Acts 10 Footnotes

10:1 Evangelized by Philip, Caesarea had knowledge of Christianity. Centurions were distinguished by their leadership abilities (although soldiers often extorted and brutalized local populations). The Italian Regiment was probably an auxiliary force of local soldiers (not Italians or Romans), although the original group may have consisted of Italian soldiers.

10:2-3 God-fearers like Cornelius respected Jewish customs and beliefs (e.g., food laws, special days), often associating with Jews but remaining unwilling to become proselytes (which required circumcision). Acts, along with other ancient documents, including an important inscription from Aphrodisias, reveals significant numbers of God-fearers like Cornelius.

10:19 Divine messages were varyingly communicated: the Spirit spoke directly to Peter, an angel talked to Cornelius, the Lord spoke to Peter in a vision (v. 13).

10:28 Contact with Gentiles meant risking ceremonial uncleanness. Peter indicated that his vision taught him that these standards had been superseded.

10:34-35 God’s impartiality means that he does not treat any group of people differently. He seeks out those who humbly respond to his grace, whether Jew or Gentile. Sincerity is the result, not the cause, of God’s grace.

10:44-47 Belief, receiving the Spirit, and baptism are again equated with conversion. The Jewish believers who were with Peter expressed surprise that Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit (as at Pentecost, 11:16-17). Salvation is extended fully to Gentiles.