Acts 10:40 – “but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is the turning point in Peter’s sermon to Cornelius and his household. Up to this point, Peter had been explaining Jesus’ ministry and His unjust execution (Acts 10:39). But now, Peter declares the most important truth of the gospel: Jesus did not stay dead—God raised Him from the dead on the third day.

The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. His death paid for sin, but His resurrection proved that He had defeated sin and death once and for all. By saying “God raised him from the dead,” Peter emphasizes that the resurrection was not a myth or the work of human effort. It was an act of God, a demonstration of His power over death.

The phrase “on the third day” aligns with Jesus’ own prophecy about His resurrection (Matthew 16:21). This detail also confirms that Jesus’ resurrection was not a symbolic idea or a gradual process—it happened at a specific time, just as He said it would.

Peter also states that God “caused him to be seen.” This means Jesus’ resurrection was not a private or hidden event. Many people witnessed Him alive after His crucifixion, proving that His resurrection was real. This sets Christianity apart from other religions—the claim that Jesus physically rose from the dead is not based on a mystical vision but on real, historical eyewitness accounts.

Historical Context

At the time Peter was speaking, Jesus’ resurrection was already well known among His followers. The apostles and many others had seen the risen Jesus firsthand (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). However, the Roman authorities and Jewish leaders had tried to suppress this news.

Crucifixion was the most shameful and humiliating form of execution in the Roman world. To claim that someone who had been crucified had risen from the dead and was now Lord over all was a radical and dangerous message. Yet, Peter boldly proclaimed this truth because he knew it was real—he had seen the risen Christ with his own eyes (Luke 24:36-43).

The phrase “caused him to be seen” was particularly important in this historical setting. In Jewish law, an event had to be confirmed by multiple witnesses to be considered credible (Deuteronomy 19:15). The fact that Jesus appeared to many after His resurrection provided undeniable evidence that He was alive.

Theological Implications

1. The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God. His victory over death confirms His divine nature and authority (Romans 1:4).
2. The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without it, there is no salvation, no victory over sin, and no hope for eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:17).
3. God’s power is greater than death. By raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated that He has complete authority over life and death.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured in two key parts:

• “God raised him from the dead on the third day” – A direct statement of the resurrection, emphasizing God’s power.
• “And caused him to be seen” – A confirmation that the resurrection was witnessed by real people, proving its truth.

Peter’s wording is simple but powerful. He does not argue or try to convince—he simply declares the truth. This reflects the confidence of someone who has personally witnessed these events and knows them to be undeniable.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 16:21 – Jesus predicted His resurrection: “On the third day he will be raised to life.”
• Luke 24:5-6 – The angels at the tomb said, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 – Paul lists the many witnesses who saw Jesus alive after His resurrection.
• Romans 6:9 – “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 10:40 is a powerful reminder that our faith is based on the truth of the resurrection. Jesus is not just a good teacher or a moral example—He is the risen Lord.

This verse also gives hope to every believer. Because Jesus rose from the dead, those who trust in Him have the promise of eternal life. Death is not the end for those who belong to Christ (John 11:25-26).

Additionally, the phrase “caused him to be seen” reminds us that our faith is based on eyewitness testimony. Christianity is not built on blind faith—it is built on real, historical events witnessed by many people.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is demonstrated in this verse through His power to conquer death. He did not leave Jesus in the grave, and He does not leave His people in hopelessness. The resurrection is proof that God keeps His promises.

This verse also shows God’s love in making the resurrection visible. He did not just raise Jesus in secret—He caused Him to be seen so that people would believe. God does not ask us to believe without evidence—He gives us reason to trust in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Everything in this verse is centered on Jesus:

• His resurrection confirms His identity. He is not just a religious figure—He is the Son of God.
• His victory over death brings salvation. Without the resurrection, there is no gospel (1 Corinthians 15:17).
• His appearances after the resurrection prove it really happened. Many people saw Him alive, providing undeniable evidence of His power.

This verse also connects to Jesus’ own words in John 10:17-18: “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” Jesus willingly gave His life, knowing that He would rise again.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important to the Christian faith?
2. How does the fact that Jesus was “caused to be seen” strengthen your confidence in His resurrection?
3. How does this verse give you hope when facing difficulties or fears about death?
4. If Jesus is truly risen and alive today, what impact should that have on the way you live?
5. What are some ways you can share the truth of Jesus’ resurrection with others?

Acts 10:40 is a declaration of the most important truth in history—Jesus is alive. His resurrection proves that He is the Son of God, that sin and death have been defeated, and that those who trust in Him will have eternal life. This verse calls every believer to stand firm in faith, share the good news, and live with confidence in the risen Christ.