Acts 10:36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts 10:36 (KJV)
Context
Peter speaks these words to the household of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. This moment is pivotal in the early church because it marks the inclusion of Gentiles in the message of salvation. The verse introduces Peter’s sermon, transitioning from his preface about God’s impartiality to the proclamation of the gospel centered on Jesus Christ.
Meaning
The verse begins by acknowledging that the word Peter shares was sent by God Himself. This emphasizes God’s initiative in communicating with humanity, demonstrating His love and desire to reveal His plan of salvation. The message was initially directed to the children of Israel, the Jewish people, whom God had chosen as His special covenant people through Abraham and subsequent generations. The promises and prophecies given to Israel set the stage for the coming of the Messiah.
The central message of this word is peace, proclaimed through Jesus Christ. The term “preaching” implies that the good news of peace was announced openly. Jesus Christ came to bring peace between God and humanity through His sacrificial death on the cross, reconciling sinners to the Father. This peace is the good news of reconciliation with God, accomplished through Christ.
The verse concludes with the crucial declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. This statement is significant in the context of Cornelius’s household because it affirms that Christ’s lordship extends beyond Israel to all people, including Gentiles. The Greek text emphasizes this by stating “this One is Lord of all.” His divine authority and sovereignty are not confined to a specific group or nation but extend to all people, irrespective of ethnicity or background.
Application
In Acts 10:36, Peter conveys the essence of the Gospel message—God’s initiative to bring peace to humanity through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. It reveals God’s plan of salvation, initially directed towards Israel but ultimately meant for all people. The verse sets the stage for the transformative events that follow in Acts 10, where Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit and are welcomed into the body of believers.
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s inclusive love and the universal scope of His redemptive work. It calls us to embrace Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and to share the good news of peace with others, extending God’s invitation of salvation to all.
Reflection
Consider the wonder that the Lord of all—the sovereign ruler of creation—offers peace to every person, regardless of background. How does this truth shape the way you view others and share the gospel?
