Acts 10:1
What does Acts 10:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 10:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 10:1 means
This verse introduces Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea, a Gentile. The designation "Italian band" indicates his military unit, composed of non-Jewish soldiers. Luke immediately establishes Cornelius as a significant figure for the unfolding narrative, highlighting his Roman identity which, for a Jewish audience, would typically place him outside the covenant and fellowship of God's people. This introduction sets the stage for God's radical work to bridge the divide between Jew and Gentile through the gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Nowthere wasa certain man in Cæsarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
KJV
King James Version · 1611There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Nowthere wasa certain man in Cæsarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, the captain of the Italian band of the army;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And there was a certain man in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion from a band called Italian,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of that which is called the Italian band:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But a certain man in Caesarea, — by name Cornelius, a centurion of the band called Italic,
Context
The chapter opens by introducing Cornelius, a Gentile, laying the groundwork for how God intends to broaden the scope of His salvation beyond the Jewish people. This introduction is crucial because it immediately highlights the cultural and religious barriers that will be overcome. What follows is a description of Cornelius's character and a direct divine intervention, setting in motion the events that will bring Peter and the gospel to his household.
v.1This passage
v.2a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 22:25
And when they had tied him up with the thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
- Matthew 27:54
Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
- Acts 23:33
and they, when they came to Cæsarea and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
- Matthew 8:5
And when he was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
- Acts 8:40
But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.
- Acts 27:31
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
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