Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. (35) But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (36) The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all – (37) that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him
The book of Acts was written by Luke; physician, historian, writer of the gospel, and frequent and beloved companion of the apostle Paul. After the resurrection of Christ Jesus, God has been breaking down Peter’s Jewish prejudices. Peter and most Jews of their day believed everyone could become a Christian but must first become a Jew. The Mosaic Law has been swept away in an instant and now Gentiles are clearly saved and receive the Holy Spirit in the same manner as the Jews did on the day of Pentecost. This was a radical turning point in God’s eternal plan of salvation; the Gentiles and the Jews are the same in God’s eyes. Everyone who believes in Christ receives God’s salvation – it is not based on national identity nor based on good works.
Whenever a man/woman is seeking after God it is because God is working to draw them to Himself. God works differently with different people, using certain means to save people. Salvation is always of the Lord, by God’s free grace and it centers on the personal work of Christ. We have all sinned (in Adam) and all fall short of the glory of God. Jesus Christ is God’s only means of peace. Christ is Lord of all and He is also to be the judge of the living and the dead. He paid the debt that man deserves. We will be judged by one thing – whether we repented of our sins and accepted Christ as our Savior. In the promises of Abraham and all those of the Messiah the Gentiles were to be included. Salvation is through Christ and in faith alone. It is a free gift from God in Christ’s atoning work.
Peter realized through a divine vision that God does not show favoritism but accepts man from every nation who fears God and does what’s right. The great truth of salvation applies not to those only who know the name of Christ and believe on Him but to all who in all ages and countries “fear God” according to the measure of their knowledge and who work righteousness according to their belief and opportunities.