Acts 10:38

KJV

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G5613} God {G2316} anointed {G5548} Jesus {G2424} of {G575} Nazareth {G3478} with the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} and {G2532} with power {G1411}: who {G846}{G3739} went about {G1330} doing good {G2109}, and {G2532} healing {G2390} all {G3956} that were oppressed {G2616} of {G5259} the devil {G1228}; for {G3754} God {G2316} was {G2258} with {G3326} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

how God anointed Yeshua from Natzeret with the Ruach HaKodesh and with power; how Yeshua went about doing good and healing all the people oppressed by the Adversary, because God was with him.

Berean Standard Bible

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

American Standard Version

even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:38 provides a concise yet profound summary of Jesus' earthly ministry, delivered by Peter in a pivotal sermon to Cornelius's Gentile household. It highlights Jesus' divine anointing by God with the Holy Spirit and power, His active and benevolent work of doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil, and the foundational truth that God's constant presence enabled His miraculous and redemptive acts. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of Christ's identity and mission, bridging Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:38 is embedded within Peter's sermon to Cornelius's household in Caesarea, a moment of profound theological and historical significance for the early church. Preceding this verse, Peter has been supernaturally guided to the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, through a vision and divine instruction. Peter's initial reluctance to associate with Gentiles, rooted in Jewish dietary and purity laws, is overcome by God's explicit command to "not call anything impure that God has made clean" ([Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision")). This sermon, therefore, is not merely an evangelistic message but a theological justification for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, demonstrating that God shows no partiality ([Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God Shows No Partiality")). Verse 38 specifically functions as the core of Peter's explanation of who Jesus is and what He accomplished, setting the stage for the Holy Spirit's outpouring on these Gentiles, mirroring Pentecost, as recorded in [Acts 10:44-48](/acts/10-44-48 "Acts 10:44-48 - The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Caesarea Maritima, a Roman city and the administrative capital of Judea, contrasting sharply with Jerusalem's Jewish-centric environment. Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment, represents a devout Gentile, a "God-fearer" who worshipped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism. For a Jew like Peter to enter a Gentile's home was a significant cultural and religious transgression, underscoring the revolutionary nature of God's work in breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile. The concept of "anointing" would have resonated with Jewish listeners, recalling the anointing of prophets, priests, and kings in the Old Testament, signifying divine appointment and empowerment. For Gentiles, the demonstration of "power" and "healing" would have been compelling evidence of divine authority, contrasting with the impotence of pagan deities. This historical moment marks the decisive expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish cradle, challenging deeply ingrained social and religious norms of the time.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **divine initiative and empowerment** of Jesus' ministry. Jesus' actions were not merely human endeavors but were divinely sanctioned and empowered by the Holy Spirit, establishing His unique role as the Messiah, the "Anointed One." This theme is consistent with [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Nazareth Sermon"), where Jesus Himself declares His anointing by the Spirit for His mission. Secondly, the verse highlights the **compassionate and redemptive nature of Jesus' work**. His ministry was characterized by active "doing good" and "healing," demonstrating God's benevolent character and His active opposition to suffering and evil. This aligns with the pervasive theme in the Gospels of Jesus' compassion for the crowds and His authority over sickness and demonic forces, as seen in passages like [Matthew 9:35](/matthew/9-35 "Matthew 9:35 - Jesus' Ministry of Teaching, Preaching, and Healing"). Finally, the phrase "for God was with him" emphasizes the **intimate and constant communion between Jesus and the Father**, validating His authority and effectiveness. This divine presence is the ultimate source of His power and the assurance of His success, reinforcing the theological truth of Jesus' unique relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointed (Greek, _chríō_):** From χράομαι through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service. In this context, it signifies Jesus' divine commissioning and empowerment by the Holy Spirit for His unique role as the Messiah, the "Anointed One," set apart by God for a specific redemptive mission. This is not a physical anointing but a spiritual one, marking Him as the chosen King, Priest, and Prophet.
* **Power (Greek, _dýnamis_):** From δύναμαι; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself). This word denotes the inherent ability, strength, and might that accompanied Jesus' ministry. It refers to the supernatural capacity with which Jesus operated, enabling His miracles, healings, and authoritative teaching, clearly demonstrating His divine origin and backing.
* **Devil (Greek, _diábolos_):** From διαβάλλω; a traducer; specially, Satan. This term identifies the ultimate spiritual adversary, a slanderer and false accuser, who seeks to oppress humanity. Peter's use of this term clarifies that the suffering and oppression Jesus addressed were not merely physical ailments but often had a spiritual root, highlighting Jesus' victory over the forces of evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and empowerment of Jesus' ministry. It emphasizes that Jesus' authority and effectiveness were not self-derived but were a direct result of God's specific act of anointing Him with the Holy Spirit and supernatural power. The mention of "Nazareth" grounds Jesus' divine mission in His earthly, historical reality, underscoring His humanity alongside His divine commission.
* **"who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;"** This clause describes the active, compassionate, and confrontational nature of Jesus' ministry. "Went about" (Greek _diérchomai_) suggests a pervasive, itinerant ministry. "Doing good" (Greek _euergetéō_) encapsulates His benevolent acts, while "healing all that were oppressed of the devil" specifically identifies the primary targets of His redemptive work: those suffering under the tyrannical influence of evil. This reveals Jesus as the liberator, actively reversing the effects of Satan's dominion.
* **"for God was with him."** This concluding phrase serves as the ultimate theological validation and explanation for Jesus' extraordinary ministry. It affirms the unbroken, intimate communion between Jesus and the Father, indicating that God's constant presence was the source of Jesus' authority, power, and success in every act of good, healing, and deliverance. It underscores the unity of purpose and action within the Godhead in the work of redemption.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 10:38 is a masterful example of **Concise Summary**, distilling the essence of Jesus' entire earthly ministry into a single, potent sentence. It employs **Parallelism** by juxtaposing Jesus' active "doing good" and "healing" with the source of the oppression, "the devil," thereby highlighting His role as the divine counter-force to evil. The phrase "God was with him" functions as a powerful **Theological Statement** and **Causal Explanation**, providing the ultimate reason for Jesus' unparalleled authority and effectiveness. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through the cumulative effect of "anointed... with the Holy Ghost and with power," underscoring the supernatural nature of His mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:38 is a foundational statement for understanding the person and work of Christ, emphasizing His divine appointment and empowerment for a ministry of restoration and liberation. It reveals that God's redemptive plan involves direct confrontation with evil and the active demonstration of His benevolent power through His Son. This verse also serves as a prototype for Spirit-empowered ministry, showing that divine presence and power are essential for effective service, a truth extended to believers through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The inclusion of "healing all that were oppressed of the devil" highlights the comprehensive nature of salvation, which encompasses not only spiritual deliverance but also physical and emotional restoration from the effects of sin and evil.

* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me")
* [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon")
* [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Purpose of the Son of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:38 offers profound insights for believers today, serving as both an inspiration and a blueprint for Spirit-empowered living and ministry. Just as Jesus was uniquely anointed and empowered by the Holy Spirit for His mission, so too are believers called to live and serve in the power of the Spirit, reflecting Christ's character and continuing His work in the world. This verse challenges us to actively "do good" in our spheres of influence, extending compassion, seeking justice, and being agents of healing and restoration in a broken world. It reminds us that our effectiveness in ministry, whether in grand gestures or quiet acts of kindness, flows not from our own strength or wisdom, but from the abiding presence of God and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit working through us. Understanding this truth fosters humility, dependence on God, and boldness in confronting spiritual darkness, knowing that "God was with him" and is with us as we seek to advance His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus' anointing and empowerment by the Holy Spirit inform your own understanding of Christian service and ministry?**
* **In what practical ways can you "go about doing good" in your daily life, reflecting the compassionate nature of Jesus' ministry?**
* **How does the truth that "God was with him" encourage you in the face of challenges or spiritual opposition?**

### FAQ

**What does "anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power" mean in the context of Jesus?**

Answer: This phrase signifies that Jesus, though fully God, was also fully human and, as such, was divinely commissioned and equipped by the Holy Spirit for His earthly ministry. The "anointing" refers to a spiritual consecration, setting Him apart for His unique role as the Messiah (the "Anointed One"). The "power" (Greek _dýnamis_) refers to the supernatural ability and authority that enabled His miracles, healings, and authoritative teaching. It means that His ministry was not merely human effort but was empowered by God Himself through the Holy Spirit, demonstrating His divine authority and the presence of the Kingdom of God ([Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - Kingdom of God Has Come")).

**What does it mean that Jesus healed "all that were oppressed of the devil"?**

Answer: This indicates that Jesus' ministry directly confronted the forces of evil and their effects on humanity. "Oppressed" (Greek _katadynasteúō_) implies being tyrannized, dominated, or held in bondage. This oppression could manifest as physical illnesses, mental anguish, or demonic possession. Peter's statement here highlights Jesus' comprehensive victory over Satan's power, demonstrating that His redemptive work extended to liberating people from all forms of spiritual and physical bondage caused by the devil's influence, fulfilling the prophecy that He would crush the serpent's head ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:38 profoundly illuminates the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. It portrays Jesus as the quintessential "Anointed One," the Messiah, whose entire ministry was a direct manifestation of God's presence and power. His "going about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil" is not merely a historical account but the very essence of His mission to undo the works of the evil one ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Purpose of the Son of God")). Every act of healing, every deliverance from demonic influence, and every word of truth spoken by Jesus pointed to His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross. His anointing by the Spirit at His baptism ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")) inaugurated this Spirit-empowered ministry, culminating in His resurrection and ascension, where He was given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Thus, Acts 10:38 is a powerful summary of the Son of God's active, benevolent, and victorious work, demonstrating that in Him, God Himself drew near to humanity to rescue and restore, ultimately providing eternal salvation and liberation from all forms of oppression through His finished work.

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

Luke 4:18

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Acts 2:22

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 11:2

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

Hebrews 1:9

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.