Acts 10:39
We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree,
We are witnesses
This phrase underscores the role of the apostles as firsthand observers of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The Greek word for "witnesses" is "μάρτυρες" (martyres), which is the root for the English word "martyr." This highlights the apostles' commitment to testify about Jesus, even at great personal risk. Historically, the apostles' witness was crucial for the early church, as they provided credible testimony to the events they had seen, which was essential for the spread of Christianity.

of everything
The term "everything" indicates the comprehensive nature of the apostles' testimony. They were not selective in their witness but testified to all aspects of Jesus' ministry. This includes His teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. The Greek word "πάντων" (panton) emphasizes the totality of their witness, ensuring that the full gospel message was communicated to all.

He did
This phrase refers to the actions and works of Jesus during His earthly ministry. The Greek verb "ἐποίησεν" (epoiesen) is used here, which means "to do" or "to make." It highlights the active ministry of Jesus, which was characterized by teaching, healing, and performing miracles. These actions were a testament to His divine authority and mission.

in the land of the Jews
This locational phrase situates Jesus' ministry within a specific geographical and cultural context. The "land of the Jews" refers to Judea, the heartland of Jewish life and religion. This is significant because it fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah coming to the Jewish people. It also underscores the initial focus of Jesus' ministry on the Jewish nation, as He came first to the lost sheep of Israel.

and in Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds a central place in Jewish religious life as the location of the Temple and the city of David. It is also where significant events in Jesus' life occurred, including His crucifixion and resurrection. The mention of Jerusalem highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the importance of the city in God's redemptive plan. Historically, Jerusalem was the epicenter of early Christian activity following Jesus' ascension.

And they killed Him
This phrase starkly presents the reality of Jesus' crucifixion. The Greek verb "ἀνείλαν" (aneilan) means "to kill" or "to put to death." It emphasizes the human responsibility in the death of Jesus, which was carried out by both Jewish and Roman authorities. This act, however, was part of God's sovereign plan for redemption, as foretold in the Scriptures.

by hanging Him on a tree
The phrase "hanging Him on a tree" is a reference to crucifixion, a Roman method of execution. The Greek word "ξύλου" (xylou) translates to "tree" or "wood," and is used here to connect Jesus' death with Deuteronomy 21:23, which states that anyone hung on a tree is under God's curse. This connection highlights the theological significance of Jesus' death, as He bore the curse of sin on behalf of humanity. The imagery of the tree also evokes the cross, the central symbol of Christian faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
The apostle who is speaking in this passage, sharing the gospel with Cornelius and his household.

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the gospel message, whose life, death, and resurrection are being testified to.

3. The Jews
The people among whom Jesus conducted His ministry, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.

4. Jerusalem
The city where significant events of Jesus' ministry, including His crucifixion, took place.

5. The Crucifixion
The event of Jesus being put to death by hanging on a tree, a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a pivotal moment in Christian theology.
Teaching Points
The Role of Witnesses
As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ's work in our lives, just as the apostles were witnesses of His earthly ministry.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' death on the cross was not an accident but a fulfillment of God's redemptive plan as foretold in the Scriptures.

The Universality of the Gospel
The message of salvation through Jesus is for all people, as demonstrated by Peter's sharing of the gospel with Gentiles.

The Cost of Redemption
Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, understanding that He bore the curse of sin for our sake.

Living as Witnesses
Consider how our lives can testify to the truth of the gospel in our daily interactions and relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the role of witnesses in Acts 10:39 challenge you to share your faith with others?

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus' crucifixion strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

3. How can you apply the universality of the gospel message in your interactions with people from different backgrounds and cultures?

4. Reflect on the cost of redemption as described in this passage. How does this impact your view of sin and grace?

5. What practical steps can you take to live as a witness of Christ in your community, following the example of the apostles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 21:22-23
This Old Testament law about a man hanged on a tree being cursed by God connects to the crucifixion of Jesus, who bore the curse for humanity.

Luke 24:48
Jesus tells His disciples that they are witnesses of these things, reinforcing the role of the apostles as eyewitnesses to His life and resurrection.

1 Peter 2:24
Peter later writes about Jesus bearing our sins in His body on the tree, emphasizing the redemptive purpose of the crucifixion.

Acts 1:8
Jesus commissions His disciples to be His witnesses, starting in Jerusalem and extending to the ends of the earth, which is being fulfilled in Acts 10.

Galatians 3:13
Paul explains that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, directly linking to the imagery of being hanged on a tree.
A Good Man's ConversionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
Broadening FoundationsP.C. Barker Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusW. M. Taylor, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusJames Owens.Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusW. Hay Aitken, M. A.Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusPreacher's MonthlyActs 10:1-48
Cornelius of CaesareaG. M. Grant, B. D.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius the Truth SeekerC. H. Payne, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius, a Monument of the Omnipotence of GraceK. Gerok.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius, an Example of PietyJ. T. Woodhouse.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius, the Truth SeekerJ. G. Hughes.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius: a Model for VolunteersG. Venables, M. A.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius; Or, New Departures in ReligionJ. Clifford, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
DreamsG. H. James.Acts 10:1-48
Family DevotionC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:1-48
Peter's VisionR. T. Stevenson.Acts 10:1-48
Peter's VisionD. J. Burrell D. D.Acts 10:1-48
The Character and Conversion of CorneliusR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Acts 10:1-48
The Character of CorneliusG. Spence, D. C. L.Acts 10:1-48
The Conversion of the GentilesJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
The Providential Guidance of the ChurchDean Alford.Acts 10:1-48
The Supernatural PreparationD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
Man in God's Sight; Or, Divine ImpartialityW. Clarkson Acts 10:9-48
The First Trumpet-Sound of the Gospel in the Heathen WorldR.A. Redford Acts 10:23-43
A Model AudienceB. D. Johns.Acts 10:30-48
A Model CongregationD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 10:30-48
A Model CongregationWilliam Forsyth, A. M.Acts 10:30-48
Attending At Ordinances EnforcedR. Watson.Acts 10:30-48
Complemental MinistryW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 10:30-48
Concerning Audiences, Preachers, Sermons, and ConversionsJ. McNeill.Acts 10:30-48
Congregations to be Well Fed with the TruthC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:30-48
Cornelius and PeterM. C. Hazard.Acts 10:30-48
Cornelius's Sending and Peter's ComingJ. W. Burn.Acts 10:30-48
Different Kinds of HearersT. Boston, D. D.Acts 10:30-48
Don't Grumble About the FodderActs 10:30-48
Hearing and its Proper EffectsJ. Newton.Acts 10:30-48
Interested HearersActs 10:30-48
Peter and CorneliusG. Leach, D. D.Acts 10:30-48
Peter At CaesareaT. J. Holmes.Acts 10:30-48
Peter At CaesareaD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 10:30-48
Punctuality in Attendance At ChurchCyclopoedia of Illustrative AnecdotesActs 10:30-48
The Best Remedy for Small CongregationsActs 10:30-48
The Gospel to the GentilesDean Vaughan.Acts 10:30-48
The Ideal CongregationD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 10:30-48
The Model CongregationWatson Smith.Acts 10:30-48
The Reciprocal Duties of a Minister and of His PeopleJ. Hughes, M. A.Acts 10:30-48
Truth Liked as a Sentiment, But Disliked as a Law of LifeH. W. Beecher.Acts 10:30-48
Various Kinds of HearersH. Smith.Acts 10:30-48
Discourse of Peter At CaesareaE. Johnson Acts 10:34-43
The Gospel for the HeathenR. Tuck Acts 10:37-43
Christ, the Preacher's Great ThemeC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:39-43
Christ's Coming to JudgmentActs 10:39-43
Forgiveness of SinHomilistActs 10:39-43
Jesus, the JudgeC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:39-43
St. Peter's Boldness, Delicacy, and CandourE. T. Marshall, M. A.Acts 10:39-43
The Apostolic TestimonyJ. W. Burn.Acts 10:39-43
The Certainty and Circumstances of a Future JudgmentI. Barrow, D. D.Acts 10:39-43
The Mediator -- Judge and SaviourC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:39-43
The Privacy of Christ's Resurrection no Argument Against the Truth of ItS. Eccles, M. A.Acts 10:39-43
The Universality of the GospelActs 10:39-43
Way to Accept Remission of SinsActs 10:39-43
Witnesses of the ResurrectionJ. H. Newman, D. D.Acts 10:39-43
People
Cornelius, John, Peter, Simon
Places
Caesarea, Galilee, Jerusalem, Joppa, Judea, Nazareth
Topics
Cross, Crucifixion, Death, Hanged, Hanging, Jerusalem, Jews, Killed, Slay, Slew, Tree, Witnesses
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 10:39

     2545   Christ, opposition to
     5281   crucifixion
     5331   hanging
     5485   punishment, legal aspects
     7708   apostles, function

Acts 10:1-48

     5250   centurion

Acts 10:23-48

     7505   Jews, the

Acts 10:36-41

     5115   Peter, preacher and teacher

Acts 10:36-43

     7756   preaching, content

Acts 10:36-46

     6717   reconciliation, world to God

Acts 10:37-39

     5501   reward, human

Acts 10:39-41

     8105   assurance, basis of
     9311   resurrection, of Christ

Acts 10:39-43

     1436   reality
     8496   witnessing, importance

Library
December 2 Morning
Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.--I JOHN 2:20. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.--It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.--Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Thou anointest my head with oil.--The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 29. "Call not Thou Common" (Acts x. 15).
"Call not thou common" (Acts x. 15). "There is nothing common of itself" (Rom. xiv. 14). We can bring Christ into common things as fully as into what we call religious services. Indeed, it is the highest and hardest application of Divine grace, to bring it down to the ordinary matters of life, and therefore God is far more honored in this than even in things that are more specially sacred. Therefore, in the twelfth chapter of Romans, which is the manual of practical consecration, just after the passage
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

February 13. "Thy Prayers are Come up for a Memorial Before God" (Acts x. 4).
"Thy prayers are come up for a memorial before God" (Acts x. 4). What a beautiful expression the angel used to Cornelius, "Thy prayers are come up for a memorial." It would almost seem as if supplications of years had accumulated before the Throne, and at last the answer broke in blessings on the head of Cornelius, even as the accumulated evaporation of months at last bursts in floods of rain upon the parched ground. So God is represented as treasuring the prayers of His saints in vials; they are
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Easter Monday
Text: Acts 10, 34-43. 34 And Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him. 36 The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)--37 that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 even Jesus of Nazareth,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

What God Hath Cleansed
'There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'God is no Respecter of Persons'
'And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31. And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 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. 83. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

May the Twenty-Sixth the Uniting of Sundered Peoples
"On the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." --ACTS x. 34-48. And this is ever the issue of a true outpouring of the Spirit: sundered peoples become one. At "low tide" there are multitudes of separated pools along the shore: at "high tide" they flow together, and the little distinctions are lost in a splendid union. It is so racially. "Jew and Gentile!" Peter and Cornelius lose their prejudices in the emancipating ministry of the Spirit. And so shall it be with English and
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Now, it is to the work of the Holy Spirit that I shall this morning specially direct your attention; and I may as well mention the reason why I do so. It is this. We have received continually fresh confirmations of the good news from a far country, which has already made glad the hearts of many of God's people. In the United States of America there is certainly a great awakening. No sane man living there could think of denying it. There may be something of spurious excitement mixed up with it, but
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament.
I make this candour to consist in their putting down many passages, and noticing many circumstances, which no writer whatever was likely to have forged; and which no writer would have chosen to appear in his book who had been careful to present the story in the most unexceptionable form, or who had thought himself at liberty to carve and mould the particulars of that story according to his choice, or according to his judgment of the effect. A strong and well-known example of the fairness of the evangelists
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Devotion to God.
Devotion to God implies ardent affection for him--a yielding of the heart to him with reverence, faith, and piety in every act, particularly in prayer and meditation. We catch a glimpse of the true meaning of devotion from what is said of the centurion of the Italian band. He was termed a devout man because he feared God, gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always (see Acts 10:2). This is the essence of true devotion. He loved God, without which there can be no devotion. The more we love
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

Israel and the Nations.
"Because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."--Acts x. 45. The question that arises with reference to Pentecost is: Since the Holy Spirit imparted saving grace to men before and after Pentecost, what is the difference caused by that descent of the Holy Spirit? An illustration may explain the difference. The rain descends from heaven and man gathers it to quench his thirst. When householders collect it each in his own cistern, it comes down for every family separately;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Whether Paul, when in Rapture, Saw the Essence of God?
Objection 1: It would seem that Paul, when in rapture, did not see the essence of God. For just as we read of Paul that he was rapt to the third heaven, so we read of Peter (Acts 10:10) that "there came upon him an ecstasy of mind." Now Peter, in his ecstasy, saw not God's essence but an imaginary vision. Therefore it would seem that neither did Paul see the essence of God. Objection 2: Further, the vision of God is beatific. But Paul, in his rapture, was not beatified; else he would never have returned
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the World is to be Cleansed?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is not to be any cleansing of the world. For only that which is unclean needs cleansing. Now God's creatures are not unclean, wherefore it is written (Acts 10:15): "That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common," i.e. unclean. Therefore the creatures of the world shall not be cleansed. Objection 2: Further, according to Divine justice cleansing is directed to the removal of the uncleanness of sin, as instanced in the cleansing after death. But there can
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Blindness and Hardness of Heart are Directed to the Salvation of those who are Blinded and Hardened?
Objection 1: It would seem that blindness and hardness of heart are always directed to the salvation of those who are blinded and hardened. For Augustine says (Enchiridion xi) that "as God is supremely good, He would nowise allow evil to be done, unless He could draw some good from every evil." Much more, therefore, does He direct to some good, the evil of which He Himself is the cause. Now God is the cause of blindness and hardness of heart, as stated above [1803](A[3]). Therefore they are directed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the First Movements of the Sensuality in Unbelievers are Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that the first movements of the sensuality in unbelievers are mortal sins. For the Apostle says (Rom. 8:1) that "there is . . . no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh": and he is speaking there of the concupiscence of the sensuality, as appears from the context (Rom. 7). Therefore the reason why concupiscence is not a matter of condemnation to those who walk not according to the flesh, i.e. by consenting to concupiscence, is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Judiciary Power is to be Specially Attributed to Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that judiciary power is not to be specially attributed to Christ. For judgment of others seems to belong to their lord; hence it is written (Rom. 14:4): "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?" But, it belongs to the entire Trinity to be Lord over creatures. Therefore judiciary power ought not to be attributed specially to Christ. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Dan. 7:9): "The Ancient of days sat"; and further on (Dan. 7:10), "the judgment sat, and the books
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all Men Will be Present at the Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that men will not all be present at the judgment. For it is written (Mat. 19:28): "You . . . shall sit on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." But all men do not belong to those twelve tribes. Therefore it would seem that men will not all be present at the judgment. Objection 2: Further, the same apparently is to be gathered from Ps. 1:5, "The wicked shall not rise again in judgment." Objection 3: Further, a man is brought to judgment that his merits may
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Witnesses of the Transfiguration were Fittingly Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that the witnesses of the transfiguration were unfittingly chosen. For everyone is a better witness of things that he knows. But at the time of Christ's transfiguration no one but the angels had as yet any knowledge from experience of the glory to come. Therefore the witnesses of the transfiguration should have been angels rather than men. Objection 2: Further, truth, not fiction, is becoming in a witness of the truth. Now, Moses and Elias were there, not really, but only
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Prophetic vision is Always Accompanied by Abstraction from the Senses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophetic vision is always accompanied by abstraction from the senses. For it is written (Num. 12:6): "If there be among you a prophet of the Lord, I will appear to him in a vision, or I will speak to him in a dream." Now a gloss says at the beginning of the Psalter, "a vision that takes place by dreams and apparitions consists of things which seem to be said or done." But when things seem to be said or done, which are neither said nor done, there is abstraction
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Grace and virtues are Bestowed on Man by Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Because, as stated above ([4464]Q[62], A[1], ad 1), the sacraments of the New Law "effect what they signify." But the baptismal cleansing signifies the cleansing of the soul from guilt, and not the fashioning of the soul with grace and virtues. Therefore it seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Objection 2: Further, one does not need to receive what one has already acquired. But some approach
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law Should have Been Given to the Jews Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law should not have been given to the Jews alone. For the Old Law disposed men for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2065]AA[2],3). But that salvation was to come not to the Jews alone but to all nations, according to Is. 49:6: "It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayest be
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in a Suitable Manner?
Objection 1: It would seem that the judicial precepts regarding foreigners were not suitably framed. For Peter said (Acts 10:34,35): "In very deed I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons, but in every nation, he that feareth Him and worketh justice is acceptable to Him." But those who are acceptable to God should not be excluded from the Church of God. Therefore it is unsuitably commanded (Dt. 23:3) that "the Ammonite and the Moabite, even after the tenth generation, shall not enter into
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Every Act of an Unbeliever is a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that each act of an unbeliever is a sin. Because a gloss on Rom. 14:23, "All that is not of faith is sin," says: "The whole life of unbelievers is a sin." Now the life of unbelievers consists of their actions. Therefore every action of an unbeliever is a sin. Objection 2: Further, faith directs the intention. Now there can be no good save what comes from a right intention. Therefore, among unbelievers, no action can be good. Objection 3: Further, when that which precedes
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Made Known to Some?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's birth should not have been made known to anyone. For, as stated above (A[1], ad 3), it befitted the salvation of mankind that Christ's first coming should be hidden. But Christ came to save all; according to 1 Tim. 4:10: "Who is the Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful." Therefore Christ's birth should not have been made known to anyone. Objection 2: Further, before Christ was born, His future birth was made known to the Blessed Virgin and Joseph.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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