“Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;”– Acts 10:40 (KJV)
“But God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear,”– Acts 10:40 (NLT)
“But God raised him from the dead on the third day and allowed him to be seen,”– Acts 10:40 (MSG)
What Does Acts 10:40 Mean?
Acts 10:40 speaks to us about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This moment is extremely significant in Christianity because it marks God’s victory over death. We read that God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day. This is not merely an event in history; instead, it represents hope and transformation for all believers.
This verse paints a vivid picture of God’s promise being fulfilled. In the New Testament, God’s narrative continues to unfold, revealing His plan for salvation. We see that Jesus is raised from the dead after His crucifixion. This act signifies victory, both for Christ and for all of us who put our trust in Him. When He rose again, He conquered sin and death once and for all. For us, this means we have assurance for eternal life and peace with God.
Acts 10:40 Explanation and Commentary
Let us explore Acts 10:40 in more detail. The phrase “Him God raised up the third day” emphasizes the timeline of Jesus’s resurrection. The completion of three days was significant, as many prophecies foretold this moment. In fact, it aligns with what Jesus Himself predicted. Throughout the Gospels, He repeatedly told His disciples that He would suffer, die, and rise on the third day. This was not by chance but fulfilled prophecy.
The resurrection is central to the entire Christian faith. It is the foundation of our belief because it proves Jesus is who He claimed to be – the Son of God. When Jesus was on Earth, He performed miracles, healed the sick, and taught with authority. His resurrection confirms His divine nature to us. It assures us that we can trust Him in every aspect of our lives.
Moreover, the fact that God “showed Him openly” means Jesus did not rise quietly. Post-resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and many others. This was a purposeful act, showcasing His living presence to reassure the witnesses of His resurrection. Allowing many to see Him was crucial, as it confirmed His victory over death and provides the early church with the courage to spread the Gospel.
We are reminded of Romans 10:9, where it says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The resurrection is not just a story; it is the core of our faith. It is about life, hope, and restoration. When we believe in the resurrection, we are not only acknowledging an event but accepting the work God has done through Christ for our salvation.
In essence, Acts 10:40 gives us a beautiful reminder of God’s power and love. It’s an invitation to recognize that through Jesus’s resurrection, we too can experience new life. When we feel hopeless or lost, we can always look to this powerful promise of resurrection. It truly illustrates that with God, all things are possible, including our renewed lives in Him.
Context of Acts 10:40
In understanding Acts 10:40, we need to recognize the context in which it was written. This passage occurs during a crucial moment in early Christianity. Peter has just received a vision that expands the message of Jesus beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, has summoned Peter to share the good news of Jesus. The idea of including Gentiles in God’s family was revolutionary and challenging for the early church.
As Peter recounts the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, he emphasizes how God was active in every part of Jesus’s story. This shows us that God’s plan is inclusive and aware of everyone. We learn that Jesus’s resurrection is pivotal not only for the Jews but for all of humanity. Peter’s speech aims to encourage acceptance and belief in Jesus among Gentiles, emphasizing the message that no one is beyond the grace and love of God.
The significance of this moment cannot be understated. The early Church was being formed, and the understanding of God’s love was expanding. Peter uses this opportunity to share salvation is available to everyone. In a similar way, we can embrace diversity in our faith communities today. Acts 10:40 serves as a model of God’s universal love and truth. It propels the message of Jesus out into the world, encouraging all to come to Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Acts 10:40
Let’s look closer at the key elements of this verse. The first major phrase we see is “God raised up.” It speaks of God’s active role in the resurrection. It is not about human effort or achievement; it is about God’s power intervening in history. Just as He raised Jesus, we trust that He can raise us from our pains, struggles, and despair. This reflects God’s desire for us to have hope.
The next vital part is “the third day.” This time reference is significant, tying back to Old Testament prophecies and foreshadowing. Through Jesus’s resurrection, God proves His promises. As we read in 1 Corinthians 15:4, “He was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” This prophetic fulfillment reassures us God keeps His promises, and we can trust His word completely.
Finally, the phrase “showed Him openly” underscores God’s intention. The revelation of Jesus post-resurrection was necessary for faith to spread. He shared meals with His disciples and spoke with them, reinforcing their belief. This visible affirmation of Jesus’s life after death serves as a historical claim that we rely on as Christians. It builds a foundation that strengthens our trust in Him.
Lessons to Learn From Acts 10:40
What are the key lessons we can take away from Acts 10:40? For starters, we learn about the importance of faith in God’s promises. Through the resurrection, we see that even in our darkest moments, light and hope are possible. God’s resurrection power reminds us of new beginnings. Therefore, we can trust that no situation in life is beyond repair.
Another lesson we can glean is that God’s love is inclusive. We see His desire for everyone to come to Him, regardless of background. It’s a powerful reminder that the Gospel transcends boundaries and barriers. We are called to love one another, regardless of differences, reflecting the same inclusivity of Jesus. This encourages us to share the story of Jesus with those around us.
Lastly, we are reminded of the importance of witnessing. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection were shared openly. So too is it our responsibility to share our faith with others. We can be living testimonies of the greatness of God in our lives. We can point others to Jesus and share how He has transformed us. Just as Peter boldly spoke about Christ’s resurrection, we are invited to share our testimonies and the hope that exists in Jesus with the world.
Final Thoughts
Acts 10:40 is a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in our faith. When we reflect on the power of God raising Jesus from the dead, we realize that same power is at work within us as believers. Jesus’s resurrection is not just a historical fact; it is the foundation of our faith and assurance in God’s promises.
Let us be encouraged by the truth of this verse. Despite obstacles or challenges that come our way, we have the hope of resurrection in our lives. Together, let’s carry this message of hope and love to those around us. In doing so, we share the greatest story ever told, the story of Jesus and His saving grace.
If you want to explore more about the Bible, visit the Bible Repository for a wealth of resources. You can also read more about specific topics, such as John 7:10 or Numbers 13:22. Each scripture enriches our walk with Christ, revealing more about His goodness and truth.