Book of Acts - Chapter 10 - Verse 42
Meaning
In this verse, the apostle Peter is speaking to Cornelius and the others gathered in his house, explaining the mission that Jesus had given to his disciples. The command to preach to the people and testify that Jesus is the appointed Judge of the living and the dead is a central message of the Christian faith. By sharing this message, the disciples were fulfilling their calling to spread the word of Jesus Christ and his role as the ultimate authority and final Judge. This verse highlights the importance of sharing the message of salvation with all people, as well as the belief in Jesus Christ as the divine Judge who will hold everyone accountable for their actions. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility Christians have to spread the gospel and bear witness to the truth of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and Savior of humanity.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse comes from the belief that Jesus Christ was chosen by God to be the ultimate Judge of both the living and the dead. This highlights the importance of Jesus' role in salvation history and emphasizes his divine authority. The word "ordained" in this context carries the connotation of being selected or appointed by God for a specific purpose, highlighting Jesus' unique position as the Judge. This verse also points to the responsibility of believers to preach the Good News of Christ's coming judgment to all people. The term "quick and dead" refers to the living and the deceased, reminding us that Jesus' judgment is universal and applies to all individuals, regardless of their current state. Overall, this verse underscores Jesus' supreme authority as the final Judge and serves as a call to action for believers to proclaim this truth to the world.