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Acts 10:25

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 10:25 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
Acts 10:25 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
22And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned [of God] by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.
23So he called them in and lodged them. And on the morrow he arose and went forth with them, and certain of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
24And on the morrow they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his kinsmen and his near friends.
25And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27And as he talked with him, he went in, and findeth many come together:
28and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and [yet] unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean:
← Acts 10:24Acts 10:26 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And as Peter was coming in, etc.] Not into the city of Caesarea, for his entrance there is mentioned before, but into the house of Cornelius: Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet; to testify his great affection for him, and reverence of him: and worshipped [him]; not with a religious adoration, or with worship due to God; for that would have been contrary to his character as a devout man, and one that feared God; but with civil worship and respect, in which he might exceed just bounds, and therefore is reproved by Peter: nor could he take him for an angel of God, or for one sent immediately from heaven to him; for he had been informed who he was, and what he was, and from whence he…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him--a mark of the highest respect. fell down at his feet, and worshipped him--In the East this way of showing respect was customary not only to kings, but to others occupying a superior station; but among the Greeks and Romans it was reserved for the gods. Peter, therefore, declines it as due to no mortal [GROTIUS]. "Those who claim to have succeeded Peter, have not imitated this part of his conduct" [ALFORD] (therein only verifying Th2 2:4, and compare Rev 19:10; Rev 22:9).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Fell down at his feet - This was an act of profound regard for him as an ambassador of God. In Oriential countries it was usual for persons to prostrate themselves at length on the ground before men of rank and honor. “Worshipped him” This does not mean religious homage, but civil respect - the homage, or profound regard which was due to one in honor. See the notes on Matthew 2:2. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:25-26 Cornelius . . . worshiped him: This act must have been more than traditional obeisance to a high-ranking person. The Bible restricts worship to God alone (see 14:11-17; Exod 20:3; Deut 5:7; Matt 22:37-38; Mark 12:29-30; Luke 10:27; 1 Cor 10:14; Col 3:5; 1 Pet 4:3; 1 Jn 5:21; Rev 4:10; 9:20; 22:8-9). Peter was just a fellow human being whom Cornelius should not worship.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“and fell: Act 14:11-13; Dan 2:30, Dan 2:46; Mat 8:2, Mat 14:33; Rev 19:10, Rev 22:8, Rev 22:9 Acts 10:26”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification