And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

ACTS 10:48KJV
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Acts 10:48 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:48 mean?

Acts 10:48 describes how Peter instructed the new Gentile believers to be baptized in the name of the Lord, and then they asked him to stay with them for a few days. This verse shows the immediate response of the household after receiving Peter’s message and the Holy Spirit.

Peter is speaking to Cornelius and his household, who were Gentiles. After witnessing that the Holy Spirit had come upon them, Peter commands (not merely suggests) that they be baptized, marking their full acceptance into the community of believers. The request for Peter to remain with them shows their eagerness to learn more and continue in fellowship.

The Greek behind Acts 10:48

  • The word translated "commanded" is παρήγγειλεν (parēngeilen), which means to give a formal order or instruction. This highlights that baptism was not optional but a clear next step for these new believers.
  • The phrase "in the name" uses the Greek ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι (en tō onomati), meaning by the authority or under the identity of the Lord. This stresses that the baptism was done under Jesus’ authority, not just as a ritual.
  • The verb "baptized" is ἐβαπτίσθησαν (ebaptisthēsan), which carries the sense of being immersed or washed, a public sign of joining the faith community.

Why Acts 10:48 matters

  • Acts 10:48 clarifies that Gentiles were to be baptized just like Jewish believers, showing there was no distinction in how people entered the early Christian community.
  • The verse emphasizes the authority of Jesus in baptism, not Peter or anyone else, which helps prevent misunderstandings about who grants spiritual acceptance.
  • This moment marks a turning point in Acts, as it shows the early church embracing people from all backgrounds, fulfilling the message that the gospel is for everyone.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“tarry” Greek G1961 · used in 18 verses

  • John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
  • Acts 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

“they” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

“baptized” Greek G907 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
  • Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?