Acts 11:14
he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that the angel's message, as recounted here, is specifically about "words" – the Gospel message itself. Salvation isn't just a feeling or a general blessing; it's intimately tied to hearing and receiving the truth preached by Peter. This highlights the crucial role of the preached Word in God's plan for salvation.
This verse is spoken by Peter as he recounts the events at Cornelius's house to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. They are questioning why Peter entered the home of uncircumcised Gentiles and ate with them, which was against their customs. Peter is explaining how he was led by the Holy Spirit to go to Cornelius, who had also received a divine vision.
Peter recounts a pivotal moment where an angel's message was amplified. What does this tell us about the importance of spoken words in God's plan?
In Acts 11:14, Peter recalls that Cornelius would hear 'words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.' This highlights a profound truth: God's salvation is intimately connected to the proclamation of the Gospel message.
The Power of Proclaimed Truth
While an angel initially spoke to Cornelius, Peter's role was to deliver the specific 'words' of salvation. This emphasizes that God uses human messengers and the preached Word as primary vehicles for bringing people into His kingdom. It's not just abstract knowledge, but a message that carries the power to transform and save.
More Than Information
These aren't just any words; they are the 'words' of the Gospel, centered on Jesus Christ. As commentaries suggest, salvation isn't inherent in the sound of the words themselves, but in the truth they convey and God's power accompanying them to bring about faith and transformation.
The verse mentions salvation for Cornelius and 'all his household.' What does this promise reveal about God's expansive grace?
The promise that Cornelius and 'all his house' would be saved points to a powerful ripple effect of one person's encounter with God. This isn't about a guaranteed, automatic salvation for everyone in the home regardless of their personal faith, but rather an opportunity and a promise that God's saving grace would extend to his entire family unit through his obedience.
God's Heart for Families
Cornelius, a God-fearing man, prayed and sought God. His devotion was noted by God, and his obedience in sending for Peter led to the salvation of his household. This demonstrates God's deep concern for families and His desire to work salvation through individuals into the lives of those closest to them.
Extending the Invitation
Understand the original words
sōzō · Greek Verb
The fundamental act of divine deliverance from sin, judgment, and eternal separation from God. It is achieved through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is received as a gift of grace, not earned by human merit.
This verse highlights a pivotal moment where the message of salvation, previously understood primarily for Jews, is explicitly extended to Gentiles, challenging existing religious boundaries and confirming God's universal plan.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity occur, leading to the commission of the disciples to spread the gospel.
c. AD 33-36
Early Spread of the Gospel in Judea
The gospel initially spreads among Jewish people in Jerusalem and surrounding areas, with the apostles as key leaders.
c. AD 36
Saul's Persecution of the Church
Saul of Tarsus actively persecutes the early Christian church, forcing many believers to scatter.
c. AD 36
Vision of Cornelius
Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion in Caesarea, has a vision instructing him to send for Peter.
c. AD 36— this verse
Jesus declares salvation has come to the house of Zacchaeus, highlighting the theme of salvation extending to one's entire household.
Acts 10:4The angel tells Cornelius his prayers and gifts have been heard, directly preceding the instruction to send for Peter who would bring words of salvation.
Romans 1:16Paul proclaims that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, emphasizing that salvation is through the message itself.
Ephesians 2:8This passage emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, aligning with the idea that specific 'words' or the gospel message lead to salvation.
jfbActs 11:14: "Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved."
- Who shall tell thee words whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved—The historian makes the angel express this much more generally (Ac 10:6). So also the subsequent report of it by the deputies and by Cornelius himself to Peter (Ac 10:22, 32). But as Peter tarried with Cornelius certain days, and they doubtless talked over the wonderful scene together, perhaps this fuller and richer form of what the…
barnesActs 11:14: "Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved."
And all thy house - Thy family. This is a circumstance which his omitted in the account in Acts 10 :It is said, however, in Acts 10:2 , that Cornelius feared God with all his house. It is evident from Acts 10:48 that the family also received the ordinance of baptism, and was received into the church.
It's easy to overlook that the angel's message, as recounted here, is specifically about "words" – the Gospel message itself. Salvation isn't just a feeling or a general blessing; it's intimately tied to hearing and receiving the truth preached by Peter. This highlights the crucial role of the preached Word in God's plan for salvation.
This verse is spoken by Peter as he recounts the events at Cornelius's house to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. They are questioning why Peter entered the home of uncircumcised Gentiles and ate with them, which was against their customs. Peter is explaining how he was led by the Holy Spirit to go to Cornelius, who had also received a divine vision.
This verse is spoken by Peter as he recounts the events at Cornelius's house to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. They are questioning why Peter entered the home of uncircumcised Gentiles and ate with them, which was against their customs. Peter is explaining how he was led by the Holy Spirit to go to Cornelius, who had also received a divine vision.
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The inclusion of 'all thy house' underscores that when one person comes to Christ, it often opens the door for others. It’s a call to faithfulness, both in receiving salvation oneself and in being a channel of God's grace to one's family.
Peter's Vision and Journey
Peter has a vision of a sheet with various animals, teaching him not to call any person unclean. He then travels to Caesarea to meet Cornelius.
c. AD 36
Gentiles Hear the Gospel and Receive the Holy Spirit
Peter preaches the gospel to Cornelius and his household, who then receive the Holy Spirit, demonstrating God's inclusion of Gentiles.
c. AD 36
Report Reaches Jerusalem Church
News of Peter's actions and the conversion of Gentiles reaches the Jerusalem church, causing debate and questioning among Jewish believers.
"he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’" — It's easy to overlook that the angel's message, as recounted here, is specifically about "words" – the Gospel message itself. Salvation isn't just a feeling or a general blessing; it's intimately tie…
