To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

ACTS 10:43KJV
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Acts 10:43 (KJV)

What does Acts 10:43 mean?

Acts 10:43 says that all the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures testified about Jesus, declaring that anyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name. The verse emphasizes that this promise is open to everyone who puts their trust in Jesus, not just a select group.

Peter is speaking to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household—people who were not Jewish by birth. Peter is explaining that the message about Jesus is not new or isolated; it is the fulfillment of what the prophets had already spoken. This verse comes as Peter is making clear that faith in Jesus brings forgiveness, and this offer is available to all, regardless of background.

The Greek behind Acts 10:43

  • ὄνομα (onoma, "name"): In Greek, "name" often carries the sense of authority or character. Here, receiving forgiveness "through his name" means trusting in who Jesus is and what he represents.
  • πᾶς (pas, "whosoever"/"all"): This word stresses that there are no exclusions—anyone who believes is included, which is especially important in this context where Gentiles are being welcomed.
  • ἄφεσις (aphesis, "remission"): This word means release or forgiveness, often used for canceling debts. It highlights that what is being offered is a real, complete forgiveness of sins.

Why Acts 10:43 matters

  • Acts 10:43 makes clear that the message about Jesus is rooted in the testimony of all the prophets, showing continuity between the Old Testament and the gospel.
  • The verse highlights the universal scope of forgiveness—anyone, regardless of background, can receive it by believing in Jesus.
  • This statement is pivotal in the story of Acts, as it marks the moment when the early Christian message is explicitly opened to Gentiles, not just Jews.

Where else these words appear

“remission” Greek G859 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 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 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

“give” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
  • John 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

“him” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.