Acts 10:34

Opened his mouth. An expression used for utterances of importance.

Respecter of persons. Greek prosopolemptes, “one who receives the face,” and so, one who distinguishes between persons on the basis of outward appearances. This expression finds an interesting parallel in the Hebrew phrase, naso’ phanim, literally, “to lift up the face,” which in common usage also meant to make unjust distinctions between men. Compare the English expression, “to lose face.” Peter had seen in his Master an absence of “respect of persons,” whether the distinctions were of social rank, or knowledge, or wealth. This even His enemies acknowledged. James lays stress on this same element of character as essential to all who wish to be true disciples of Christ. Peter needed to learn that the full application of this great principle called for the Jewish Christians to accept those of other races into equal fellowship with themselves. Paul, the champion of Gentile Christianity, stresses this principle in Romans 2:9-11. From Cornelius’ vision, parallel to his own, Peter was learning that God makes Himself known to all aspirants to righteousness, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.