And He commanded us to preach to the peopleThis phrase highlights the divine mandate given to the apostles to spread the Gospel. The command to preach is rooted in the Great Commission (
Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations. The term "the people" initially referred to the Jews, but
Acts 10 marks a pivotal moment where the Gospel is extended to Gentiles, as seen in Peter's vision and his encounter with Cornelius. This expansion fulfills the prophecy of
Isaiah 49:6, where God declares that His salvation will reach the ends of the earth.
and to testify that He is the One appointed by God
The apostles are not only to preach but also to bear witness to Jesus' divine appointment. This echoes the role of witnesses in a legal setting, providing credible testimony to the truth. The phrase "appointed by God" underscores Jesus' divine authority and mission, as seen in His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17) and transfiguration (Matthew 17:5), where God affirms Jesus as His chosen one. This appointment is also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such asPsalm 2:7, which speaks of the Messiah as God's anointed.
to judge the living and the dead
This phrase emphasizes the eschatological role of Jesus as the ultimate judge, a theme consistent throughout the New Testament (2 Timothy 4:1,Revelation 20:11-15). The concept of judgment was well understood in Jewish tradition, with God as the righteous judge of all humanity. Jesus' role as judge affirms His divinity and authority over all creation, both those who are alive at His return and those who have died. This judgment is not only punitive but also redemptive, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 5:24-29).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PeterThe apostle who is speaking in this passage. He is delivering a message to Cornelius and his household, emphasizing the universality of the Gospel.
2.
CorneliusA Roman centurion who is devout and God-fearing. He receives a vision from God, leading to Peter's visit and the subsequent sharing of the Gospel.
3.
Jesus ChristReferred to as the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead, highlighting His divine authority and role in salvation history.
4.
CaesareaThe location where this event takes place. It is a significant city in the Roman Empire and a center for early Christian activity.
5.
The ApostlesThe group commanded by Jesus to preach and testify about Him. They are the primary witnesses to His life, death, and resurrection.
Teaching Points
The Universality of the GospelThe command to preach to "the people" signifies the inclusive nature of the Gospel message, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
The Authority of ChristJesus is appointed by God as the judge, affirming His divine authority and the necessity of recognizing His lordship in our lives.
The Responsibility of WitnessesAs followers of Christ, we are called to be His witnesses, sharing the truth of His life, death, and resurrection with others.
The Urgency of the MessageUnderstanding that Christ will judge the living and the dead should instill a sense of urgency in our mission to share the Gospel.
Living in Light of JudgmentKnowing that Jesus will judge all should influence our daily lives, encouraging us to live righteously and share the hope we have in Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 10:42?
2.How does Acts 10:42 encourage us to share the gospel with others?
3.What does "He commanded us to preach" reveal about our role as Christians?
4.How does Acts 10:42 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.In what ways can we be "witnesses" in our daily lives today?
6.How does understanding Jesus as "judge of the living and the dead" impact us?
7.What does Acts 10:42 reveal about Jesus' role as judge of the living and the dead?
8.How does Acts 10:42 challenge the belief in universal salvation?
9.Why is the command to preach in Acts 10:42 significant for Christian evangelism?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 10?
11.Who was Cornelius in the Bible?
12.What is Peter's gospel?
13.What defines being passionate for Jesus?
14.Did Jesus come to judge the world?What Does Acts 10:42 Mean
And He commanded usJesus does not suggest—He commands. After His resurrection He spoke “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18), then sent His followers. That authority still stands:
•Acts 1:8 reminds the apostles, “you will receive power…and you will be My witnesses.”
•John 20:21 echoes, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
His mandate gives clarity and urgency. Our obedience is not optional; it flows from His lordship.
to preach to the people“Preach” means heralding good news publicly. The audience is “the people,” not an elite few.
•Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
•Romans 10:14-15 links preaching with people hearing, believing, and calling on the Lord.
• Paul charges Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).
The message moves outward, crossing cultural and social lines just as Peter was doing in Cornelius’s house (Acts 10:34-35).
and to testifyTestifying adds personal witness to public proclamation.
• Jesus promised the Spirit would enable, “you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning” (John 15:27).
• John writes, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard” (1 John 1:3).
•Revelation 1:2 describes John “who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Testimony communicates lived experience: “Here’s what we have seen Christ do.” That credibility still matters as believers share how Jesus changes lives.
that He is the One appointed by GodThe gospel centers on the identity of Jesus. God publicly endorsed Him:
• Peter’s earlier sermon: “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).
•Hebrews 1:2 says God “has spoken to us by His Son…through whom also He made the universe.”
• Jesus Himself declared, “The Father…has entrusted all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22-23).
The apostles didn’t promote a philosophy; they presented a divinely appointed Person—crucified, risen, exalted.
to judge the living and the deadChrist’s authority culminates in final judgment.
• Paul writes, “Christ Jesus…will judge the living and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1).
•Romans 14:10-12 assures that “we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
• Peter later reminds believers that unbelievers “will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5).
• The scene reaches its climax inRevelation 20:11-15, the great white throne.
Knowing judgment is certain motivates evangelism, offers hope of justice, and calls everyone to repentance and faith.
summaryActs 10:42 packs a full discipleship agenda: Jesus issues a command, sends us to proclaim, calls us to personal testimony, centers everything on His God-appointed authority, and fixes our eyes on His future judgment. Because Scripture is true and trustworthy, we take these words literally: we go, speak, and live so that all may hear, believe, and be ready to meet the risen Judge who saves all who trust in Him.
(42)
And he commanded us to preach unto the people. No such command is found in terms in the Gospel narratives of the words of the risen Lord, but it is partly implied in
Matthew 28:18-20, and is covered by the general teaching as to the things of the kingdom of God in
Acts 1:3. It is interesting to note that St. Peter and St. Paul agree in thus connecting the Resurrection with the assurance that He who had risen was to be the future Judge of all men. (Comp.
Acts 17:31.)
Which was ordained.--More accurately,which has been ordained.
Verse 42.- Charged for
commanded, A.V.;
this is he which is for
it is he which was, A.V.
To be the Judge, etc. This statement involves the resurrection of the dead (comp.
John 5:21-29;
Revelation 20:11, 12). It is easy to see how the creeds would be formed from the repetition of short doctrinal statements like this (see
1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.He commandedπαρήγγειλεν(parēngeilen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3853:To notify, command, charge, entreat solemnly. From para and the base of aggelos; to transmit a message, i.e. to enjoin.usἡμῖν(hēmin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.to preachκηρύξαι(kēryxai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2784:To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.to theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.peopleλαῷ(laō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992:Apparently a primary word; a people.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.to testifyδιαμαρτύρασθαι(diamartyrasthai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1263:To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.thatὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.Heοὗτός(houtos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.the [One]ὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.appointedὡρισμένος(hōrismenos)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3724:From horion; to mark out or bound, i.e. to appoint, decree, specify.byὑπὸ(hypo)Preposition
Strong's 5259:A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.to judgeΚριτὴς(Kritēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2923:A judge, magistrate, ruler. From krino; a judge.[the] livingζώντων(zōntōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2198:To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[the] dead.νεκρῶν(nekrōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3498:(a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.
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NT Apostles: Acts 10:42 He commanded us to preach to (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
