And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

ACTS 10:42KJV
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Acts 10:42 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:42 mean?

Acts 10:42 says that Jesus commanded his followers to announce his message to the people and to declare that he was chosen by God to be the judge of both the living and the dead. This verse highlights Jesus’ unique role as the one appointed by God to judge everyone, whether alive or deceased.

Peter is speaking here to Cornelius and his household, explaining what Jesus told his disciples to do after his resurrection. Peter stresses that their mission is not just to share good news, but also to bear witness that Jesus is the one God has set as judge over all people. This statement is central to Peter’s message about who Jesus is and what his followers are meant to proclaim.

The Greek behind Acts 10:42

  • The word for "preach" is κηρύσσω (kēryssō), which means to publicly announce or proclaim. This carries the sense of making an official or authoritative declaration, not just casual conversation.
  • The word for "testify" is διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartyromai), meaning to bear witness or give solemn testimony. It suggests a strong, personal confirmation of what the speaker knows to be true.
  • The phrase "Judge of quick and dead" uses the word ζάω (zaō, "quick" meaning "living") and νεκρός (nekros, "dead"), showing that Jesus’ authority as judge covers every person, not limited by time or status.

Why Acts 10:42 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the apostles were directly commanded by Jesus to share both his message and his role as judge, not acting on their own initiative.
  • It emphasizes that Jesus’ authority extends to all people—living and dead—underscoring the universal scope of his judgment.
  • Acts 10:42 connects to the larger story of Peter explaining the gospel to Gentiles, showing that this message is meant for everyone, not just for Jews.

Where else these words appear

“ordained” Greek G3724 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 22:22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
  • Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
  • Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

“testify” Greek G1263 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
  • Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

“Judge” Greek G2923 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

“commanded” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;