God’s Impartial Grace Manifested through the Gospel
Acts 10:34–43 (NASB95)
34Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. 36“The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— 37you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39“We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. 40“God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42“And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43“Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”
In Acts 10:34–43, Peter delivers a concise yet profound summary of the Gospel—a message that encapsulates the essence of Jesus’s ministry and establishes the foundation for the Church’s universal mission. Peter begins by declaring, “Of a truth, God shows no partiality,” a statement that dismantles long-held Jewish barriers by affirming that God accepts all who fear Him, believe, and do what is right. With this exordium, Peter sets the stage for his narration of Jesus’s ministry. He goes on to recount how Jesus went about doing good, healing the sick, and delivering those oppressed by the devil. This account not only parallels the deeds recorded in Luke’s Gospel but also reinforces the continuity of Jesus's anointing with the Holy Spirit—a hallmark of His divine mission and identity.
Peter reminds his hearers that Jesus, after being crucified on a cross, was raised by God and appeared to chosen witnesses. This basis in eyewitness testimony lends credibility to his proclamation and reflects the verified accounts of Jesus’s resurrection in the Gospels. Concluding his message, Peter emphasizes that “everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” This climactic proclamation highlights the universal invitation to salvation—a salvation not limited by ethnicity, culture, or past transgressions, but available to all who trust in Jesus.
This passage challenges us today to reflect the inclusive heart of our Lord in every aspect of our community. As Peter’s words break down human prejudices and reaffirm that God shows no partiality, the modern Church must actively dismantle barriers that separate people—be they cultural, socioeconomic, or ideological. Let us commit to welcoming everyone who earnestly seeks God, ensuring our outreach and fellowship embody the Gospel’s promise of forgiveness and transformation through Jesus. In our preaching, teaching, and everyday interactions, may we declare the message of salvation boldly and graciously, inviting those from all walks of life to experience the redeeming love of our Savior.
In His Service,
Ryan Goodnight