Acts 10

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

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

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

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.

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:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

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.

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.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What does Acts 10:35 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:35 speaks to the universal nature of God's acceptance.

The verse is a part of Peter's realization that the Gospel is not exclusive to the Jewish people but is meant for all nations.

The statement "he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness" refers to anyone who reveres God and lives a life seeking to do what is morally right according to God's standards.

The phrase "is accepted with him" signifies that such individuals are welcomed by God, which implies openness to all people regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, as long as they have reverence for God and strive for righteousness in their conduct.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The verse is situated in the context of the account of Cornelius, a Roman centurion considered a God-fearer, a gentile who believed in the God of the Jews yet was not a full convert to Judaism.

Peter receives a vision from God emphasizing the end of Jewish ceremonial food laws, indicating the end of the separation between Jews and non-Jews.

Acts 10 sets the scene for the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith without the need to first become Jewish proselytes and brings out the theme of inclusivity that is central to the narrative.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, this verse underscores the doctrine of salvation by grace, not by ethnicity or adherence to the law.

It suggests that what God looks for in people is not their cultural background or even their explicit knowledge of Christ, but their reverence towards God and their efforts to conduct themselves righteously.

From a Jewish perspective, this could be seen to align with the Noahide laws, basic moral laws given to all of humanity. Nonetheless, different denominations may emphasize varying aspects of what it means to "worketh righteousness."

Practical Applications

In modern-day terms, Acts 10:35 can encourage inclusivity within faith communities, urging believers to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds. It affirms that one's value in the sight of God is not based on race or nationality but on their relationship with Him and their moral actions.

This verse can also be a call to personal reflection on how we live and treat others, regardless of their background, ensuring that our actions align with righteousness and respect for God.

Cross-References

Romans 2:11: "For there is no respect of persons with God."
Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 56:7: "...mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."
Revelation 7:9: "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

Language Study

The keyword "feareth" in the original Greek text is "phobeomai," which can mean to be struck with fear, to be afraid, or to hold in reverence and respect.

"Worketh righteousness" comes from the Greek "ergazomai," which means to labor or perform, and "dikaiosyne", meaning righteousness or justice.

The term "accepted" is translated from "dektos," which means favored or approved. The language thus emphasizes a sense of active pursuit of honor and righteousness, as well as a state of being favorably received by God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The verse shows similarities with tenets found in other religious traditions, such as the concept of divine reward for moral conduct found in many strains of Hinduism and Buddhism.

In Islamic teachings, too, there is an emphasis on the importance of both belief and righteous works.

The openness to believers from all nations can also be reminiscent of the universal call found in the Bahá'í faith.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not specifically intersect with scientific understandings in a direct way.

However, from a broader viewpoint, the concept of acceptance across different nations and peoples aligns with the genetic evidence supporting the unity and common origins of the human species.

Additionally, the ethical emphasis of the verse on righteous conduct may resonate with psychological studies on the universal principles of morality and pro-social behaviors across cultures.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries generally concur on the significance of this passage as a turning point in early Christianity's approach to Gentiles.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the removal of distinctions between Jews and Gentiles, stating that God "puts no difference between one and another." John Gill's Exposition of the Bible comments on the phrase "in every nation," highlighting the global scope of the Gospel.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary emphasizes the necessity of the fear of God and working righteousness as conditions of acceptance.

Overall, experts agree that this verse challenges the early Christian community to embrace a broad and inclusive perspective.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 10:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?