Acts 10:42 – “He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Peter is continuing his message to Cornelius and his household, explaining that Jesus not only rose from the dead but also gave a clear command to His followers. They were to preach (proclaim the good news) and testify (give personal witness) about Him.

Peter emphasizes that Jesus is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. This means that Jesus holds ultimate authority over all people, both those who are alive and those who have already died. His role as judge is a direct result of His resurrection—He has conquered death and now reigns with the power to judge righteously.

This verse highlights two key responsibilities given to the apostles:

1. Preaching – Sharing the message of Jesus with the world.
2. Testifying – Confirming the truth of Jesus’ identity based on personal experience.

Peter is making it clear that their mission was not self-assigned; Jesus Himself gave this command. The disciples were not spreading opinions—they were carrying out a divine assignment from the risen Lord.

Historical Context

At the time Peter spoke these words, the apostles had already begun fulfilling this command. They had been boldly preaching about Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond, despite heavy opposition from Jewish leaders and Roman authorities (Acts 4:18-20, Acts 5:29).

The idea of Jesus being the judge of the living and the dead was significant in both Jewish and Gentile cultures.

• For Jews, this affirmed Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s role in judgment (Daniel 7:13-14).
• For Gentiles, this was a new concept, as Roman and Greek religions had various gods responsible for judging the dead.

By declaring that Jesus is the appointed judge, Peter was making it clear that everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—would be accountable to Him. This was a bold claim, especially in the Roman world, where emperors were often seen as having divine authority.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is the ultimate judge. His authority extends over all people, living and dead, and He will judge according to truth and righteousness (John 5:22).
2. The gospel must be preached. Jesus commanded His followers to take the message of salvation to the world. This is not optional—it is a responsibility given to all believers.
3. The apostles’ testimony is trustworthy. They were eyewitnesses, personally chosen by Jesus to spread His message and confirm His identity.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured with two main actions and one central truth:

• “He commanded us to preach to the people” – The mission given by Jesus.
• “And to testify” – The personal responsibility of the apostles as witnesses.
• “That he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead” – The central truth about Jesus’ role as the righteous judge.

The phrase “God appointed” reinforces that Jesus’ authority was not self-given—it was part of God’s eternal plan. This shows that Jesus’ mission was not separate from God’s work in the Old Testament, but rather the fulfillment of it.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
• John 5:22-23 – “The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”
• 2 Timothy 4:1 – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” This echoes Peter’s statement.
• Romans 14:10 – “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 10:42 reminds believers that we are called to share the message of Jesus. The apostles were given this responsibility directly, but it extends to all who follow Christ. The gospel is not just for church leaders—it is a message that every believer should be sharing.

This verse also reminds us that Jesus is not just a savior—He is also a judge. Many people like to think of Jesus only as loving and forgiving, but Scripture teaches that He will also judge the world. This should lead us to a deeper reverence for Him and a greater urgency in sharing the gospel.

Additionally, this verse challenges Christians to live in a way that reflects their faith. If Jesus is the ultimate judge, then how we live matters. We are accountable to Him, not just for what we believe but for how we obey His commands.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire for people to know the truth. He could have left the world in darkness, but instead, He commanded the apostles to preach the gospel so that all people would have the opportunity to hear and respond.

His love is also seen in the fact that Jesus is both a Savior and a Judge. He does not judge unfairly—He judges righteously, offering salvation to all who turn to Him in faith. Even though judgment is coming, God provides a way of escape through Jesus Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Everything in this verse points to Jesus’ authority:

• He is the one appointed by God.
• He is the one who commanded the gospel to be preached.
• He is the one who will judge all people.

This verse connects directly to Jesus’ own words in John 12:48:
“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.”

Peter is not preaching a new idea—he is repeating what Jesus Himself taught. The resurrection confirmed that Jesus is both Savior and Judge.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that Jesus is the judge of the living and the dead impact the way you live your daily life?
2. Jesus commanded His followers to preach and testify—how are you fulfilling this mission?
3. Why do you think God chose specific witnesses to confirm the resurrection rather than revealing it to everyone?
4. How can understanding Jesus as both Savior and Judge help us share the gospel with more urgency?
5. What practical steps can you take this week to proclaim the message of Jesus to those around you?

Acts 10:42 is a powerful reminder that Jesus is Lord over all, and He has given His followers the responsibility to proclaim His message. As believers, we are called not only to receive the gospel but also to share it. Because one day, Jesus will return as Judge, and every person will give an account before Him. The time to follow Him is now.