Acts 10:25

Modern

As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him.

Traditional

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

Literal

And as Peter was entering, Cornelius, having met him, having fallen at his feet, worshiped him.

Latin

Et factum est cum introisset Petrus, obvius venit ei Cornelius, et procidens ad pedes ejus adoravit.

Greek

English

As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him.

Cornelius … fell at his feet to worship him: This act was probably more than just bowing to an important person of rank. The Bible says worship is for God alone (see 14:11–17; Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7; Matthew 22:37–38; Mark 12:29–30; Luke 10:27; 1 Corinthians 10:14; Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 John 5:21; Revelation 4:10; 9:20; 22:8–9).

Peter was just a fellow human being whom Cornelius should not worship.

Theme notes and profiles

Revelation 19:10
So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Revelation 22:8–9
And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things.
Daniel 2:46
At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him.
Matthew 8:2
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Acts 14:11–13
When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language: “The gods have come down to us in human form!”
Daniel 2:30
And to me this mystery has been revealed, not because I have more wisdom than any man alive, but in order that the interpretation might be made known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind.
Matthew 14:33
Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

Cornelius: Centurion, first Gentile convert to Christianity Peter: Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church