As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "preaching peace" isn't just about avoiding conflict, but about announcing reconciliation with God, made possible because Jesus is truly the "Lord of all"—not just for the Jews, but for everyone. This reminds us that the good news has an all-encompassing authority.
As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter begins by stating God's original message of peace through Jesus Christ was sent first to Israel. He emphasizes that Jesus is the "Lord of all," making it clear this message is not exclusive. This sets the stage for Peter to explain how this same message of peace, and the power of Jesus, has now been extended to Gentiles like Cornelius.
Peter is about to lay out the good news, but he starts by reminding everyone that this message wasn't a last-minute idea. It's rooted in God's own plan.
Peter introduces the core message God sent to Israel: 'preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ.'
The Divine Sender
'The word which God sent' emphasizes that this message originates from God Himself, not from human invention. It's a divine communication.
The Content: Peace
The 'good news of peace' points to reconciliation. This isn't just the absence of conflict, but a deep, restorative peace – primarily reconciliation with God, and also, as the context implies, between previously divided groups like Jews and Gentiles.
The Means: Jesus Christ
This peace is 'through Jesus Christ.' He is the channel and the embodiment of God's peace-making work.
Peter doesn't just call Jesus a messenger or a prophet. He states His identity with a powerful declaration that changes everything.
The parenthetical phrase '(he is Lord of all)' is crucial. It's not an afterthought; it's the foundation for why this message of peace is for everyone.
Universal Authority
Calling Jesus 'Lord of all' means He has supreme authority and dominion over every person, nation, and creation. This isn't limited to one group.
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Impartiality of God
This truth explains why God is impartial. If Jesus is Lord of all, then His good news of peace must extend to all people, not just a select few. Peter's understanding, greatly expanded by his vision, is that God's plan through Christ is for universal reconciliation.
The Basis for Inclusion
Because Jesus is Lord of all, the message of peace He brings isn't exclusive. It's the ultimate reason God accepts anyone, of any background, who fears Him and does righteousness.
Understand the original words
logos · Greek Noun
The message or communication from God, often referring to the gospel or the totality of God's revealed truth. It signifies both the content of the message and the divine authority behind it.
euangelizomai · Greek Verb
The gospel or message of salvation; the announcement of victory or the arrival of a king, specifically focusing on the reconciliation between God and humanity.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
The Hebrew concept of 'shalom' (wholeness, harmony, welfare), denoting the state of reconciliation with God made possible through the work of Christ.
kyrios · Greek Noun
The title 'Kurios' implies absolute sovereignty, ownership, and divine authority over all creation, affirming Christ's equality with the Father.
This verse lands in a pivotal moment when the early Christian message, initially focused on Israel, is clearly being expanded to include Gentiles. Peter's speech to Cornelius is a landmark, articulating how Jesus, the one sent to Israel, is actually the 'Lord of all'.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus begins his public ministry, preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, and ultimately being crucified and resurrected.
c. 30-33 AD
Early Church in Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles begin preaching in Jerusalem, experiencing the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and seeing rapid growth in their community.
c. 33-40 AD
Scattered Believers Preach
Persecution scatters some believers beyond Jerusalem, leading them to share the gospel in new regions, including Samaria and Judea.
c. 40 AD
Peter's Vision in Joppa
Peter has a series of visions involving animals and Gentiles, preparing him to understand that God's salvation is for all people, not just Jews.
c. 40 AD— this verse
Peter Visits Cornelius
Guided by the visions, Peter travels to Caesarea to meet Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion. Peter preaches the gospel message directly to Cornelius and his household, who then receive the Holy Spirit.
This verse speaks of the promised child who will be called the 'Prince of Peace,' directly paralleling Jesus' role in bringing peace to all.
Luke 2:14This passage echoes the message of 'peace on earth' proclaimed by the angels at Jesus' birth, highlighting the universal scope of His mission.
John 14:27Jesus Himself speaks of leaving His peace with His disciples, emphasizing that His peace is a divine gift distinct from the world's. This connects to the 'peace' Peter proclaims.
Romans 5:1Paul elaborates on the result of justification by faith, which is 'peace with God' through Jesus Christ. This deepens the understanding of the 'peace' being preached.
Ephesians 2:14This verse directly states that Jesus 'is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,' underscoring the breaking down of barriers implied in Peter's message.
barnesActs 10:36: "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)"
The word - That is, this is the Word, or "the doctrine." Few passages in the New Testament have perplexed critics more than this. It has been difficult to ascertain to what the term "word" in the accusative case τὸν λόγον ton logon here refers. Our translation would lead us to suppose that it is synonymous with what is said in the following verse. But it should be remarke…
jfbActs 10:36: "The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)"
36-38. the word … sent unto the children of Israel—for to them (he would have them distinctly know) the Gospel was first preached, even as the facts of it took place on the special theater of the ancient economy.preaching peace by Jesus Christ—the glorious sum of all Gospel truth (1Co 1:20-22).he is Lord of all—exalted to embrace under the canopy of His peace, Jew and Gentile…
The phrase "preaching peace" isn't just about avoiding conflict, but about announcing reconciliation with God, made possible because Jesus is truly the "Lord of all"—not just for the Jews, but for everyone. This reminds us that the good news has an all-encompassing authority.
Peter begins by stating God's original message of peace through Jesus Christ was sent first to Israel. He emphasizes that Jesus is the "Lord of all," making it clear this message is not exclusive. This sets the stage for Peter to explain how this same message of peace, and the power of Jesus, has now been extended to Gentiles like Cornelius.
Peter begins by stating God's original message of peace through Jesus Christ was sent first to Israel. He emphasizes that Jesus is the "Lord of all," making it clear this message is not exclusive. This sets the stage for Peter to explain how this same message of peace, and the power of Jesus, has now been extended to Gentiles like Cornelius.
"As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)," — The phrase "preaching peace" isn't just about avoiding conflict, but about announcing reconciliation with God, made possible because Jesus is truly the "Lord of all"—not just for the Jews, but for ev…
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Last reviewed October 2026