Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

ACTS 10:41KJV
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Acts 10:41 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:41 mean?

Acts 10:41 says that after Jesus rose from the dead, he did not appear to everyone, but only to certain witnesses whom God had chosen ahead of time—specifically, to people like Peter and the other apostles, who actually ate and drank with Jesus after his resurrection. This verse highlights that the resurrection was confirmed by direct, personal experience of trusted witnesses.

Peter is speaking to Cornelius and his household, explaining how God raised Jesus and how only select people were chosen to see him alive again. The mention of eating and drinking with Jesus after his resurrection emphasizes that he was physically present, not just a vision or spirit, and that these witnesses could truly verify his return from the dead.

The Greek behind Acts 10:41

  • μάρτυσιν (martysin, "witnesses"): This word means those who testify to what they have seen or experienced. Here, it points to the unique role of the apostles as firsthand witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.
  • προκεχειροτονημένοις (prokecheirotonēmenois, "chosen before"): This means "appointed beforehand" or "selected in advance." It stresses that God had a specific plan in choosing who would see the risen Jesus, not leaving it to chance.
  • συνεφάγομεν (synephagomen, "ate with"): This word means to eat together. The detail that the witnesses ate with Jesus underscores the physical reality of his resurrection, showing he was not just a spirit.

Why Acts 10:41 matters

  • Acts 10:41 clarifies that Jesus’ resurrection appearances were not public events but were limited to certain people God had chosen, which addresses questions about why everyone did not see the risen Jesus.
  • The verse emphasizes the reliability and credibility of the resurrection testimony, since those who saw Jesus alive again were close companions who could verify his real, physical presence.
  • This statement is part of Peter’s explanation to Gentiles, showing that the message about Jesus is based on concrete events witnessed by trustworthy people, which is central to the spread of the gospel in Acts.

Where else these words appear

“eat” Greek G4906 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
  • Acts 11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

“witnesses” Greek G3144 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
  • Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
  • 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

“rose” 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.

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: