but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "made him to appear" is a powerful understatement; it literally means God gave him to be made manifest. This wasn't just a casual sighting, but a deliberate unveiling of the resurrected Christ, proving beyond doubt that He had truly conquered death.
but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is explaining to Cornelius and his household why Jesus is the one they should believe in, emphasizing that the apostles are eyewitnesses to His entire ministry, His death, and especially His resurrection. He declares that God Himself raised Jesus back to life on the third day and made Him clearly visible to chosen witnesses, not the general public, to prove His victory over death. This resurrection is the foundational proof that Jesus is the appointed Judge of all, as confirmed by the prophets and demonstrated by the apostles who ate and drank with Him after He rose.
How do we know for sure that Jesus' resurrection wasn't just a story? Peter emphasizes God's direct action and undeniable proof.
The resurrection of Jesus isn't presented as a passive event, but as God's active intervention. The verse uses two powerful phrases:
Why specifically the 'third day'? This timing wasn't accidental but carried profound significance for victory over death.
The mention of 'the third day' is crucial and echoes throughout Scripture.
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Understand the original words
egeirō · Greek Verb
The historical, bodily return of Jesus to life, confirming his victory over sin and death, and serving as the foundational hope for all believers.
This verse is a pivotal part of Peter's sermon to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. By emphasizing Jesus' resurrection and open appearance to chosen witnesses, Peter aimed to validate Jesus' identity and mission to a Gentile audience, demonstrating God's inclusive plan.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, a public execution carried out by Roman authorities under Pontius Pilate.
c. AD 30— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus
According to Christian belief, Jesus is resurrected on the third day after his crucifixion, appearing to many witnesses over a period of 40 days.
c. AD 30
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends into heaven, leaving his followers with the Great Commission to spread the Gospel.
c. AD 30-33
Early Church Formation
The first followers of Jesus form a community in Jerusalem, sharing their faith and experiences.
c. AD 40s
Expansion to Gentiles Begins
The Gospel begins to spread beyond Jewish communities, leading to discussions and decisions about the inclusion of non-Jews.
This passage lists the appearances of the resurrected Christ to various witnesses, directly supporting the 'showed him openly' aspect of Acts 10:40 by detailing who saw Him and proving the reality of His resurrection.
Romans 1:4This verse speaks of Jesus being declared the Son of God with power by His resurrection, which directly echoes the 'God raised him' part of Acts 10:40 and highlights the divine confirmation of Christ's identity and authority.
Luke 24:46This verse states that the Scriptures foretold the suffering of Christ and His resurrection on the third day, providing the prophetic backdrop and fulfillment that Peter is emphasizing to the Gentiles.
Acts 2:24This passage describes God raising Jesus from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on Him, reinforcing the divine power behind the resurrection mentioned in Acts 10:40.
John 2:19-21Jesus' own words about destroying and rebuilding the temple in three days refer prophetically to His death and resurrection, linking His declaration to the actual event that God would bring about as stated in Acts 10:40.
barnesActs 10:40: "Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;"
Showed him openly - Manifestly; so that there could be no deception, no doubt of his resurrection.
pulpitActs 10:40: "Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;"
Verse 40. - Gave him to be made manifest for showed him openly, A.V.
The phrase "made him to appear" is a powerful understatement; it literally means God gave him to be made manifest. This wasn't just a casual sighting, but a deliberate unveiling of the resurrected Christ, proving beyond doubt that He had truly conquered death.
Peter is explaining to Cornelius and his household why Jesus is the one they should believe in, emphasizing that the apostles are eyewitnesses to His entire ministry, His death, and especially His resurrection. He declares that God Himself raised Jesus back to life on the third day and made Him clearly visible to chosen witnesses, not the general public, to prove His victory over death. This resurrection is the foundational proof that Jesus is the appointed Judge of all, as confirmed by the prophets and demonstrated by the apostles who ate and drank with Him after He rose.
Peter is explaining to Cornelius and his household why Jesus is the one they should believe in, emphasizing that the apostles are eyewitnesses to His entire ministry, His death, and especially His resurrection. He declares that God Himself raised Jesus back to life on the third day and made Him clearly visible to chosen witnesses, not the general public, to prove His victory over death. This resurrection is the foundational proof that Jesus is the appointed Judge of all, as confirmed by the prophets and demonstrated by the apostles who ate and drank with Him after He rose.
"but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear," — The phrase "made him to appear" is a powerful understatement; it literally means God gave him to be made manifest. This wasn't just a casual sighting, but a deliberate unveiling of the resurrected…
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Last reviewed October 2026