New Testament
Acts 10:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After the angel who spoke to him had left, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who served him regularly.
Compare translations
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;
What Acts 10:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Cornelius, a Roman centurion, receives a visit from an angel. After the angel departs, he takes immediate action. He calls two of his trusted servants and a soldier who is known for his faithfulness. This shows Cornelius's leadership and his desire to act on the divine message he just received. He doesn't hesitate; instead, he gathers those close to him to share in this significant moment. This act of calling others reflects his commitment to follow through on what he believes is a divine instruction. It highlights the importance of community and support when responding to spiritual guidance. Cornelius is not just a passive recipient of the message; he actively engages others in his journey of faith. His actions set the stage for a pivotal moment in the early church, demonstrating how one person's obedience can impact many. Cornelius's story encourages us to be responsive and to involve others in our spiritual experiences, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mission.
How to apply Acts 10:7 to your life
When you feel inspired to take action, don’t hesitate to involve others. Share your experiences and insights with those around you. This not only strengthens your own commitment but also encourages others to join you in your journey. Together, you can explore and grow in your faith more deeply than alone. Remember, community matters in spiritual growth and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus

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 10:7
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 10:7
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 10:7 teach about obedience?
Acts 10:7 illustrates the importance of obedience to divine guidance. Cornelius immediately acts on the message he receives from the angel, demonstrating that true faith involves taking action. His prompt response shows that when we receive spiritual direction, we should not delay in following through, as our actions can lead to significant outcomes in our lives and the lives of others.
Who was Cornelius in Acts 10:7?
Cornelius was a Roman centurion, a leader in the military, known for his devout faith and good deeds. His character is significant in the early church narrative as he represents a Gentile who is receptive to God's message. His actions in this verse highlight his leadership qualities and willingness to respond to divine instruction, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity.
Why did Cornelius call his servants and a soldier?
Cornelius called his servants and a soldier to involve them in the divine message he received. This act reflects his leadership and desire to share significant spiritual experiences with those close to him. By gathering trusted individuals, he demonstrates the importance of community in responding to God's guidance, emphasizing that spiritual journeys are often best undertaken with the support of others.
What can we learn about community from Acts 10:7?
Acts 10:7 teaches us that community plays a crucial role in our spiritual journeys. Cornelius's decision to involve his household and a soldier in his response to the angel's message highlights the strength found in shared faith and collective action. It encourages us to engage with others when we feel inspired, fostering a supportive environment for spiritual growth and exploration.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.