New Testament
Acts 10:41
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen beforehand by God — to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead."
Compare translations
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
What Acts 10:41 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Peter is explaining that Jesus did not reveal himself to everyone after his resurrection, but specifically to a select group of witnesses chosen by God. These witnesses had a unique experience; they shared meals with Jesus, which emphasized the reality of his physical resurrection. This personal interaction was crucial for their testimony. They were not just bystanders; they were part of a divine plan. Their firsthand experience gave them the authority to share the truth about Jesus' resurrection. This moment highlights the importance of personal encounters with God, as they shape our understanding and faith. It reminds us that God chooses individuals to carry his message, and those chosen have a responsibility to share their experiences with others. The emphasis on eating and drinking together signifies fellowship and community, reinforcing the idea that faith is not just a belief but a shared experience among believers. This passage invites us to reflect on our own encounters with God and how they influence our lives and the lives of those around us.
How to apply Acts 10:41 to your life
Consider how your personal experiences with God shape your faith. Reflect on moments when you felt his presence or guidance. Share these experiences with others to encourage them in their own journeys. Remember, your story can inspire and strengthen someone else's belief in God’s reality and love. Be a witness in your community today.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:17–48)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 10:41
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 10:41
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 10:41 mean?
Acts 10:41 explains that after his resurrection, Jesus appeared specifically to a select group of witnesses chosen by God. This emphasizes the importance of their firsthand experience in testifying about his resurrection.
What is the significance of 'witnesses chosen beforehand' in Acts 10:41?
The phrase 'witnesses chosen beforehand' highlights that God intentionally selected certain individuals to witness the resurrection of Jesus. Their unique experiences were crucial for validating the truth of his resurrection to others.
What does 'ate and drank with him' mean in Acts 10:41?
The mention of 'ate and drank with him' signifies the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection and the fellowship shared among the witnesses. It underscores that their encounter was personal and tangible, reinforcing their testimony.
How does Acts 10:41 relate to personal faith experiences?
Acts 10:41 invites reflection on how personal encounters with God shape faith. Just as the chosen witnesses shared their experiences, individuals today are encouraged to share their own encounters with God to inspire others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.