Acts 10:43

KJV

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

KJV (with Strong's)

To him {G5129} give {G3140} all {G3956} the prophets {G4396} witness {G3140}, that through {G1223} his {G846} name {G3686} whosoever {G3956} believeth {G4100} in {G1519} him {G846} shall receive {G2983} remission {G859} of sins {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the prophets bear witness to him, that everyone who puts his trust in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Berean Standard Bible

All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

American Standard Version

To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 10:43 stands as a pivotal declaration within Peter's sermon to Cornelius's household, succinctly articulating the universal scope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse powerfully asserts that the entire prophetic tradition of the Old Testament bears witness to Jesus, affirming that through His authoritative name, anyone who believes in Him will receive the complete forgiveness of their sins, thereby dismantling the traditional barriers between Jew and Gentile in the early Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 10:43 concludes Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his household, immediately following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon these Gentiles, an event that profoundly shocked the Jewish believers present. This sermon itself is framed by two divine visions: Peter's vision of the sheet containing unclean animals, instructing him to "Kill and eat" ([Acts 10:13](/acts/10-13 "Acts 10:13 - Peter's Vision of Unclean Animals")), and Cornelius's vision of an angel directing him to send for Peter ([Acts 10:3-6](/acts/10-3-6 "Acts 10:3-6 - Cornelius's Vision")). The verse serves as the theological climax of Peter's message, explaining *why* these Gentiles are receiving the Spirit and *how* salvation is now universally accessible, directly leading to their baptism in [Acts 10:47-48](/acts/10-47-48 "Acts 10:47-48 - Gentiles Baptized").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Caesarea, a Roman city and the administrative capital of Judea, signifying a move beyond the Jewish heartland of Jerusalem. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, represents the Gentile world, a group traditionally considered outside the covenant promises of Israel. Jewish law and custom strictly forbade association with Gentiles, especially eating with them ([Acts 10:28](/acts/10-28 "Acts 10:28 - Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality")). Peter's presence in a Gentile home, and his subsequent declaration of universal salvation, directly challenged deeply ingrained Jewish particularism. This event marked a revolutionary shift, demonstrating God's impartiality and the breaking down of the "dividing wall" between Jew and Gentile, paving the way for the church's expansion into the wider Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes prevalent in Acts and the broader New Testament. It highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy**, asserting that Jesus' coming and redemptive work were not unforeseen but divinely orchestrated and foretold by the Old Testament prophets ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains Prophetic Fulfillment")). It underscores the **authority and power of Jesus' name**, signifying His person, mission, and the saving efficacy of His atoning work ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Most significantly, it proclaims **universal salvation by faith**, emphasizing that "whosoever believeth" (Greek: _pas ho pisteuōn_) can receive forgiveness, transcending ethnic and social boundaries ([Romans 10:12-13](/romans/10-12-13 "Romans 10:12-13 - No Distinction Between Jew and Greek")). Finally, it articulates the core benefit of this salvation: the **remission of sins**, which is central to reconciliation with God ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **witness (Greek, _martyréō'_):** This verb means "to be a witness, i.e., testify." Its use here emphasizes that the Old Testament prophets did not merely hint at the Messiah but actively bore testimony to Him. Their writings served as divine evidence, confirming Jesus' identity and mission as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. This underscores the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, showing that Christ is not a new, isolated phenomenon but the fulfillment of long-standing divine revelation.
* **believeth (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** Derived from _pistis_ (faith), this verb signifies "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.2., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." It denotes not merely intellectual assent but a profound commitment, trust, and reliance on Jesus. This active, personal faith is presented as the sole condition for receiving the benefits of salvation, making it accessible to all who genuinely respond.
* **remission (Greek, _áphesis'_):** From _aphíēmi_ ("to send away, let go"), this noun means "freedom; (figuratively) pardon." When applied to sins, it signifies a complete release, dismissal, or cancellation of the debt and guilt of sin. It is a profound spiritual liberation, setting one free from the bondage and penalty of sin, and restoring a right relationship with God. This is not a mere covering but a full and final pardon achieved through Christ's atoning work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him give all the prophets witness":** This clause establishes the deep roots of the Christian message in the Hebrew Scriptures. Peter asserts that the entire body of prophetic literature in the Old Testament unequivocally points to Jesus. This witness is not partial or obscure but comprehensive ("all the prophets"), demonstrating God's consistent plan of salvation revealed progressively through history.
* **"that through his name":** This phrase identifies the means by which salvation is accomplished. "His name" refers not just to the literal utterance of "Jesus" but to His entire person, authority, character, and the redemptive work He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. It signifies the power and efficacy inherent in who Jesus is and what He has done. Salvation is mediated *through* His unique identity and divine authority.
* **"whosoever believeth in him":** This is a radical declaration of inclusivity. The Greek word _pâs_ (whosoever/all) emphasizes the universal scope of the offer, extending salvation beyond any ethnic, social, or religious boundary. The condition is simple: belief *in* Him, indicating a personal trust, reliance, and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior. This phrase directly challenges the Jewish notion of exclusive covenant privilege.
* **"shall receive remission of sins":** This clause states the ultimate outcome and benefit of believing in Jesus. "Remission of sins" signifies complete forgiveness, cleansing, and liberation from the guilt, power, and penalty of sin. It is the restoration of a right relationship with God, made possible by Christ's atoning sacrifice. This is the core of the Gospel message—a complete pardon and spiritual freedom for all who believe.

#### Literary Devices
Peter's declaration in Acts 10:43 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Assertion**, as Peter authoritatively declares a foundational truth of the Gospel, leaving no room for doubt regarding the prophetic witness to Christ and the universal availability of salvation. There is also a strong element of **Fulfillment**, as the verse explicitly links Jesus's mission to the long-awaited prophecies of the Old Testament, presenting Him as the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The phrase "whosoever believeth in him" utilizes **Universalism**, a rhetorical device that emphatically broadens the scope of God's grace, challenging the prevailing particularism of the time and highlighting the boundless nature of divine mercy. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Theological Declaration**, a concise and weighty statement of core Christian doctrine, designed to instruct and persuade the listeners about the nature of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 10:43 is a theological linchpin, affirming God's impartiality and the singular means of salvation through Christ. It underscores that God's plan has always been to redeem humanity, not just one nation, and that this redemption is freely offered to all who respond in faith. This verse bridges the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that the prophets' foresight culminates in Jesus, who alone provides forgiveness for sins. It highlights the profound shift from a covenant primarily focused on a specific lineage to a new covenant accessible to all people by grace through faith, emphasizing the radical inclusivity of the Gospel.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
* [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation"): "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 10:43 offers profound encouragement and clear direction for believers today. It reminds us that the Gospel message is not a new invention but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan, consistently revealed through history. This continuity provides a firm foundation for our faith, assuring us that God's promises are trustworthy and His redemptive purposes are unwavering. The emphasis on "whosoever believeth" should ignite in us a passionate commitment to global missions and evangelism, recognizing that the offer of salvation is genuinely for every person, regardless of their background, past sins, or current circumstances. It calls us to embody God's impartiality in our own lives, extending grace and the message of hope without prejudice. Furthermore, the promise of "remission of sins" assures us of complete forgiveness and freedom, empowering us to live lives unburdened by guilt and shame, walking in the newness of life that Christ provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prophetic witness to Jesus strengthen your confidence in the truth and reliability of the Christian faith?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to place conditions or limitations on God's "whosoever" offer of salvation, and how can Acts 10:43 challenge those tendencies?**
* **What does "remission of sins" truly mean for your daily life, and how does it empower you to live differently?**
* **How can the universal scope of salvation in this verse inspire your involvement in sharing the Gospel with others, particularly those from different cultural or social backgrounds?**

### FAQ
**Who are "all the prophets" that give witness to Jesus?**

Answer: "All the prophets" refers to the entire body of Old Testament prophetic writings. This includes major prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, as well as the twelve minor prophets, and even figures like Moses (who is considered a prophet in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")) and David (whose psalms contain prophetic elements). Peter's point is that the consistent theme throughout these diverse prophetic voices, spanning centuries, was the anticipation of a coming Messiah who would bring salvation and forgiveness. Their collective testimony, therefore, provides irrefutable evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the one foretold by God Himself.

**What does it mean to receive "remission of sins" through Jesus' name?**

Answer: To receive "remission of sins" (Greek: _aphesis hamartiōn_) means to experience a complete and total forgiveness, a cancellation of the debt and guilt associated with one's transgressions against God. It signifies being set free from the spiritual bondage and penalty of sin. This remission is granted "through his name," which is not merely a magical incantation but refers to the full authority, power, and person of Jesus Christ. It encompasses His divine identity, His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His resurrection. Trusting in His name means placing one's faith in Him and His finished work as the sole basis for reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sins ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 10:43 presents a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, demonstrating that Jesus is the very culmination and embodiment of God's redemptive plan foretold by "all the prophets." He is the promised Messiah, the one to whom the entire Old Testament narrative points, from the earliest promises of a deliverer in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium") to the detailed prophecies of His suffering and glory in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Peter's declaration affirms that Jesus, through His life, atoning death, and resurrection, perfectly fulfilled these ancient prophecies, becoming the sole means by which humanity can receive forgiveness. It is through His authoritative "name"—His person, power, and accomplished work—that the "remission of sins" is now universally available. He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one who bore our sins in His own body on the tree ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")), and the only mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). Thus, Acts 10:43 powerfully proclaims that all of God's redemptive promises find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), making Him the central figure of salvation history and the only hope for humanity's reconciliation with 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

Zechariah 13:1

¶ In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Isaiah 53:11

He shall see of the travail of his soul, [and] shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

John 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.