Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
and lodged.
Genesis 19:2,3 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night…
Genesis 24:31,32 And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels…
Judges 19:19-21 Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing…
on.
Acts 10:29,33 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? …
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
and certain.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 9:38,42 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them…
Acts 11:12 And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
And the next day he got ready and went with them,
Peter's readiness to travel with the men sent by Cornelius demonstrates his commitment to God's mission. This journey from Joppa to Caesarea marks a significant step in the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. The phrase indicates Peter's immediate response to God's call, reminiscent of Abraham's obedience in Genesis 12:1-4. It also reflects the urgency and importance of the mission, as Peter does not delay in following God's direction.
accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.
The inclusion of "some of the brothers from Joppa" suggests the importance of communal support and witness in the early church. These brothers likely served as witnesses to the events that would unfold, providing accountability and validation of Peter's actions. This communal aspect is consistent with the early church's practice of traveling in groups for safety and support, as seen in Acts 13:1-3 with Paul and Barnabas. The presence of these brothers also underscores the significance of the event, as it would later be recounted to the church in Jerusalem, affirming the work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles.
“So Peter invited them in as his guests” (Acts 10:23).
• This single act of hospitality signals a seismic shift. The apostle opens his home to Gentile messengers—people a devout Jew would normally keep at arm’s length (Acts 10:28).
• Peter lives out the command Jesus modeled: welcoming the stranger (Matthew 25:35) and practicing brotherly love (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2).
• His invitation shows immediate submission to the Spirit’s revelation (Acts 10:19–20). Peter doesn’t pause to debate cultural taboos; he demonstrates that “what God has cleansed, no longer call common” (Acts 10:15).
• By bringing these men under his roof, Peter illustrates the gospel’s power to break barriers (Ephesians 2:14) and foreshadows the full inclusion of the Gentiles in the church (Acts 11:18).
• Note the quiet courage: Peter is lodging with Simon a tanner (Acts 9:43)—already a socially awkward choice—so he simply doubles down on grace by adding more unlikely guests.
“And the next day he got ready and went with them” (Acts 10:23).
• Peter doesn’t delay; obedience is timely (Genesis 22:3; James 1:22).
• Getting “ready” implies active preparation—arranging his affairs, perhaps prayerfully committing the journey to the Lord (Acts 8:26–30).
• He trusts God’s unfolding plan even without knowing every detail (Proverbs 3:5–6). The Spirit had said, “Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them” (Acts 10:20). Peter acts on that word the very next morning.
• Quick obedience keeps him in step with God’s mission rhythm (Luke 9:60). Lingering might have allowed prejudice or fear to creep back in; prompt action protects faith.
“Accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa” (Acts 10:23).
• Six believers join Peter (Acts 11:12). Their presence provides:
– Witness: “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1).
– Accountability: The Jerusalem church later asks Peter, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men?” (Acts 11:2–3). These brothers confirm the Spirit’s work.
– Unity: Jewish Christians and Gentiles will soon worship together; taking brothers along models shared ministry (Luke 10:1; Acts 15:2).
• The journey from Joppa to Caesarea is roughly 30 miles. Traveling together signals solidarity and provides safety.
• Their companionship reminds us that God rarely calls us to lone-ranger missions; He weaves community into His assignments (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10; Philippians 1:27).
Acts 10:23 sketches a three-part portrait of gospel expansion: Peter extends radical hospitality, obeys without hesitation, and brings fellow believers as witnesses. Each movement magnifies God’s intention to welcome all peoples into His family through Christ, urging us to open our doors, move when He speaks, and walk the journey together.
(23) Then called he them in.--As it was about noon when Peter went up to the house-top to pray, the arrival of the messengers, allowing an adequate interval for the trance and the vision, may be placed at some time in the afternoon.Certain brethren from Joppa.--We learn from Acts 11:12, that they were six in number. They were obviously taken that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word might be established" (Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15), that they might report to the Church at Joppa what had been done by the Apostle whom they had learnt to reverence.
Verse 23. - So he called for then called he, A.V.; he arose and went forth for Paler went away, A.V. and T.R.; certain of the brethren for certain brethren, A.V. And lodged them is rather a feeble rendering of ἐξένισεν. The same word is rendered entertained in Hebrews 13:2, which is nearer the sense; "to entertain as a guest." The word carries with it that he showed them hospitality, and thus broke down the wall of partition between him and them. "He gave them friendly treatment, and made them at home with him" (Chrysostom). (For ξενίζομαι, see ver. 32.) He arose and went forth. This was on the morrow of their arrival. It was two days' journey from Caesarea to Joppa, and two days' journey back again, the distance being thirty miles. They would probably stop the night at Apollonia, which was half-way, on the coast road. Certain of the brethren. The ready missionary spirit of the first disciples is here apparent (comp. Acts 20:4).