Acts 10:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:35 is a pivotal declaration by the Apostle Peter, revealing a profound shift in the early Christian understanding of God's universal acceptance. This verse encapsulates the realization that God's grace and salvation are not exclusive to one ethnic group but extend to all who genuinely seek Him, demonstrating a reverent fear of Him and actively living out His righteous standards. It marks a foundational moment for the church's mission to the Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is spoken by Peter during his groundbreaking visit to the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion in Caesarea. The immediate context is Peter's sermon, which begins in [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality") with his profound realization: "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." This understanding was preceded by Peter's transformative vision in [Acts 10:9-16](/acts/10-9-16 "Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals"), where he was instructed not to call anything unclean that God had cleansed. This vision, combined with the divine instruction to accompany Cornelius's messengers, challenged Peter's deeply ingrained Jewish dietary and social customs. Peter's entry into a Gentile home was an unprecedented act for a devout Jew, signifying a theological breakthrough that would reshape the trajectory of the early church. The verse itself serves as a summary statement of God's impartial character, laying the groundwork for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius's household, detailed in [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society was characterized by strict adherence to the Mosaic Law, which included dietary restrictions and social separation from Gentiles, often viewed as "unclean." While there were "God-fearers" like Cornelius who worshipped the God of Israel without full conversion, full fellowship between Jews and Gentiles was rare and often forbidden by custom. Caesarea, a Roman city, served as a melting pot where Jewish and Roman cultures intersected, making it a fitting backdrop for this pivotal event. Peter, as a devout Jew and an apostle, carried the weight of centuries of tradition. His encounter with Cornelius, a Roman military officer, thus represented a significant cultural and religious barrier being broken down by divine intervention, paving the way for the Gospel to transcend ethnic and national boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's declaration in [Acts 10:35](/acts/10-35 "God's Acceptance of All Nations") is central to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is **God's Impartiality and Universal Acceptance**, directly stated in [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "God Shows No Partiality") and elaborated here. This theme challenges the notion of exclusive divine favor based on ethnicity, emphasizing that God's grace is available to all who respond to Him, regardless of their background. Another key theme is the **Nature of True Faith**, which is presented as encompassing both an internal disposition ("feareth him") and external manifestation ("worketh righteousness"). This highlights that genuine reverence for God naturally leads to a life of moral uprightness and obedience, not as a means to earn salvation, but as evidence of a transformed heart. Finally, the narrative underscores the **Expansion of the Gospel**, demonstrating God's initiative in extending salvation beyond the Jewish people, thereby setting the stage for the global mission of the church, as commanded by Jesus in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feareth (Greek, _phobéō'_):** Derived from _phobos_ (fear), this term here signifies not terror or dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God. It implies a recognition of His sovereignty, holiness, and majesty, leading to a desire to honor and obey Him. This "fear" is a foundational spiritual posture for those who genuinely seek God.
* **worketh righteousness (Greek, _ergázomai dikaiosýnē'_):** The verb _ergázomai_ means "to toil, to effect, to be engaged in or with," indicating active engagement and practice. _Dikaiosýnē_ refers to "equity of character or act," encompassing moral uprightness, justice, and conformity to God's will. Thus, "worketh righteousness" describes a life actively characterized by just and upright conduct, flowing from a heart that reveres God. It is the practical outworking of one's faith and devotion.
* **accepted (Greek, _dektós'_):** This adjective means "approved, welcome, or pleasing." It conveys God's favorable reception and approval. When applied to individuals, it signifies that they are found agreeable and receive divine favor. This acceptance is a gracious divine response to those who demonstrate genuine reverence for Him and live righteously, signifying their inclusion in His covenant purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But in every nation":** The opening "But" (Greek: _allá_) signals a strong contrast to the previous understanding that God's favor was exclusively or primarily for the Jewish people. The phrase "in every nation" (Greek: _en pâs éthnos_) emphatically declares the universal scope of God's acceptance, extending beyond Israel to all peoples and ethnic groups, breaking down long-held barriers.
* **"he that feareth him":** This clause describes the internal disposition required for divine acceptance. It refers to an individual who holds God in profound reverence and awe, acknowledging His supreme authority and holiness. This "fear" is not a cowering dread but a respectful devotion that motivates obedience and a desire to please Him.
* **"and worketh righteousness":** This clause describes the external manifestation of the internal reverence. It indicates a life actively engaged in morally upright conduct, justice, and obedience to God's revealed will. This "working righteousness" is not a means to earn salvation, but rather the natural fruit and evidence of a heart genuinely turned towards God, demonstrating the authenticity of one's faith.
* **"is accepted with him.":** This final clause states the divine response. Those who exhibit both a reverent heart and righteous living receive God's approval and favor. This "acceptance" (Greek: _dektós_) signifies that they are welcome in His presence and are recipients of His gracious regard, regardless of their ethnic or national origin.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's statement in Acts 10:35 employs several effective literary devices. The conjunction "**But**" serves as a powerful **Contrast**, immediately signaling a departure from the previous, limited understanding of God's dealings. This sets up the universal scope of God's acceptance against the backdrop of Jewish exclusivity. The phrase "in every nation" uses **Synecdoche** (or perhaps **Metonymy**), where "nation" stands for the people within those nations, emphasizing the global reach of God's impartiality. Furthermore, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** by placing "feareth him" (an internal spiritual posture) alongside "worketh righteousness" (an external, observable action). This highlights the holistic nature of genuine faith, where inner devotion is inextricably linked to outward conduct. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Declarative Statement**, a definitive theological pronouncement by Peter, marking a watershed moment in the early church's understanding of God's inclusive plan of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:35 profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character and the nature of true faith. It reveals God as fundamentally impartial, extending His grace and acceptance not based on ethnic lineage, social status, or religious ritual, but on the genuine disposition of the heart and the resulting righteous conduct. This does not imply salvation by works, but rather that a heart truly aligned with God will inevitably manifest itself in a life that seeks to honor Him through moral uprightness and obedience. God's acceptance is a gracious response to those who, from every nation, demonstrate both a reverent fear of Him and an active pursuit of His righteousness, thereby dismantling the barriers that once separated humanity.

* [Romans 2:10-11](/romans/2-10-11 "God's Impartiality in Judgment")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "No Jew or Gentile in Christ")
* [1 John 2:29](/1_john/2-29 "Everyone who practices righteousness is born of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:35 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today, challenging us to embody God's impartiality in our own lives and ministries. It compels us to examine any lingering prejudices or exclusive attitudes we might hold, urging us to embrace the diversity of God's global family. The verse underscores that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative encounter that leads to a life characterized by both profound reverence for God and active pursuit of righteousness. This means our actions should reflect our devotion, demonstrating justice, compassion, and integrity in all our interactions. Furthermore, Peter's realization should ignite within us a renewed passion for the Great Commission, recognizing that the Gospel message is for "every nation," and we are called to share it without discrimination, trusting that God is already at work in the hearts of people from all backgrounds, preparing them for His acceptance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of God's impartiality influence my interactions with people from different cultural, ethnic, or socioeconomic backgrounds?**
* **In what practical ways do I demonstrate a "fear of God" (reverence and awe) in my daily decisions and priorities?**
* **What specific actions or attitudes in my life reflect "working righteousness," and where might I need to grow in this area?**
* **How can I actively participate in breaking down barriers and fostering unity within the body of Christ, reflecting God's acceptance of all people?**

### FAQ
**Does "worketh righteousness" mean salvation by works?**

Answer: No, "worketh righteousness" in Acts 10:35 does not mean that salvation is earned by human effort or good deeds. The New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works (e.g., [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Instead, "working righteousness" describes the natural and necessary outflow of a heart that genuinely fears God and has been transformed by Him. It is the evidence or fruit of true faith and a changed life, not the root or cause of God's acceptance. Cornelius, for example, was already a "devout man, and one that feared God" and "gave much alms to the people" ([Acts 10:2](/acts/10-2 "Cornelius's Devotion")), yet he still needed to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation, as Peter's subsequent sermon made clear. God accepts those who are already seeking Him and living righteously as a demonstration of their sincere heart, and then He reveals the full path to salvation through Christ.

**What does "fear him" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In biblical language, "fear him" (Greek: _phobéō_) when referring to God, rarely means terror or dread in the sense of being scared of punishment. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty, holiness, and sovereignty. It implies recognizing God's supreme authority and power, leading to a deep desire to honor Him, obey His commands, and live in a way that is pleasing to Him. This "fear of the Lord" is often described as the beginning of wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")) and is a hallmark of genuine piety. For Cornelius, it meant turning away from pagan gods and worshipping the one true God, demonstrating devotion and living morally upright, even before fully understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:35, while spoken by Peter before the full theological implications of Christ's work were universally understood, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "him" who is feared and whose righteousness is worked is ultimately God, perfectly revealed in the person and work of Jesus. Christ is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making it possible for "every nation" to be accepted by God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ is Our Peace")). Our ability to "fear him" with true reverence and to "work righteousness" is not a human achievement but a divine enablement, made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out after His ascension ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "The Holy Spirit Poured Out")). It is through faith in Christ that we are declared righteous ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")) and empowered to live righteously as a reflection of our new nature ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "God Works in Us to Will and to Act")). Therefore, the acceptance promised in this verse is ultimately an acceptance into God's family, secured by the finished work of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 2:29

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Acts 10:2

[A] devout [man], and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Acts 15:9

And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.