And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

ACTS 10:8KJV
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Acts 10:8 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:8 mean?

Acts 10:8 describes how Cornelius, after receiving a vision from God, explained everything that had happened to his household servants and a devout soldier, and then sent them to the city of Joppa. This verse shows Cornelius acting quickly and faithfully on the instructions he received.

Cornelius is a Roman centurion living in Caesarea who has just experienced an angelic visitation telling him to send for Peter, who is in Joppa. In this verse, Cornelius gathers trusted people from his household, tells them about the vision, and sends them on this important mission. The verse highlights Cornelius’s obedience and trust in God’s message, setting up the meeting between Peter and Cornelius that will become a turning point in the story.

The Greek behind Acts 10:8

  • ἀπέστειλεν (apesteilen, "sent"): This Greek word means to send out or dispatch with a purpose. It emphasizes that Cornelius is intentionally sending his people on a specific mission, not just giving a casual order.
  • Ἰόππην (Ioppēn, "Joppa"): The Greek name for the city of Joppa, which is significant because it is where Peter is staying. Mentioning the destination shows Cornelius’s careful obedience to the angel’s instructions.

Why Acts 10:8 matters

  • Acts 10:8 clears up that Cornelius did not keep the vision to himself but involved others, showing his openness and trust in those around him.
  • The verse emphasizes the careful and immediate obedience of Cornelius, which is a key theme in the chapter as God’s message begins to reach beyond the Jewish community.
  • This action sets in motion the events that will lead to Peter’s realization that the message of Jesus is for all people, not just Jews, marking a major shift in the early church’s understanding.

Where else these words appear

“declared” Greek G1834 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 24:35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
  • John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
  • Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

“Joppa” Greek G2445 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
  • Acts 9:43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

“things” Greek G537 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
  • Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

“sent” Greek G649 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.