Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that Peter commanded the baptism but didn't perform it himself, just as Paul later did. This wasn't about Peter being too important; it was a strategic move to prevent people from associating themselves with specific apostles, thereby guarding the unity of the new believers under Christ alone.
Having just witnessed the Holy Spirit pour out on Cornelius and his household, Peter now commands them to be baptized, signifying their inclusion in Christ’s community. The group accompanying Peter from Joppa, who were likely Jewish believers, are astonished by this outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles, but Peter defends his actions, emphasizing God’s acceptance of all who believe. After the baptism, Cornelius and his family ask Peter to stay with them for a while, eager for further instruction and fellowship.
What does it truly mean to be baptized 'in the name of Jesus Christ'? It's more than just a formula; it's a profound declaration of allegiance.
In this pivotal moment, Peter commands baptism 'in the name of Jesus Christ.' This wasn't just about immersing someone in water. It signified:
This act wasn't performed by Peter himself, but commanded by him. This reflects a practice seen with other apostles like Paul, who sometimes delegated the administration of baptism while focusing on preaching the gospel.
The immediate aftermath of this groundbreaking baptism shows a community eager for more. What did their request reveal about their newfound faith?
Immediately following the baptism, the new believers implored Peter to 'tarry for some days.' This wasn't just a polite request; it reveals several key aspects:
Understand the original words
Iēsou Christou · Greek Noun
The identity and authority of the historical Jesus as the promised Messiah (Christ) and the Son of God; to act in His name is to act by His authority and on His behalf.
This event marks a monumental shift in early Christianity, breaking down the 'middle wall of partition' between Jews and Gentiles and ushering in an era of unprecedented inclusion under Christ.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
The earthly ministry of Jesus, culminating in his death and resurrection, lays the foundation for the entire Christian movement.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus' followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to preach the Gospel and marking the birth of the early Church.
c. AD 34-45
Early Ministry of Peter and Paul
Peter primarily ministered to Jewish communities, while Paul began his mission to the Gentiles, laying groundwork for the eventual merging of both groups into the Church.
c. AD 40-45
Peter's Vision at Joppa
Peter receives a divine vision involving unclean animals, preparing him to overcome his Jewish dietary laws and cultural barriers concerning Gentiles.
c. AD 45
This passage directly parallels Peter's action of not baptizing himself, as Paul explains his own practice was to focus on preaching the gospel rather than administering baptism, to avoid divisions.
Acts 11:1-18This chapter shows Peter's account of the events at Cornelius's house to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating how this pivotal moment of baptizing Gentiles eventually led to wider acceptance and understanding within the early church.
Galatians 2:11-14This passage recounts Paul rebuking Peter for withdrawing from fellowship with Gentiles, highlighting the tension between embracing Gentiles as equals and adhering to Jewish customs, which makes Peter's bold step in Acts 10 even more significant.
Ephesians 2:11-18This passage speaks powerfully to the theological significance of what happened with Cornelius and his household, explaining how Jesus broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, bringing them into one new humanity.
ellicottActs 10:48: "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
(48) And he commanded them . . . —It would seem from this that St. Peter acted on the same general principle as St. Paul ( 1Corinthians 1:14-17 ), and left the actual administration of baptism to other hands than his own. Who administered it in this instance we are not told. Possibly there may have been an ecclesia already organised at Cæsarea, as the result of Philip’s work,…
barnesActs 10:48: "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
And he commanded them ... - Why Peter did not himself baptize them is unknown. It might be, perhaps, because he chose to make use of the ministry of the brethren who were with him, to prevent the possibility of future cavil. If they did it themselves, they could not so easily be led by the Jews to find fault with it. It may be added, also, that it seems not to have been the pr…
It's easy to overlook that Peter commanded the baptism but didn't perform it himself, just as Paul later did. This wasn't about Peter being too important; it was a strategic move to prevent people from associating themselves with specific apostles, thereby guarding the unity of the new believers under Christ alone.
Having just witnessed the Holy Spirit pour out on Cornelius and his household, Peter now commands them to be baptized, signifying their inclusion in Christ’s community. The group accompanying Peter from Joppa, who were likely Jewish believers, are astonished by this outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles, but Peter defends his actions, emphasizing God’s acceptance of all who believe. After the baptism, Cornelius and his family ask Peter to stay with them for a while, eager for further instruction and fellowship.
Having just witnessed the Holy Spirit pour out on Cornelius and his household, Peter now commands them to be baptized, signifying their inclusion in Christ’s community. The group accompanying Peter from Joppa, who were likely Jewish believers, are astonished by this outpouring of the Spirit on Gentiles, but Peter defends his actions, emphasizing God’s acceptance of all who believe. After the baptism, Cornelius and his family ask Peter to stay with them for a while, eager for further instruction and fellowship.
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This demonstrates that conversion is often the beginning of a journey, not the end, and that the community and its leaders play a vital role in spiritual growth.
Cornelius' Vision and Peter's Visit to Caesarea
Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, is prompted by an angel to send for Peter. Peter, guided by his vision and the Spirit, visits Cornelius' household, preaching the Gospel.
c. AD 49
The Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal council addresses the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church, deciding they do not need to follow Jewish laws like circumcision, affirming the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers.
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days." — It's easy to overlook that Peter commanded the baptism but didn't perform it himself, just as Paul later did. This wasn't about Peter being too important; it was a strategic move to prevent peopl…
