Acts 10:20 – “So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the Holy Spirit speaks directly to Peter, instructing him to go with the men who had come looking for him. These men had been sent by Cornelius, a Gentile Roman centurion, who had received a vision from God instructing him to call for Peter.

The Spirit tells Peter to “get up and go downstairs”—a clear and urgent command. Peter is not to delay or overthink the situation. More importantly, the Spirit says “Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” This statement removes any doubts Peter might have had. Even though these men were Gentiles—people he would normally avoid—Peter needed to understand that God Himself had sent them.

This verse is significant because Peter had just seen a vision about clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:9-16). He was still struggling to understand what God was trying to show him. Now, the Spirit gives him clarity: this is not just about food—it’s about people. The message is clear: God is removing the old barriers between Jews and Gentiles, and Peter must be willing to obey.

Historical Context

At this time, Jews and Gentiles lived separately. Jewish people followed strict laws about purity, which made it difficult for them to interact closely with non-Jews. It was against Jewish custom for a Jew to enter a Gentile’s home (Acts 10:28), let alone eat with them.

Cornelius, the Gentile who sent these men, was a Roman centurion—an officer in the army that ruled over Israel. Many Jews would have seen him as part of the oppressive Roman system. However, Cornelius was a “God-fearer”—a Gentile who worshiped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism.

For Peter, this was a major challenge. All his life, he had followed Jewish laws that kept Jews separate from Gentiles. Now, God was asking him to break those traditions and go with these men. Without the Spirit’s direct command, Peter probably would have refused.

Theological Implications

1. God is Breaking Down Barriers – Peter had grown up believing that Gentiles were outside of God’s covenant, but now God was showing him that salvation was for everyone.
2. Obedience to God Requires Trust – Peter had to obey before he fully understood what God was doing. Often, God calls us to step out in faith before everything makes sense.
3. The Holy Spirit Guides Us in God’s Plan – Peter didn’t have to figure things out on his own. The Holy Spirit clearly directed him, showing that God actively leads His people.

This verse is a turning point in the book of Acts. Up until now, Christianity had been spreading mostly among Jewish believers. Now, God was pushing His people beyond those boundaries, fulfilling His plan to bring salvation to all nations.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, presents this command with urgency. The Spirit does not give Peter time to hesitate—He tells him to get up, go downstairs, and go with the men. This structure builds momentum, showing that God’s plan is unfolding in real-time.

The phrase “do not hesitate” is powerful. The original Greek word here means “to make a distinction” or “to doubt.” In other words, the Spirit is telling Peter not to question whether he should go with these men. This was a challenge to Peter’s mindset—he had to put aside old prejudices and obey God.

The Spirit’s final words, “for I have sent them,” confirm that this is God’s plan, not man’s. Peter needed to recognize that God was orchestrating this event and that resisting these men would mean resisting God Himself.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19 – Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Peter was now being called to act on this.
• Acts 1:8 – Jesus told His disciples they would be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” This was the beginning of that mission.
• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 10:12 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”
• Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Obedience Comes Before Understanding – Sometimes, God calls us to step out in faith before we have all the answers. Like Peter, we must trust that God is leading us, even when things don’t make sense.
2. We Must Let Go of Prejudice – Just as Peter had to overcome his old way of thinking, we must examine our hearts. Are there people we view as outsiders to God’s grace? Do we put up barriers where God wants to build bridges?
3. The Holy Spirit Still Speaks and Guides – This verse reminds us that God is not silent. Through His Word, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, God directs us when we are willing to listen.

This verse is an encouragement to be ready to follow God’s leading, even when it challenges us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He patiently teaches Peter the truth. Instead of forcing change immediately, He reveals it step by step—first with the vision, then with the Spirit’s command, and soon with Cornelius himself.

This verse also shows that God’s love is for all people. He did not limit salvation to one group, but sent His Spirit to bring Peter and Cornelius together. This was a clear message: God does not show favoritism—He welcomes all who seek Him.

God’s love is also personal. He speaks directly to Peter, guiding him in what to do next. Just as He guided Peter, He also leads us in our daily lives when we seek Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus had already laid the foundation for this moment. He ministered to Gentiles (non-Jews) during His time on earth, healing a Roman centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13) and speaking with the Samaritan woman (John 4). Now, Peter was about to continue that mission.

Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His followers (John 16:13). Here in Acts 10:20, that promise is being fulfilled. The Spirit is leading Peter step by step, just as Jesus said He would.

Most importantly, this verse points to Jesus’ mission to save all people. Peter was about to understand that Christ’s sacrifice was not just for the Jews, but for everyone who believes (John 3:16).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt God leading you to do something that challenged your old way of thinking? How did you respond?
2. Are there any personal prejudices or assumptions you need to let go of in order to fully follow God’s plan?
3. How can we be more open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our daily lives?
4. What does this verse teach us about obedience, even when we don’t fully understand God’s plan?
5. How can we apply this lesson in our relationships with people who are different from us?

Acts 10:20 is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are bigger than our understanding. He calls us to obey, to trust His leading, and to be willing to step beyond our comfort zones for the sake of the gospel. Just as Peter was about to take a major step in spreading the message of Jesus, we too must be ready to follow wherever God leads.