Acts 10:35

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Complete Jewish Bible:

but that whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what people he belongs to.

Berean Standard Bible:

but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

American Standard Version:

but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But^{G235} in^{G1722} every^{G3956} nation^{G1484} he that feareth^{G5399} him^{G846}, and^{G2532} worketh^{G2038} righteousness^{G1343}, is^{G2076} accepted^{G1184} with him^{G846}.

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Commentary for Acts 10:35

Acts 10:35 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament that encapsulates the theme of universal salvation and the inclusive nature of the Christian message. This verse is part of a larger narrative where Peter, a leading apostle, has a vision that challenges his Jewish understanding of ritual purity and God's favor. In the vision, Peter is shown a variety of animals and is commanded to eat, which goes against Jewish dietary laws. The message conveyed to Peter is that what God has cleansed should not be called common or unclean (Acts 10:15).

The historical context of this verse is significant. It occurs during a period of early Christian expansion beyond the Jewish community. The verse reflects the realization that God's acceptance is not limited to Jewish people but is available to all—Gentiles included—who fear God and do what is right. This was a radical shift from the traditional Jewish belief that righteousness and acceptance by God were tied to adherence to the Mosaic Law.

In Acts 10:35, the phrase "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" underscores that righteousness is not confined to a single ethnic group or nationality. The term "fear him" refers to a reverential awe and respect for God, while "worketh righteousness" implies living a life in accordance with God's will, as understood through the moral law. The verse emphasizes that it is one's faith and actions, rather than heritage or ritual observance, that lead to acceptance by God.

This declaration by Peter is a cornerstone in the development of Christian theology, particularly in its affirmation of the universal call to salvation. It marks a decisive moment in the Acts of the Apostles, where the early Church begins to actively embrace non-Jewish converts, leading to the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. It also sets the stage for the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the early Church leaders would officially decide on the status of Gentile believers within the Christian community.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G235
   There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀλλά
   Transliteration: allá
   Pronunciation: al-lah'
   Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
   
2. Strong's Number: G1722
   There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐν
   Transliteration: en
   Pronunciation: en
   Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
   
3. Strong's Number: G3956
   There are 1075 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πᾶς
   Transliteration: pâs
   Pronunciation: pas
   Description: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1484
   There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔθνος
   Transliteration: éthnos
   Pronunciation: eth'-nos
   Description: probably from ἔθω; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):--Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5399
   There are 90 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: φοβέω
   Transliteration: phobéō
   Pronunciation: fob-eh'-o
   Description: from φόβος; to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere:--be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
   
6. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
7. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2038
   There are 37 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐργάζομαι
   Transliteration: ergázomai
   Pronunciation: er-gad'-zom-ahee
   Description: middle voice from ἔργον; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.:--commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work.
   
9. Strong's Number: G1343
   There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δικαιοσύνη
   Transliteration: dikaiosýnē
   Pronunciation: dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay
   Description: from δίκαιος; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness.
   
10. Strong's Number: G2076
    There are 812 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐστί
    Transliteration: estí
    Pronunciation: es-tee'
    Description: third person singular present indicative of εἰμί; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:--are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, X dure for a while, + follow, X have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, X must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.
    
11. Strong's Number: G1184
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: δεκτός
    Transliteration: dektós
    Pronunciation: dek-tos'
    Description: from δέχομαι; approved; (figuratively) propitious:-- accepted(-table).