But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

ACTS 10:35KJV
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Acts 10:35 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:35 mean?

Acts 10:35 says that in every nation, anyone who respects God and does what is right is welcomed by God. This verse highlights that God’s acceptance is not limited by nationality or background, but is open to all who honor Him and live rightly.

Peter is speaking to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household, explaining that God does not show favoritism based on ethnicity. This moment is significant because it marks a turning point where the message about Jesus is clearly opened to non-Jews. The verse emphasizes that what matters to God is a person’s attitude toward Him and their actions, not their cultural or religious background.

The Greek behind Acts 10:35

  • ἔθνος (ethnos, G1484): This word means "nation" or "people group." Here, it stresses that God’s acceptance is not restricted to the Jewish people but extends to every group.
  • φοβούμενος (phoboumenos, G5399): Translated as "feareth," this word means to deeply respect or revere God, not just to be afraid. It points to a genuine, respectful relationship with God.
  • δεκτός (dektos, G1184): Translated as "accepted," this word means "welcomed" or "approved." It shows that God actively receives those who honor Him and do right, regardless of their background.

Why Acts 10:35 matters

  • Acts 10:35 clears up the idea that God only accepts people from a certain nation or background; it shows that God’s welcome is for all who seek Him sincerely.
  • The verse is a key turning point in Acts, showing the early Christian movement opening up to Gentiles (non-Jews) and not just the Jewish community.
  • This statement from Peter helps explain why the rest of the chapter focuses on the Holy Spirit coming upon Gentiles, confirming that God’s acceptance is truly universal.

Where else these words appear

“accepted” Greek G1184 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 4:19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
  • Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

“worketh” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 13:41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“righteousness” Greek G1343 · used in 85 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
  • Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

“feareth” Greek G5399 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • Acts 13:26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.