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Acts 10:34-43

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

34. Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36. The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37. That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40. Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41. Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 10:34-43 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 10:34

Theological / Devotional

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.

By SdaBc