Acts 10:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 10:38
38 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.
Chapter Context
Acts 10 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 10:38
38 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.
Analysis
Peter testified: '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.' The anointing with the Spirit (at Jesus' baptism) equipped Christ for His messianic ministry. Peter summarized Jesus' earthly work - doing good, healing, and liberating those oppressed by Satan. This demonstrates Christ's power over demonic forces and His compassionate ministry. Reformed Christology maintains that Christ's human nature, though sinless, needed the Spirit's empowerment for ministry, modeling Spirit-dependence for all ministry.
Historical Context
Jesus' ministry occurred circa AD 27-30 throughout Galilee, Judea, and surrounding regions. His healing and deliverance ministry demonstrated the kingdom of God breaking into Satan's domain (Luke 11:20). Peter and the apostles were eyewitnesses to these works (v.39).
Reflection
- How did the Spirit's anointing equip Jesus for His messianic ministry?
- What does Jesus' healing ministry reveal about the kingdom of God?
- How does Christ's victory over demonic oppression give hope to those suffering spiritual oppression today?
Word Studies
- Holy: ἅγιος (Hagios) G40 - Holy, sacred, set apart
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Acts 2:22, John 3:2
- References God: Hebrews 1:9
- Spirit: Isaiah 11:2, 42:1, Matthew 12:28, Luke 4:18, John 3:34
- Evil: Psalms 45:7
- Holy: Luke 3:22