Acts 10:39

And we are witnesses of all things which hee did both in the land of the Iewes, and in Hierusalem, whom they slew and hanged on a tree, Acts 10:39 (KJV)

Acts 10 records the pivotal encounter between the devout Gentile centurion Cornelius and the Apostle Peter. Cornelius receives a divine vision that prompts him to send for Peter, while Peter himself is given a vision that challenges his preconceived notions about the Gentiles. In verse 39 Peter addresses Cornelius and his household, emphasizing that the apostles themselves are eyewitnesses to the entire ministry, death, and resurrection of the Lord.

Peter declares that he and the other apostles are witnesses to all that Jesus did while He walked in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. Their firsthand experience of Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and personal interactions lends undeniable credibility to the gospel message they now proclaim.

He then affirms the reality of the crucifixion, stating that Jesus was “slain and hanged on a tree.” The phrase underscores the brutal Roman method of execution and fulfills the Old Testament language concerning a person who is hanged being under a curse (cf. Deuteronomy 21:23). By linking the event to prophecy, Peter shows that the suffering of Christ was not an accident but the divine plan foretold in Scripture.

The significance of that death is central to the gospel. Jesus willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice, bearing the penalty for humanity’s sin and thereby opening the way to reconciliation with God. Through His death and subsequent resurrection, He secured forgiveness and the promise of eternal life for all who trust in Him.

Peter’s purpose in recounting these facts is to invite Cornelius, his family, and all believers to receive the gospel without ethnic restriction. The message of salvation is extended to every nation, demonstrating that the grace of God knows no boundaries.

Overall, Acts 10:39 highlights the apostolic role as credible witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. It underscores the fulfillment of prophecy, the redemptive power of the cross, and the universal invitation to partake in the transformative work of Jesus Christ.