Acts 10:26 – “But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.’”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of the encounter between Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, and Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Cornelius had just met Peter and, in a moment of deep reverence, fell at Peter’s feet. But Peter immediately stopped him, insisting that he was just a man.

Peter’s response is simple but powerful: he does not accept any kind of worship or excessive honor. Instead, he redirects the focus back to God. This moment shows Peter’s humility and reinforces the truth that only God is worthy of worship.

At this time in history, spiritual leaders and rulers were often treated as divine. In the Roman world, emperors were worshiped, and some religious figures accepted exalted titles. But Peter, as a follower of Jesus, firmly rejected such treatment. His words remind us that no human, no matter how great, is above others or worthy of worship.

Historical Context

The book of Acts records the spread of the gospel from the Jewish people to the Gentiles (non-Jews). Up until this point, most of Jesus’ followers were Jewish. But Cornelius, a Gentile, received a vision from God instructing him to seek out Peter.

Cornelius was a Roman centurion, a respected and powerful figure. Despite his status, he was also described as “devout and God-fearing” (Acts 10:2), meaning he believed in and respected the God of Israel. When he met Peter, he reacted with deep reverence—perhaps thinking Peter was a holy man with divine authority.

However, Peter had recently received a vision from God (Acts 10:9-16) that taught him not to see Gentiles as unclean or outside of God’s plan. This vision prepared Peter to break cultural and religious barriers by entering Cornelius’ house. By rejecting Cornelius’ act of reverence, Peter emphasized that he was simply a servant of God, not someone to be worshiped.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important truths:

1. God alone deserves worship. Peter’s rejection of Cornelius’ reverence reinforces the biblical teaching that only God is to be worshiped (Deuteronomy 6:13, Revelation 22:8-9).
2. Spiritual leaders are just people. Even though Peter was a leader in the early church and had walked with Jesus, he remained humble. This reminds us that pastors, preachers, and Christian leaders are still human and should not be exalted beyond their proper role.
3. The gospel is for everyone. Peter, a Jew, and Cornelius, a Gentile, would normally have never interacted this way. But God was showing Peter that salvation was for all people, not just for the Jews.

Literary Analysis

This verse is direct and to the point. Luke, the author of Acts, presents Peter’s words as a firm correction: “Stand up. I am only a man myself.”

Peter’s choice of words is significant. He doesn’t say, “I am a great man, but don’t worship me.” He puts himself on the same level as Cornelius, emphasizing that all people are equal before God.

This fits within a larger theme in Acts: humility before God and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Acts 10 is a pivotal chapter that marks a major turning point in church history.

Biblical Cross-References

• Revelation 22:8-9 – When the apostle John tried to worship an angel, the angel told him, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you… Worship God!” This reinforces Peter’s message that only God is worthy of worship.
• Matthew 4:10 – Jesus tells Satan, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” This is a foundational truth throughout the Bible.
• 1 Peter 5:6 – Peter later wrote, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” His own humility in Acts 10:26 reflects this teaching.
• Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This fits with the larger theme of Acts 10—the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s kingdom.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us to keep our focus on God. In today’s world, people often put too much faith in human leaders—whether religious figures, political figures, or celebrities. While it’s good to respect those in leadership, we must remember that they are just people. Only God deserves our worship and ultimate loyalty.

It also challenges us to practice humility. Peter had been personally chosen by Jesus to lead the early church, yet he refused any special treatment. Christians today should follow this example and reject pride, recognizing that all believers are equal before God.

Additionally, this verse speaks to the universal nature of the gospel. Just as Peter learned to embrace Cornelius as a brother in Christ, modern Christians are called to share the gospel with all people, regardless of race, background, or status.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights God’s love in two key ways:

1. God values humility. Peter, despite his leadership role, did not claim superiority over Cornelius. This reflects the heart of God—He does not show favoritism, and He values humility in His people (James 4:6).
2. God desires a relationship with all people. Peter’s willingness to enter Cornelius’ home shows that God’s love is not limited to one group. God was revealing His plan to bring people from all nations into His family.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus consistently pointed people to God rather than seeking personal glory. Though He was God in the flesh, He lived as a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). Peter, following Jesus’ example, refused to accept worship and pointed Cornelius toward God.

Peter’s humility echoes Jesus’ teaching in Luke 22:26: “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”

Additionally, Peter’s interaction with Cornelius reflects Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to all people. In John 10:16, Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” Acts 10 is the beginning of this reality as the gospel spreads to the Gentiles.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever been tempted to put too much faith in a human leader instead of keeping your focus on God?
2. How can Peter’s humility serve as an example for your own life?
3. Are there any cultural or personal biases that might be preventing you from sharing the gospel with certain people?
4. How does this passage challenge the way you view leadership and authority?
5. What does this story teach you about God’s love for all people?

Acts 10:26 is a powerful reminder that only God deserves our worship, that spiritual leaders are still just people, and that the gospel is for everyone. It calls us to humility and to recognize that, in God’s eyes, we are all equal.