Bible Strands
Acts 10:48
So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter issues a command to Cornelius and his household to undergo water baptism immediately after they received the Holy Spirit. The group then requests that Peter remain with them for several days.
The words — προσέταξεν (prosetaxen) translates literally as "he commanded," marking Peter's authoritative directive to proceed. ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι (en tō onomati) means "in the name," specifying the authority under which the baptism is performed.
The thread — The directive to baptize in Jesus' name aligns with Peter's earlier instruction in Acts 2:38 and the baptismal practice recorded in Acts 8:16 and Galatians 3:27. These passages collectively establish baptism under Christ's name as the consistent early church response to Spirit reception.
Why it lands — The text presents baptism as a non-negotiable command following Spirit reception, not a voluntary ceremony. It requires the reader to treat the water rite as the immediate, obedient enactment of the spiritual reality already given.
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
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Cross-references
- Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 8:16 For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
- Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
- John 4:2 (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples),
- Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- Acts 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.
- 1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
- John 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days.
- Acts 16:15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.