What is the meaning of Acts 10:35? But welcomes God’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 nation The 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 Him Here 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 right True 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). summary Acts 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. |
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