How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

ACTS 10:38KJV
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Acts 10:38 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:38 mean?

Acts 10:38 describes how God empowered Jesus of Nazareth by anointing him with the Holy Spirit and with power, enabling Jesus to do good and heal those suffering under the devil’s influence, because God was with him. The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ acts of kindness and healing were possible through God’s presence and support.

Peter is speaking to Cornelius and his household, explaining who Jesus was and what he did. Peter highlights that Jesus’ ministry was marked by doing good and freeing people from oppression, and that all of this was possible because God had given Jesus the Holy Spirit and power. This sets up the message that Jesus’ authority and compassion came directly from God.

The Greek behind Acts 10:38

  • "ἀνέχρισεν" (echrisen, anointed): This word means to set someone apart or empower them for a special task. In this context, it shows that Jesus was chosen and equipped by God in a unique way, not just acting on his own.
  • "πνεύματι ἁγίῳ" (pneumati hagiō, Holy Spirit): The phrase refers to the active presence of God’s Spirit. Peter points out that Jesus’ power and goodness were not just human qualities but came from God’s Spirit working through him.
  • "καταδυναστευομένους" (katadynasteuomenous, oppressed): This word carries the sense of being overpowered or dominated, especially by a hostile force. Here, it describes people suffering under the devil’s influence, showing the seriousness of their need and the significance of Jesus’ healing.

Why Acts 10:38 matters

  • Acts 10:38 clarifies that Jesus’ miracles and acts of kindness were not just signs of personal greatness but were the result of God’s Spirit and power working through him.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ ministry directly to God’s will, showing that everything Jesus did was in partnership with God, not in isolation.
  • In the context of Peter’s speech to Gentiles, this verse helps explain to non-Jewish listeners that Jesus’ mission was about bringing relief and goodness to all people, not just a select group.

Where else these words appear

“oppressed” Greek G2616 · used in 2 verses

  • James 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

“anointed” Greek G5548 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
  • Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
  • 2 Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

“Nazareth” Greek G3478 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
  • Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

“healing” Greek G2390 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
  • Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
  • John 5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.