Introduction

This verse is a cornerstone in understanding the mission of the early Church, as conveyed by the Apostle Peter. It emphasizes the call to evangelize and highlights the divinely appointed authority of Christ as Judge over humanity.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

• Commission to Preach: Henry stresses that the command to preach is not merely an option for believers but a commandment from Christ. The apostles were to witness not only to the salvation brought by Christ but also to His role as the ultimate Judge. This reflects the dual nature of the gospel as good news and a necessary warning.
• Authority of Christ: The verse indicates that Jesus is ordained by God, affirming His divine authority. Henry points out that this ordination implies a responsibility for all to respond to His lordship, as He is the one who will judge all humanity, both the living and the dead.
• Inclusivity of the Gospel: The command to preach unto "the people" signifies the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Henry elaborates on the significance of spreading the message beyond just the Jews to all nations, indicating that the early Church was called to be a global witness.

Albert Barnes' Insights

• Divine Commandment: Barnes highlights the imperative nature of the command, suggesting that there is an urgency associated with preaching the message of Christ. He argues that the necessity of evangelism is rooted in the certainty of Christ's returning judgment.
• Judge of the Living and the Dead: Barnes offers an in-depth examination of the phrase "Judge of quick and dead." He delineates that 'quick' refers to those living and 'dead' to those who have passed away, underscoring the comprehensive authority of Christ. The judgment is not limited to physical death but also encompasses spiritual realities.
• Hope and Warning: The duality of Christ's role serves both as hope for believers and a solemn warning to the unrepentant. Barnes notes that this should urge all to heed the message of repentance and faith in Christ, recognizing the coming day of accountability.

Adam Clarke's Analysis

• Nature of the Preaching: Clarke emphasizes that the preaching commanded by Christ should be filled with the testimony of His life, death, and resurrection. He notes that the apostles were witnesses to all the aspects of Christ’s ministry, and their testimony should lead to transformative belief and action in those who hear.
• Christ’s Ordination: Clarke analyzes the implications of Christ being “ordained of God,” discussing how this ordination is a recognition of His unique authority and the establishment of His kingdom. He argues that this should be at the forefront of apostolic preaching.
• Implication for Believers: Clarke expresses that believers are also part of this mission. Every follower of Christ is called to share their faith and witness about the transformative power of Jesus as both Savior and Judge, thus extending the reach of the Gospel to every generation.

Theological Implications

• Christology: This verse provides a profound statement on the person and work of Christ. He is shown as both the Savior and the Judge, integrating the themes of salvation and judgment, which is crucial for understanding the necessity of Christ’s work in the world.
• Missiology: The command to preach reflects the Great Commission and underpins the mission of the Church. The urgency of this calling necessitates an active engagement in evangelism, making it a central tenet of church culture and practice.
• Ethical Response: The implications of Christ as Judge bring about a moral imperative for believers to live authentically and to witness effectively, knowing that there is ultimate accountability for one’s life and testimony.

Application for Pastors and Theologians

This verse calls pastors to remember the foundational elements of their teaching and preaching. It challenges them to incorporate both the grace offered through Christ and the severity of His forthcoming judgment in their messages. Furthermore, theologians are encouraged to explore the profound implications of Christ’s dual role, seeking to bridge historical context with contemporary understandings of faith and action.

Conclusion

Acts 10:42 serves as a significant reminder of the apostolic mission to proclaim the transforming message of Christ as both Savior and Judge. The insights from Henry, Barnes, and Clarke collectively guide context, theology, and practical application, making this verse a vital text for ongoing reflection and commitment among believers.