Bible Strands
Acts 10:7
When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — After the angel finishes his message to Cornelius, the narrative shifts to Cornelius’s immediate response. He acts on the divine instruction by summoning his household staff to carry out the task.
The words — The Greek ἀπῆλθεν (apēlthen) literally means “had departed” or “went away.” It marks the precise moment the angel’s presence ends and human obedience begins.
The thread — The verse’s emphasis on military and household authority echoes the command structures in Judges 7:10 and 1 Samuel 14:6. Matthew 8:9 further parallels this theme of delegated authority under a superior.
Why it lands — The text presents Cornelius’s obedience as immediate and practical, requiring no theological debate. It demands that divine instruction be met with concrete action and delegated responsibility.
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 when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
Cross-references
- Judges 7:10 But if you are afraid to do so, then go down to the camp with your servant Purah
- 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
- Matthew 8:9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes, and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”
- Luke 3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”
- Philemon 1:16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a beloved brother. He is especially beloved to me, but even more so to you, both in person and in the Lord.
- Genesis 24:1 By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way.
- Genesis 24:52 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD.
- Acts 10:1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment.
- 1 Timothy 6:2 Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.