Acts 10:26

But Peter helped him up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."

Study Bible

But Peter
The conjunction "But" introduces a contrast to the preceding action where Cornelius, a Roman centurion, falls at Peter's feet in reverence. "Peter," originally named Simon, was one of Jesus' closest disciples and a foundational leader in the early Church. His Jewish background and role as an apostle are significant, as he navigates the cultural and religious barriers between Jews and Gentiles. This moment marks a pivotal shift in the early Christian mission, emphasizing the universality of the Gospel.

helped him up
The act of helping Cornelius up is both literal and symbolic. In Greek, the word used here implies raising or lifting, which can also denote resurrection or elevation. Peter's action signifies the breaking down of social hierarchies and the elevation of Gentiles to equal status in the eyes of God. It reflects the Christian teaching of humility and service, as Peter, a leader, physically assists someone who would traditionally be seen as an outsider.

Stand up
Peter's command, "Stand up," is a call to dignity and equality. The Greek word for "stand" can also mean to rise or to be established. This directive is not just about physical posture but about spiritual and social standing. It underscores the message that in Christ, there is no partiality, and all believers are called to stand firm in their faith and identity as children of God.

he said
The phrase "he said" indicates Peter's authoritative teaching moment. As an apostle, Peter's words carry weight and are guided by the Holy Spirit. This moment is a teaching opportunity, not just for Cornelius but for all who witness or hear of this event. It highlights the importance of verbal proclamation in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of doctrinal truths.

I am only a man myself
Peter's declaration, "I am only a man myself," is a profound statement of humility and theological truth. The Greek word for "man" here is "anthropos," emphasizing humanity's shared nature. Peter acknowledges his own humanity and fallibility, rejecting any notion of superiority or divinity. This aligns with the Christian doctrine that all humans are equal before God, and it serves as a reminder that worship is due to God alone. Peter's humility is a model for Christian leadership, emphasizing service over status and pointing to Christ as the ultimate authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, Peter is a central figure in the early Christian church. In Acts 10, he is visiting the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, to share the gospel.

2. Cornelius
A Roman centurion known for his devout faith and fear of God. He receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter, which leads to a significant moment in the early church regarding the inclusion of Gentiles.

3. Caesarea
A significant city in the Roman Empire, where Cornelius resides. It serves as the backdrop for this pivotal event in the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles.

4. Vision of Cornelius
Cornelius receives a divine vision instructing him to send for Peter, which sets the stage for the meeting between the two and the subsequent revelation about the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith.

5. Peter's Vision
Prior to meeting Cornelius, Peter has a vision of a sheet with unclean animals, symbolizing the breaking down of Jewish dietary laws and the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith.

Teaching Points

Humility in Leadership
Peter's response to Cornelius highlights the importance of humility in leadership. Even as an apostle, Peter acknowledges his humanity and directs glory to God.

Equality Before God
Peter's statement underscores the equality of all people before God. Regardless of position or status, all are human and in need of God's grace.

Guarding Against Idolatry
The passage serves as a reminder to guard against idolatry, whether of people, possessions, or ideas. Worship is reserved for God alone.

Breaking Down Barriers
This event marks a significant moment in the early church, where cultural and religious barriers are broken down, emphasizing the inclusivity of the gospel.

Obedience to Divine Guidance
Both Peter and Cornelius demonstrate obedience to divine guidance, leading to a significant expansion of the early church's mission.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Peter's response to Cornelius in Acts 10:26 reflect the biblical principle of humility, and how can we apply this in our own leadership roles?

2. In what ways does this passage challenge us to view others as equals, regardless of their background or status?

3. How can we guard against the subtle forms of idolatry in our lives today, ensuring that our worship is directed to God alone?

4. What barriers exist in our communities that hinder the spread of the gospel, and how can we work to break them down as Peter did?

5. How can we be more attentive and obedient to divine guidance in our daily lives, as demonstrated by both Peter and Cornelius in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 14:15
Paul and Barnabas, like Peter, refuse to be worshipped as gods, emphasizing their humanity and pointing to the living God.

Revelation 19:10
The angel instructs John not to worship him, reinforcing the idea that worship is due to God alone.

Matthew 4:10
Jesus quotes Scripture to Satan, affirming that worship should be directed to God alone.

Exodus 20:3-5
The Ten Commandments emphasize the importance of worshiping God alone and not making idols.