How does Amos 9:7 connect with God's impartiality in Acts 10:34-35? Setting the Scene “To the LORD your God belong the heavens… He shows no partiality and accepts no bribe” (Deuteronomy 10:14-17). That divine attribute—absolute impartiality—threads the whole storyline of Scripture. It surfaces powerfully in Amos 9:7 and then bursts into full bloom in Acts 10:34-35. Seeing how these two passages fit together deepens our confidence that God’s plan has always embraced every nation without distinction. Reading the Key Texts • Amos 9:7 – “Are you not like the Cushites to Me, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD. “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Arameans from Kir?” • Acts 10:34-35 – “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now truly understand that God shows no partiality, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.’ ” What Amos Was Saying • God reminds Israel that He has sovereignly guided OTHER nations too. • Cushites (Ethiopians), Philistines, Arameans—people Israel viewed as outsiders—were also objects of His providence. • By leveling Israel with them, the LORD exposes any notion of ethnic favoritism. Blessing is rooted in covenant obedience, not racial pedigree (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6-11). Linking to Peter’s Revelation Peter’s rooftop vision and Cornelius’s conversion forced the apostle to confront long-standing Jewish boundaries. Acts 10:34-35 echoes Amos in three ways: 1. Scope • Amos: God’s hand is over ALL peoples. • Acts: Salvation in Christ is offered to EVERY nation. 2. Basis of Acceptance • Amos: Israel’s election does not excuse disobedience; judgment is impartial (Amos 3:2). • Acts: Acceptance is tied to reverence and righteousness—faith that evidences itself in obedience (cf. Romans 1:5). 3. Continuity of God’s Character • Both texts underline a timeless truth: “There is no favoritism with God” (Romans 2:11). Practical Takeaways • Cherish election without elitism. God’s choosing of Israel—and of us in Christ—calls for humility, not superiority (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Welcome diversity in the body. Amos anticipated a multi-ethnic family; Acts realizes it (Revelation 7:9). • Share the gospel confidently. If God orchestrated exoduses for Philistines and Ethiopians, He can orchestrate circumstances to reach our neighbors and the nations (Acts 17:26-27). Seeing the Grand Narrative • Promise to Abraham: “All the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). • Prophets like Amos keep that promise alive. • Jesus’ Great Commission launches its fulfillment (Matthew 28:18-20). • Acts records the first waves crossing cultural borders. • Revelation shows the completed picture—one redeemed multitude, zero partiality. Conclusion Amos 9:7 and Acts 10:34-35 stand centuries apart yet speak in harmony: the LORD of Israel is the impartial Lord of the whole earth. Because He brought nations out of bondage then, He brings people from every nation out of sin now. Our role is to echo Peter, step over barriers, and declare the same gospel that fulfills the prophet’s vision. |
    |