peter is about to deliver, which marks a turning point as the gospel is shared with Gentiles for the first time.

Where else these words appear

“Immediately” Greek G1824 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
  • Acts 11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
  • Acts 23:30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

“commanded” Greek G4367 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
  • Matthew 21:6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
  • Luke 5:14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

“are” Greek G3918 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
  • Acts 24:19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.
  • Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?