MPV Commentary

First and foremost, we see that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). This means He doesn't show favoritism based on social status, nationality, or background. Instead, His acceptance is based solely on personal character and spiritual state.

In every nation, those who fear Him and work righteousness are accepted by Him (Acts 10:35). Here, Peter uses the well-known Old Testament phraseology to describe the truly godly person within revealed religion. It's clear that he intends to describe exactly such saintship – in its internal spirituality and external fruitfulness – as God has already pronounced genuine and approved.

The word of God was first preached to the children of Israel (Acts 10:36), and it's a message of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (Acts 10:36). This glorious sum of Gospel truth encompasses both Jew and Gentile alike, whom the blood of His Cross has cemented into one reconciled and accepted family of God.

Peter then shares the facts about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. He explains that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power at His baptism (Acts 10:38), visibly proclaiming Him Messiah. Afterward, He went about doing good, holding up the beneficent character of all His miracles.

The apostles were witnesses to these events, not objects of superstitious reverence but simply witnesses to the great historical facts on which the Gospel is founded. They saw Jesus slain and hanged on a tree (Acts 10:39), and He showed Himself openly to them after His resurrection, though not to all people.

Peter concludes by saying that forgiveness through this exalted One is available to everyone. To Him give all the prophets witness, that whoever believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43). This was a noble practical conclusion to his discourse, especially with reference to the Gentile audience before him.

As Peter spoke, the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, and they began speaking with tongues and magnifying God (Acts 10:44-46). The Jewish believers were astonished because the Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles without circumcision. This event marked a significant turning point in the early church's understanding of who could receive salvation.

Peter then asked if anyone could forbid water for those who had received the Holy Spirit, just as they had (Acts 10:47). He argued that since these Gentiles had received the living discipleship and were visibly stamped with it, what objection could there be to admitting them into the full fellowship of the Church through baptism? Peter commanded them to be baptized, not doing it himself but rather instructing others to do so. He then prayed for Cornelius to stay a few more days, likely to enjoy Christian fellowship and receive further teaching on the topics discussed.