And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

ACTS 11:13KJV
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Acts 11:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 11:13 mean?

Acts 11:13 describes how a man explained that he had seen an angel in his house, who told him to send men to Joppa and call for Simon, also known as Peter. The verse highlights a specific message from an angel, directing the man to seek out Peter for further instruction.

In this scene, Peter is recounting to other believers in Jerusalem what happened with Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Cornelius had a vision in which an angel appeared in his home and gave him clear instructions to find Peter in the city of Joppa. This sets the stage for the meeting between Peter and Cornelius, which is significant because it leads to the spread of the gospel to non-Jewish people.

The Greek behind Acts 11:13

  • ἄγγελος (angelos, "angel"): This word means "messenger" and often refers to a supernatural being sent by God. The use of ἄγγελος here emphasizes that the message Cornelius received was seen as coming directly from God, not just a personal thought or dream.
  • ἀνὴρ (anēr, "men"): The Greek word used for "men" specifically refers to adult males, highlighting that Cornelius was to send trustworthy representatives.
  • Ἰόππη (Ioppē, "Joppa"): Naming the city makes the instructions precise and shows the historical and geographical detail in the account.

Why Acts 11:13 matters

  • Acts 11:13 clarifies that Cornelius’s actions were not self-initiated but were in response to a direct divine message, which helps explain why Peter later defends his visit to a Gentile household.
  • The verse highlights the careful and specific guidance God gave to bring Peter and Cornelius together, showing the intentional expansion of the early Christian movement beyond Jewish boundaries.
  • This account helps readers understand the importance of Peter’s later realization that the message of Jesus was meant for all people, not just for Jews.

Where else these words appear

“for” Greek G3343 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
  • Acts 10:29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
  • Acts 24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

“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 10:23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

“is” Greek G1941 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • 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.
  • Acts 26:32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

“shewed” Greek G518 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
  • Acts 12:14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.