What did Peter learn about God accepting people in every nation?
At Cornelius’s house, Peter perceived that God is no respecter of persons. He learned that acceptance with God is not limited to Israel; in every nation, the one who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word still came to Israel first, but every nation is included.
Les explains that Peter came to Cornelius with trepidations, yet the miraculous working and timing between Cornelius and himself brought him to say, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” In verse 35, Peter declares that in every nation—not just Israel—the one who fears God and works righteousness is accepted with Him. Les notes the word still came to the children of Israel first, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Peter then recounts Jesus’ ministry: anointed by the Holy Spirit and power, doing good, healing those oppressed of the devil, because God was with Him. Peter says they were witnesses of all He did in the land of the Jews and Jerusalem. Jesus stayed within Palestine/Israel to fulfill the Abrahamic promises and covenant, not going to Egypt, Syria, Babylon, or Africa.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
More Questions
Why did Peter say that God is no respecter of persons?
When Peter realized that God was in the Gentile event, Peter said that he truly perceives that God is no respecter of persons.