That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

ACTS 10:37KJV
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Acts 10:37 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:37 mean?

Acts 10:37 refers to the message about Jesus that had already spread throughout Judea, starting in Galilee after John the Baptist’s ministry. Peter is reminding his listeners that they are already familiar with these events, which began after John’s call to repentance and baptism.

Peter is speaking to Cornelius and his household, a group of Gentiles in Caesarea. He is explaining how the story of Jesus did not happen in secret, but was well-known in the region, beginning with John the Baptist’s preaching in Galilee and then spreading through all Judea. This sets the stage for Peter to explain who Jesus is and what he did.

The Greek behind Acts 10:37

  • "Published" (ἐγένετο; egeneto): This Greek word can mean "happened" or "came about," not just "published" in the sense of written news. It emphasizes that the message about Jesus was an event that unfolded and became known.
  • "Preached" (ἐκήρυξεν; ekēryxen): This word means "proclaimed" or "announced publicly." John’s message was not private but declared openly, which helps explain how the news about Jesus began to spread.
  • "Began" (ἤρξατο; ērxato): This word marks a starting point, showing that the events Peter is describing have a clear beginning—John’s baptism in Galilee—which is important for understanding the timeline.

Why Acts 10:37 matters

  • Acts 10:37 clears up that Peter is not introducing a new or secret teaching; he is building on events and messages that his audience already knows about.
  • The verse highlights the public nature of Jesus’ ministry and message, showing that the story of Jesus was widely known and not hidden.
  • By connecting Jesus’ ministry to John’s baptism, Peter ties Jesus’ work to a known moment in Jewish history, helping his Gentile listeners see the continuity in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“baptism” Greek G908 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
  • Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

“Judaea” Greek G2449 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

“preached” Greek G2784 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
  • Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.