Acts 10:35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἔθνει
nation
G1484
ἔθνει
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
4 of 13
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φοβούμενος
he that feareth
G5399
φοβούμενος
he that feareth
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
6 of 13
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐργαζόμενος
worketh
G2038
ἐργαζόμενος
worketh
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
9 of 13
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
10 of 13
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
Cross References
1 John 2:29If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.Acts 10:2A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.Acts 15:9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.Proverbs 1:7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.Proverbs 16:6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.Acts 9:31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
Historical Context
Cornelius exemplified this principle - a Gentile who feared God and did righteous acts (Acts 10:2), yet still needed the gospel (Acts 11:14). His fear and works didn't save him but demonstrated God's preparatory work in his heart, leading to hearing and believing the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine saving faith manifest in godly fear and righteous works?
- What is the relationship between fearing God and being accepted by Him?
- How do we balance affirming salvation by grace alone while acknowledging that true faith produces works?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter continued: 'But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.' This doesn't teach salvation by works but describes the character of genuine faith - it produces godly fear and righteous works. The Reformed understanding sees this as evidence of regeneration, not the basis of acceptance. True faith, wherever found, manifests in fear of God and righteous living. The phrase 'in every nation' establishes the gospel's universal scope - God saves His elect from all peoples through faith in Christ.