Arise therefore, and get you down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
and get.
Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
for.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Isaiah 48:16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
Go downstairs
The instruction to "go downstairs" is literal, as Peter is on the rooftop praying. This detail highlights the physical setting of the narrative, which takes place in Joppa, a coastal city with multi-level homes typical of the period. The act of going downstairs symbolizes Peter's movement from a place of solitude and prayer to engagement with the world, reflecting the Christian call to balance spiritual devotion with active ministry.
and accompany them
Peter is instructed to accompany the men sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion. This directive challenges Jewish customs of the time, as Jews typically avoided close association with Gentiles to maintain ritual purity. The command to accompany these Gentiles signifies a pivotal moment in the early church, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith, as later affirmed in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem Council.
without hesitation
The phrase "without hesitation" underscores the importance of obedience to God's will, even when it defies cultural norms or personal prejudices. This mirrors the call to unwavering faith seen in the lives of biblical figures like Noah, who built the ark despite societal ridicule (Hebrews 11:7), and Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:2-3). It also prefigures Peter's later defense of his actions in Acts 11:12, where he recounts the Spirit's instruction to go without misgivings.
because I have sent them.
This phrase reveals the divine orchestration behind the encounter, affirming that the men were sent by God, not merely by Cornelius. It highlights the sovereignty of God in guiding the spread of the Gospel, as seen throughout Acts. This divine sending echoes the mission of Jesus, who was sent by the Father (John 20:21), and the apostles, who are sent into the world (Matthew 28:19-20). It underscores the theme of divine mission and the unfolding plan of salvation that includes all nations, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that all peoples on earth will be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3).
The angel’s command jolts Peter from his rooftop vision into action. Scripture often couples divine revelation with an immediate call to move.
• Acts 9:6, “Get up and go into the city…” shows Saul obediently rising after his encounter with Christ.
• Matthew 2:13 records an angel telling Joseph, “Get up, take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt,” underscoring that godly insight is never meant to be theoretical.
Obedience begins with leaving the comfort of the present moment, trusting that the God who speaks also guides every next step.
The instruction is specific and practical. Peter must descend from the rooftop to meet visitors at the gate. Obedience often starts with small, seemingly mundane acts.
• Luke 19:5—Jesus tells Zacchaeus, “Come down immediately,” then fellowship follows.
• Genesis 24:17 reveals Rebekah “running down to the spring” before God’s larger plan for Isaac unfolds.
Faithfulness in the ordinary prepares us for participation in God’s extraordinary purposes.
Peter is not merely to greet the men but to travel with them. Shared journey builds unity across cultural lines.
• Luke 10:33-34 shows the Samaritan who “came to him” and “took care of him,” illustrating hands-on compassion.
• Acts 8:29, “Go over and join this chariot,” highlights Philip’s close proximity to the Ethiopian eunuch, resulting in gospel breakthrough.
Christian mission thrives when we walk alongside others, not above or apart from them.
Jewish law and custom would normally restrain Peter from entering a Gentile household. God removes that barrier.
• Acts 11:12 confirms, “The Spirit told me to accompany them without hesitation.”
• Galatians 2:12-14 contrasts hesitant withdrawal with Spirit-led courage, warning against fear of human opinion.
Bold obedience trusts God’s word over ingrained prejudice or personal comfort.
The divine initiative undergirds the entire command. These visitors are not random; they are dispatched by God Himself.
• John 20:21, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you,” reminds us that mission flows from God’s heart.
• Acts 13:2 has the Spirit saying, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them,” reinforcing that every assignment is Spirit-originated.
Knowing God has sent the people before us infuses confidence and clarifies purpose.
Acts 10:20 reveals a seamless blend of revelation and action. God speaks; Peter must rise, descend, walk with strangers, silence his doubts, and trust the divine sender. Each phrase calls believers to immediate, practical, barrier-breaking obedience rooted in the assurance that God orchestrates every encounter for the advance of the gospel.
(20) Go with them, doubting nothing.--The command was specially addressed to the perplexed questionings of the disciple. For a time he was to walk, as it were, blindfold, but trusting in the full assurance of faith in the Hand that was guiding him. As once before (John 13:7), he knew not yet what his Lord was doing, but was to know hereafter. He and the messengers from Cornelius were alike acting on the promptings of the Divine Spirit.Verse 20. - But arise for arise therefore, A.V.; nothing doubting for doubting nothing, A.V. But arise. The but answers the unexpressed idea - Do not hesitate, do not delay, but go at once. For I have sent them. This is one of the many passages which distinctly mark the personality of the Holy Spirit (comp. Acts 8:29; Acts 13:2; Acts 20:28, etc.). Here, too, we may notice the working of God's providence, under whose direction Peter's thoughts and Cornelius's message meet at the same point, like men working from opposite ends of a tunnel and meeting at the same spot.