Acts 10:35 – “but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Peter’s speech in Cornelius’ house. After realizing that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34), Peter continues by saying that God accepts people from every nation—not just the Jewish people—if they fear Him and do what is right.

The phrase “fears Him” refers to having a deep reverence and respect for God. In biblical terms, fearing God doesn’t mean being terrified of Him but rather honoring Him with a heart that desires to follow His ways.

The phrase “does what is right” means responding to God’s truth by living in obedience. This doesn’t mean that good deeds earn salvation, but rather that a person who truly seeks God will show it through their actions.

Peter’s statement is significant because, up until this moment, many Jews believed that Gentiles had to convert to Judaism in order to be accepted by God. But now Peter is declaring that God is looking at the heart, not at nationality or religious background.

This verse is a major step forward in understanding God’s plan of salvation: Anyone—Jew or Gentile—who truly seeks God is welcomed by Him.

Historical Context

At this time in history, Jews and Gentiles were separated by strong religious and cultural divisions. Jews believed they were God’s chosen people (which was true), but many assumed this meant Gentiles were excluded unless they followed Jewish laws.

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was a Gentile who worshiped the God of Israel. He prayed regularly and gave to the poor (Acts 10:2), but he had not yet heard about Jesus. When God sent an angel to Cornelius, instructing him to send for Peter, it marked a turning point in history—the message of Jesus was now reaching beyond the Jewish world.

Peter had also been raised with the belief that Jews and Gentiles should remain separate. But God had given him a vision (Acts 10:9-16) teaching him not to call anything “unclean” that God had made clean. Through Cornelius, Peter finally understood what the vision meant—God was inviting all people, not just Jews, into His kingdom.

Theological Implications

1. God welcomes all who seek Him. Salvation is not based on ethnicity, nationality, or background but on a person’s heart response to God.
2. Salvation is available to every nation. This verse confirms that God’s plan was always to bring people from all over the world into His family.
3. Fearing God and doing what is right is the evidence of a heart that is open to Him. Cornelius’ life showed that he was already seeking God, and God responded by leading him to the full truth of Jesus Christ.

Literary Analysis

Peter’s words in this verse are a natural progression from his realization in Acts 10:34. The phrase “but accepts from every nation” is powerful because it directly opposes the idea that salvation was only for the Jews.

The structure of the verse presents two key qualifications for being accepted by God:

1. Fearing Him – Having a genuine reverence and desire to follow God.
2. Doing what is right – Responding to God’s truth with obedience.

This phrasing emphasizes that true faith is not just intellectual—it leads to a changed life. Cornelius had been living in reverence to God, and now he was about to hear the message that would complete his faith: salvation through Jesus Christ.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 12:3 – God’s promise to Abraham: “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” This verse foreshadowed that God’s plan was always to include all nations.
• Psalm 147:11 – “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” This reinforces that fearing God is an attitude of the heart, not just outward rituals.
• Romans 10:12-13 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Paul later affirms the same truth that Peter declared in Acts 10:35.
• Revelation 7:9 – A vision of heaven shows “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language” worshiping before God. This confirms that God’s plan always included people from all nations.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 10:35 reminds us that God’s salvation is open to everyone. No one is excluded from the invitation to follow Jesus. Whether a person grew up in church or never heard about God before, if they truly seek Him, He will reveal Himself to them.

This verse also challenges believers to avoid any kind of favoritism or prejudice. If God does not show favoritism, neither should His people. The gospel is for all, and Christians are called to share it with everyone—regardless of race, background, or social status.

It also reminds us that true faith produces action. Fearing God is not just about belief; it leads to a life that reflects His ways. A heart that seeks God will naturally want to obey Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is on full display in this verse. He does not limit His salvation to one nation, one race, or one group of people. Instead, He welcomes anyone who turns to Him.

This verse shows that God is actively seeking those who seek Him. Cornelius had not yet heard about Jesus, but God saw his heart and sent Peter to bring him the gospel. This is a beautiful example of God’s love at work—He does not leave people in the dark but provides a way for them to know Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ mission was always to bring salvation to all people, not just to Israel.

• In John 10:16, Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” This was a reference to the Gentiles who would come to faith.
• In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commanded His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Peter was now carrying out that command by preaching to Cornelius.
• In Luke 7:9, Jesus praised the faith of a Roman centurion, saying, “I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” This showed that Jesus recognized faith, regardless of nationality.

Peter’s realization in Acts 10:35 was simply a continuation of what Jesus had already demonstrated—God’s love and salvation are for all people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse challenge any assumptions or biases you may have about who can receive God’s salvation?
2. Cornelius was seeking God, and God responded by revealing the full truth to him. How does this encourage you when sharing the gospel?
3. What does it mean to truly “fear God” in today’s world?
4. How can you reflect God’s impartial love in your relationships and in the way you share your faith?
5. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is not just words but is demonstrated in your actions?

Acts 10:35 is a powerful declaration that God’s salvation is for all who seek Him. It challenges us to be open, obedient, and willing to share the good news of Jesus with everyone—just as Peter did with Cornelius. God is calling people from every nation to Himself, and He invites us to be part of that mission.