Acts 10:38 – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Peter continues his sermon in the house of Cornelius, explaining who Jesus is and what He did. Peter emphasizes that God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power—a reference to Jesus’ baptism, where the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove (Matthew 3:16). This anointing set Jesus apart for His mission and equipped Him for His public ministry.

Peter then describes Jesus’ work: “He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil.” Jesus’ miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, and showing compassion—were proof of His divine authority. He wasn’t just another teacher or religious leader. His actions demonstrated that He had power over sickness, evil spirits, and sin.

The phrase “because God was with Him” reinforces that Jesus’ power came directly from God. Everything Jesus did—His teachings, His miracles, and ultimately His death and resurrection—was part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.

Historical Context

At the time Peter was speaking, many people had heard about Jesus’ miracles. His reputation had spread throughout Judea and beyond. However, there was still debate about who Jesus really was. Some believed He was a prophet, others saw Him as a troublemaker, and His disciples proclaimed Him as the Son of God.

The idea that “God anointed Jesus” would have been especially meaningful to Peter’s Jewish audience. In the Old Testament, priests, prophets, and kings were anointed with oil as a sign of God’s calling (1 Samuel 16:13). Jesus’ anointing with the Holy Spirit was the ultimate fulfillment of this idea—He was the promised Messiah, chosen and empowered by God.

The phrase “healing all who were under the power of the devil” also points to the spiritual battle that was going on. Many of Jesus’ miracles involved casting out demons, proving that His mission was not just about physical healing, but also about defeating the power of sin and Satan.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus was empowered by God for His mission. His miracles were not just acts of kindness; they were signs that God’s kingdom had come.
2. Jesus came to break the power of sin and Satan. His healings and exorcisms were evidence that He had authority over the forces of darkness.
3. Jesus’ ministry was one of both compassion and power. He didn’t just teach—He actively demonstrated God’s love by healing and delivering people.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured in a way that highlights Jesus’ identity and mission:

• “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth” – Establishes Jesus’ divine calling.
• “With the Holy Spirit and power” – Describes the source of His authority.
• “He went around doing good and healing” – Summarizes His ministry.
• “All who were under the power of the devil” – Highlights the spiritual battle He was fighting.
• “Because God was with Him” – Reinforces that Jesus’ work was divinely ordained.

By presenting Jesus in this way, Peter makes it clear that His miracles and teachings were not just human efforts—they were the direct work of God.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Jesus read this prophecy in the synagogue and declared it fulfilled in Him (Luke 4:18-21).
• Matthew 3:16-17 – Jesus’ baptism, where He was anointed by the Holy Spirit.
• John 14:10 – “It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” Jesus emphasized that His power came from God.
• 1 John 3:8 – “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” This confirms that Jesus’ mission included breaking Satan’s power.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds believers that Jesus was not just a teacher—He was the Son of God, sent with divine power to rescue humanity. His ministry was both physical (healing the sick) and spiritual (defeating the devil’s influence).

For Christians today, this means:

• We can trust in Jesus’ power. He still has authority over sickness, sin, and spiritual darkness.
• Jesus set an example of doing good. His ministry was full of love, compassion, and action—we are called to follow in His footsteps.
• The battle against sin and Satan is real. But through Jesus, we have victory over evil.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is clearly seen in this verse. He did not leave humanity alone in its suffering—He sent Jesus to bring healing and deliverance. Every miracle Jesus performed was an act of compassion, showing God’s deep concern for the brokenness of the world.

Additionally, this verse shows that God is actively involved in human history. He did not stay distant—He anointed Jesus to walk among us, to heal, and to save.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly describes Jesus’ identity and mission:

• He was anointed by God. This confirms Him as the chosen Messiah.
• He had the power of the Holy Spirit. His authority came from God, not from man.
• He did good and healed people. His ministry was marked by love and compassion.
• He broke the power of the devil. This points to His ultimate victory over sin and death through the cross and resurrection.

Jesus’ life fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and His ministry revealed who He truly is—the Savior of the world.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power? How does this confirm His identity?
2. How do Jesus’ miracles show both His compassion and His authority?
3. How does this verse challenge you to do good in your own life, following Jesus’ example?
4. What does this verse teach us about spiritual warfare and Jesus’ power over the devil?
5. How can we rely on Jesus’ power today when facing struggles, sickness, or spiritual battles?

Acts 10:38 is a powerful declaration of who Jesus is and what He came to do. It reminds us that He was not just a man—He was God’s anointed servant, filled with power, bringing healing, and breaking the grip of sin and Satan. Today, we can trust in His authority, follow His example, and share His message of hope with the world.