Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

ACTS 10:34KJV
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Acts 10:34 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:34 mean?

Acts 10:34 shows Peter declaring that God does not show favoritism or partiality toward anyone. Peter realizes that God treats all people equally, regardless of their background or status.

Peter is speaking to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household. This moment is significant because Peter, a Jewish follower of Jesus, is recognizing that God's acceptance is not limited to the Jewish people. The verse marks a turning point in the early Christian movement, showing that the message about Jesus is meant for everyone, not just one group.

The Greek behind Acts 10:34

  • πρόσωπον (prosōpon, "persons"): This Greek word literally means "face" or "appearance," but here it refers to showing partiality or judging by outward status. Peter is saying God does not judge based on external factors like ethnicity, rank, or social standing.
  • ἀληθείας (alētheias, "truth"): The Greek word for "truth" emphasizes that Peter's realization is a genuine and important insight, not just an opinion or passing thought.

Why Acts 10:34 matters

  • Acts 10:34 clears up the idea that God prefers one nation or group over another, which was a common assumption in Peter's time.
  • The verse highlights a major shift in the early church, as the message of Jesus begins to reach non-Jewish people.
  • Peter's statement sets the stage for the rest of Acts 10, where Gentiles are openly welcomed into the community of believers, showing the inclusive nature of God's love.

Where else these words appear

“perceive” Greek G2638 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
  • John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
  • 1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.