Acts 10:34
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Original Language Analysis
Ἀνοίξας
opened
G455
Ἀνοίξας
opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
1 of 15
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 15
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόμα
his mouth
G4750
στόμα
his mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
5 of 15
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
Ἐπ
Of
G1909
Ἐπ
Of
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καταλαμβάνομαι
I perceive
G2638
καταλαμβάνομαι
I perceive
Strong's:
G2638
Word #:
9 of 15
to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
προσωπολήπτης
respecter of persons
G4381
προσωπολήπτης
respecter of persons
Strong's:
G4381
Word #:
13 of 15
an accepter of a face (individual), i.e., (specially), one exhibiting partiality
Cross References
Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.2 Chronicles 19:7Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.Deuteronomy 10:17For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:Colossians 3:25But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.Job 34:19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.Ephesians 6:9And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.Luke 20:21And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:1 Peter 1:17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:James 2:9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Historical Context
Spoken in Cornelius' Caesarea home after Peter's rooftop vision (vv.9-16) broke down dietary laws and Jewish-Gentile separation. Peter, a strict Jew, initially resisted entering a Gentile house (v.28), but the Spirit's prompting overcame cultural taboos. This moment foreshadowed the Jerusalem Council's decision (Acts 15) to accept Gentile believers without circumcision. Cornelius was a Roman centurion, God-fearing but uncircumcised.
Questions for Reflection
- What cultural or traditional barriers prevent you from recognizing God's impartiality?
- How does God challenge your assumptions about who is 'acceptable' for salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons—Peter's declaration marks epochal shift: salvation is offered to Gentiles without requiring Jewish conversion. The phrase 'no respecter of persons' (οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολήμπτης) means God shows no partiality based on ethnicity, status, or religious pedigree. The vision of clean/unclean animals (vv.9-16) and the Spirit's directive (vv.19-20) forced Peter beyond Jewish exclusivism. I perceive (καταλαμβάνομαι) indicates fresh realization—Peter grasps truth he should have known from Scripture but required supernatural intervention to accept.