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 10:38KJVWhat 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.