Bible Strands
Acts 10:21
So Peter went down to the men and said, “Here am I, the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter descends to meet the men sent by Cornelius immediately after receiving a divine command to accompany them without hesitation. He identifies himself to them and asks the purpose of their visit.
The words — καταβὰς (katabas), meaning "having gone down," marks Peter’s physical descent to answer the summons. ἀπεσταλμενοῦς (apestalmenous), "sent," describes the men’s commissioned status as messengers.
The thread — Peter’s question echoes Jesus’ inquiries in Mark 10:51 and John 1:38, while his own phrasing reappears in Acts 10:29. This pattern highlights a recurring biblical motif of divine initiative followed by human inquiry.
Why it lands — The text records Peter’s immediate obedience and his direct question about the visitors' purpose. It requires the reader to examine whether they approach divine summons with hesitation or with clear inquiry.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
Cross-references
- Mark 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”
- John 1:38 Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”
- Acts 10:29 So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?”
- John 18:4 Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?”