Acts 10:34-37 - God does not show favouritism

10:34,35

So Peter began to speak, and he begin by reminding them of the impartiality of God. This was a theme from the beginning of the Bible. It states it explicitly in Deut 10:17, but is a feature of God’s dealing with Israel. Here Peter is preparing the way for Cornelius and his fellow Gentiles to know that they too can know God. We maybe find v35 difficult, for we immediately think “you cannot earn salvation”, while this verse seems to imply that in a way we can, or it at least plays some part. There are two things to note. First, the Bible is clear throughout that good character and good behaviour are good! It is better to be good than bad. So any thinking that says it makes no difference or is totally irrelevant is nonsense. Secondly, any of us who come to God need to repent, we are all sinners and are all in need of grace.

10:36,37

Something was known about the life of Jesus and the subsequent birth of the church in the world beyond Israel, at least among the Gentiles who lived in the region. The gospel is a message of peace, though not as the world often thinks of peace. Indeed, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives” (John 14:27). The peace that is in the gospel, that comes through Jesus Christ, is one that requires repentance, and gives a forgiveness of sins. “Lord of all” was a Jewish term referring to God, and here is applied to Jesus, demonstrating how they thought of Him. There may also be a contrast with the Roman Emperor, who was also called “lord” and claimed to bring peace. Cornelius and his friends and family were aware of what had happened in Judea from the time of Jesus’ baptism onwards, and they were also aware of John’s baptism. In fact news of John the Baptist seems to have travelled far and wide (Acts 18:25; 19:3).