Acts 10:43 – “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is the final statement in Peter’s sermon to Cornelius and his household. Peter is making it clear that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the prophets spoke about in the Old Testament. The message of salvation through Jesus is not a new idea—it had been foretold long before He came.

Peter also emphasizes that forgiveness of sins comes through faith in Jesus. The phrase “everyone who believes in him” is a powerful declaration that salvation is available to all people—Jews and Gentiles alike. This was a radical truth at the time because many Jews believed that God’s promises were primarily for Israel. But Peter is declaring that anyone who puts their trust in Jesus can receive forgiveness.

Finally, Peter highlights that forgiveness comes “through his name.” This means that salvation is found only in Jesus, not through good works, religious rituals, or personal merit. It is only through faith in Him that people are made right with God.

Historical Context

Peter was speaking to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household—Gentiles who worshiped God but had not fully converted to Judaism. Up until this moment, the apostles had mainly preached the gospel to Jews. Now, Peter was proclaiming that salvation through Jesus was for all nations, just as the prophets had foretold.

The Old Testament prophets had repeatedly pointed to a coming Messiah who would bring salvation, not just to Israel, but to the whole world. Some of these prophecies include:

• Isaiah 53:11 – “By his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.”
• Jeremiah 31:34 – “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
• Joel 2:32 – “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Peter was showing that Jesus fulfilled these prophecies and that the way to receive this salvation was through faith in Him.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The prophets were pointing to Him long before He arrived.
2. Salvation is available to all who believe. This verse emphasizes that faith in Jesus is the only requirement for forgiveness.
3. Forgiveness is only through Jesus’ name. There is no other way to be saved apart from Him (Acts 4:12).

Literary Analysis

Peter’s statement follows a logical progression:

1. “All the prophets testify about him” – Establishes the authority of the Old Testament in pointing to Jesus.
2. “Everyone who believes in him” – Expands salvation beyond Israel to all people.
3. “Receives forgiveness of sins through his name” – States the core of the gospel: salvation is only through Jesus.

This verse serves as a climax in Peter’s message. Everything he had been saying about Jesus led up to this declaration of faith and forgiveness.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:44 – Jesus said, “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
• John 3:16 – “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that salvation is available to everyone—not just to certain people, but to all who believe in Jesus. No matter a person’s background, past mistakes, or social status, they can receive complete forgiveness through faith in Him.

This verse also challenges Christians to share the gospel boldly. Peter was speaking to a group of Gentiles who had not yet heard the full message of Jesus. Today, there are still many people who do not know that salvation is found in Jesus alone. Just as Peter proclaimed the truth, we are called to do the same.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse because He offers forgiveness freely to all who believe. He does not make salvation complicated or exclusive—it is available to anyone who puts their trust in Jesus.

Additionally, this verse shows that God has been planning salvation from the very beginning. The prophets foretold Jesus’ coming, showing that God had always intended to bring people back to Himself. His love is not a reaction to sin—it is a deliberate, eternal plan to redeem humanity.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly affirms Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, the source of forgiveness, and the only way to salvation.

• He was foretold by the prophets. His coming was not an accident but a fulfillment of God’s promises.
• He offers forgiveness. Only through His death and resurrection can sins be wiped away.
• He is the only way. No other name, religion, or method can bring salvation.

This connects to Jesus’ own words in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Peter was simply confirming what Jesus Himself had declared.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse confirm that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
2. What does it mean that forgiveness of sins is available to everyone who believes?
3. Why is it important that salvation is only through Jesus’ name?
4. How does this verse encourage you to share the gospel with others?
5. What does it mean to truly believe in Jesus? How does faith impact your daily life?

Acts 10:43 is one of the clearest declarations of the gospel message. It reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, that salvation is for all who believe, and that forgiveness comes only through His name. It is a call to faith, a call to boldness in sharing the gospel, and a call to trust in the unchanging plan of God.