but welcomes those from every nationThis phrase highlights the universality of God's invitation to salvation, breaking the barriers of ethnicity and nationality. In the context of
Acts 10, Peter is speaking to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, which signifies the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles. This is a pivotal moment in the early church, as it marks the shift from a predominantly Jewish faith to a global mission. The Old Testament foreshadows this inclusivity, as seen in prophecies like
Isaiah 49:6, which speaks of being a light to the nations. The geographical context of the Roman Empire, with its vast and diverse population, underscores the significance of this message reaching "every nation."
who fear Him
The fear of the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with reverence, awe, and obedience to God.Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," indicating that a proper understanding of God starts with a reverent attitude. In the cultural context of the first-century Mediterranean world, fear of deities was common, but the biblical concept involves a relationship based on respect and love rather than terror. This phrase emphasizes that God values a heart that acknowledges His sovereignty and holiness, regardless of cultural or ethnic background.
and do what is right
This phrase underscores the importance of righteous living as evidence of genuine faith. In the biblical context, righteousness is not merely about following rules but living in a way that reflects God's character.James 2:17 reinforces this by stating that faith without works is dead, highlighting the inseparable link between belief and action. The historical context ofActs 10 shows that Cornelius was already known for his good deeds and almsgiving, which prepared him to receive the Gospel. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of doing the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21). The call to "do what is right" transcends cultural norms and points to a higher standard set by God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
CorneliusA Roman centurion in Caesarea, known for his devoutness and fear of God. He is a Gentile who receives a vision from God, instructing him to send for Peter.
2.
PeterOne of Jesus' apostles, who receives a vision from God about clean and unclean animals, symbolizing the acceptance of Gentiles into the faith.
3.
CaesareaA significant city in Judea, where Cornelius resides. It serves as the backdrop for the pivotal event of Gentile inclusion in the early church.
4.
Vision of the SheetPeter's vision of a sheet with clean and unclean animals, symbolizing the breaking down of Jewish dietary laws and the acceptance of Gentiles.
5.
Holy Spirit's OutpouringThe event where the Holy Spirit is poured out on Cornelius and his household, signifying God's acceptance of Gentiles.
Teaching Points
God's ImpartialityGod does not show favoritism based on nationality or ethnicity. His acceptance is based on reverence and righteousness.
Fear of the LordTrue fear of the Lord involves a deep respect and awe for God, leading to obedience and righteous living.
Righteous ActionsDoing what is right in God's eyes is a universal requirement for all believers, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.
Inclusivity in the GospelThe Gospel is for everyone, regardless of background. Believers are called to embrace and share the message with all people.
Unity in DiversityThe church is a diverse body of believers united in Christ. This unity should be reflected in our attitudes and actions towards others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 10:35?
2.How does Acts 10:35 challenge our understanding of God's acceptance of all people?
3.What does "fears Him and does what is right" mean in daily life?
4.How can Acts 10:35 guide our interactions with people from different backgrounds?
5.How does Acts 10:35 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
6.In what ways can Acts 10:35 inspire inclusivity within our church community?
7.How does Acts 10:35 challenge the idea of salvation being exclusive to a specific group?
8.What does Acts 10:35 imply about God's acceptance of people from different nations?
9.How does Acts 10:35 align with the concept of impartiality in God's judgment?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 10?
11.Do appearances reflect true character?
12.What does 'Vengeance is Mine' mean biblically?
13.How does the Bible address discrimination among people?
14.Do appearances reflect true character?What Does Acts 10:35 Mean
But welcomesGod’s heart is open. Peter has just learned that “God does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34). The word “welcomes” tells us the Lord actively receives, not reluctantly tolerates.
• Jesus said, “Whoever comes to Me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).
• Paul adds, “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11).
• This welcoming nature is rooted in the Father’s promise that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32;Romans 10:13).
Peter’s revelation corrects any notion that salvation is limited by ethnicity, status, or prior religious background. The gracious invitation is extended to all who respond in faith.
Those from every nationThe phrase sweeps the entire globe into God’s plan.
• God told Abraham, “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).
• Jesus commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
• In heaven John saw “a great multitude…from every nation, tribe, people, and language” worshiping the Lamb (Revelation 7:9).
No culture is excluded; the gospel crosses every border. Peter is standing in a Gentile household (Cornelius’s), proving that “in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
Who fear HimHere is the inner attitude God looks for—reverent awe that takes Him seriously.
• “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).
• Mary rejoiced that “His mercy extends to those who fear Him” (Luke 1:50).
• Malachi records God’s promise to those “who feared the LORD and honored His name” (Malachi 3:16–17).
Fear in this sense is not terror but humble recognition of God’s holiness, authority, and right to rule. It turns the heart toward repentance and faith, just as Cornelius “prayed to God continually” (Acts 10:2).
And do what is rightTrue reverence produces obedient action.
• “He has shown you, O man, what is good…to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
• James urges believers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
• John writes, “The one who practices righteousness is righteous” (1 John 3:7).
Peter is not teaching salvation by works; he is describing the evidence of saving faith. Cornelius’s prayers and almsgiving (Acts 10:4) showed a heart already stirred by God’s grace. When the gospel is heard, those who truly fear God respond with repentance and trust in Christ (Acts 10:43–48).
summaryActs 10:35 reveals a God who eagerly receives anyone, anywhere, who approaches Him with reverent trust that leads to righteous living. The verse celebrates God’s impartial grace, the global reach of the gospel, the necessity of heartfelt fear of the Lord, and the outward proof of inward faith. Peter’s words invite every reader to embrace Jesus, the Savior welcomed by all who fear God and practice what is right through His enabling power.
(35)
In every nation he that feareth him.--The great truth which Peter thus proclaimed is obviously far-reaching in its range. It applies, not to those only who know the name of Christ and believe on Him when He is preached to them, but to all who in all ages and countries "fear God" according to the measure of their knowledge, and "work righteousness" according to their belief and opportunities. The good works in such a case, are, in their measure and degree, as "fruits of faith, and follow after justification" (Article XII.), justification having been, in such cases, objectively bestowed for the merits of Christ, and subjectively appropriated by the faith which, in the Providence of God, was possible under the conditions of the case. They do not come under the head of "works done before the grace of Christ and the inspiration of His Spirit" (Article XIII.), for Christ is "the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (
John 1:9), and the Spirit is to every man "the Lord, and giver of life," and the works are done "as God hath willed and commanded them to be done." What such men gain by conversion is a fuller knowledge of the Truth, and therefore a clearer faith, a fuller justification, and a higher blessedness, but as this history distinctly teaches, they are already accepted with God. They are saved, "not by the law or sect which they profess" (Article XVIII.), but, even though they know not the Name whereby they must be saved (
Acts 4:12), by Christ, who is the Saviour of all. The truth which St. Peter thus set forth proclaims at once the equity and the love of the Father, and sweeps away the narrowing dreams which confine the hope of salvation to the circumcised, as did the theology of the Rabbis; or to those who have received the outward ordinance of baptism, as did the theology of Augustine and the Mediaeval Church; or, as do some forms of Protestant dogmatism, to those who have heard and believed the story of the Cross of Christ. The language of St. Paul in
Romans 10:9-14 should, however, be compared with this, as showing that the higher knowledge brings with it an incomparably higher blessedness, and that the man first tastes the full meaning of "salvation" when he consciously calls on the Lord by whom he has been saved.
Verse 35.- Acceptable to for
accepted with, A.V. As regards the truth that
God is no respecter of persons, which the present incident had brought home so vividly to Peter's apprehension, there can be no difficulty in understanding it. Cornelius was devout, he feared God, he was fruitful in prayer and almsgiving. God did not say to him, "All this would have been accepted in a Jew, but cannot be noticed in a Gentile." But, Gentile as he was, his prayers and alms went up for a memorial before God. If the things done were good in themselves, they were equally good whoever did them. God is no respecter of persons to accept or reject one or another, because of
who he is, and not because of
what he does (
Ephesians 6:8). The rule is glory, honor, and peace to every one that worketh good, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile, for there is no respect of persons with God (
Romans 2:10, 11). The word
προσωπολήπτης (
respecter of persons) occurs only here at all;
προσωποληπτέω (to accept or respect persons), once only, in
James 2:9;
προσωποληψία (respect of persons),
Romans 2:11;
Ephesians 6:9;
Colossians 3:25;
James 2:1. The same idea is expressed by
πρόσωπον λαμβάνειν, by which the LXX. render the Hebrew
נָשָׂא פָּנִים, and by
πρόσωπον θαυμάζειν, by which they also render it and the kindred phrase,
חַדַר פָנִים (see
Leviticus 19:15;
Deuteronomy 10:17, etc.). The first phrase occurs in
Luke 20:21 and
Galatians 2:6; the latter only in
Jude 1:16, where it is rightly rendered in the R.V., "showing respect of persons." Another phrase is
ἀπροσωπολήπτως (without respect of persons),
1 Peter 1:17, and
βλέπειν εἰςπρόσωπον (to regard the person),
Matthew 22:16;
Mark 12:14.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
butἀλλ’(all’)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.welcomesδεκτὸς(dektos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1184:Acceptable, accepted. From dechomai; approved; propitious.thoseὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.fromἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.everyπαντὶ(panti)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.nationἔθνει(ethnei)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1484:Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.who fearφοβούμενος(phoboumenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5399:From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.Himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.doἐργαζόμενος(ergazomenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2038:To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.what is right.δικαιοσύνην(dikaiosynēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343:From dikaios; equity; specially justification.
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NT Apostles: Acts 10:35 But in every nation he who fears (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
