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Acts 10 · a question people ask

Cornelius "fell down at his feet, and worshiped him" (10:25). Why did Peter tell him to stand up?

In the text

"When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him." (10:25) (tap worshiped). "But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.”" (10:26). These are Peter's own words, and the chapter gives no others about it. It doesn't say what Cornelius meant by falling down, and these notes don't either.

The verses

“When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.””
Acts 10:25-26 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Acts 10

Acts 10: What God has cleansed

Peter's common in his vision (10:14) and his unholy for "any man" in Cornelius's house (10:28) are the same Greek word. And "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word" (10:44).

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions