34 And Peter having opened his mouth, said, 'Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, 35 but in every nation he who is fearing Him, and is working righteousness, is acceptable to Him; 36 the word that he sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming good news—peace through Jesus Christ (this one is Lord of all,) 37 ye—ye have known;—the word that came throughout all Judea, having begun from Galilee, after the baptism that John preached; 38 Jesus who 'is' from Nazareth—how God did anoint him with the Holy Spirit and power; who went through, doing good, and healing all those oppressed by the devil, because God was with him; 39 and we—we are witnesses of all things that he did, both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem,—whom they did slay, having hanged upon a tree. 40 'This one God did raise up the third day, and gave him to become manifest, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses, to those having been chosen before by God—to us who did eat with 'him', and did drink with him, after his rising out of the dead; 42 and he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify fully that it is he who hath been ordained by God judge of living and dead— 43 to this one do all the prophets testify, that through his name every one that is believing in him doth receive remission of sins.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 10:34-43
Commentary on Acts 10:34-43
(Read Acts 10:34-43)
Acceptance cannot be obtained on any other ground than that of the covenant of mercy, through the atonement of Christ; but wherever true religion is found, God will accept it without regarding names or sects. The fear of God and works of righteousness are the substance of true religion, the effects of special grace. Though these are not the cause of a man's acceptance, yet they show it; and whatever may be wanting in knowledge or faith, will in due time be given by Him who has begun it. They knew in general the word, that is, the gospel, which God sent to the children of Israel. The purport of this word was, that God by it published the good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ. They knew the several matters of fact relating to the gospel. They knew the baptism of repentance which John preached. Let them know that this Jesus Christ, by whom peace is made between God and man, is Lord of all; not only as over all, God blessed for evermore, but as Mediator. All power, both in heaven and in earth, is put into his hand, and all judgment committed to him. God will go with those whom he anoints; he will be with those to whom he has given his Spirit. Peter then declares Christ's resurrection from the dead, and the proofs of it. Faith has reference to a testimony, and the Christian faith is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, on the testimony given by them. See what must be believed concerning him. That we are all accountable to Christ as our Judge; so every one must seek his favour, and to have him as our Friend. And if we believe in him, we shall all be justified by him as our Righteousness. The remission of sins lays a foundation for all other favours and blessings, by taking that out of the way which hinders the bestowing of them. If sin be pardoned, all is well, and shall end well for ever.