Peter emphasizes that Jesus’ miracles weren't just acts of kindness, but powerful demonstrations of God’s direct intervention against the devil’s oppressive force. The term for "oppressed" suggests a heavy, forceful rule, highlighting that Jesus' healing wasn't merely therapeutic but a reclaiming of those forcefully held by evil. This reveals Jesus' mission as a spiritual battle, actively liberating people from demonic influence.
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is explaining to Cornelius and his household how God's favor has extended beyond Israel to the Gentiles. He begins by recounting Jesus' ministry, highlighting that Jesus of Nazareth was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good and heal, demonstrating God's presence with him. This sets the stage for Peter's declaration that salvation through Jesus is now available to everyone, regardless of their background.
Peter doesn't just say Jesus healed people. He points to a specific divine empowerment that set Jesus apart. What does it mean to be 'anointed'?
The word 'anointed' in this verse is a direct link to Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the Christ. In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil as a sign that God had set them apart for a special task.
Peter is reminding Cornelius and his household that Jesus of Nazareth was not just a man, but God's chosen One, equipped with the Holy Spirit and power specifically for his redemptive mission. This anointing wasn't just a title; it was the divine enablement for everything He did. It was the source of His authority and His ability to fulfill God's plan.
Jesus' life was marked by tangible acts of kindness and extraordinary power. What was the nature of this 'doing good' and 'healing'?
Peter describes Jesus as one who 'went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.' This wasn't just general benevolence; it was a powerful demonstration against the forces of evil.
Ask a follow-up
The verse ends with a simple, profound statement: 'for God was with him.' How does this explain Jesus' entire ministry?
The concluding phrase, 'for God was with him,' is not a mere observation; it's the ultimate explanation for Jesus' unique power and effectiveness. It confirms that His actions weren't independent feats but were empowered and validated by God's direct presence and endorsement.
This presence meant several things:
Understand the original words
chriō · Greek Verb
The act of setting someone apart for a divine office or task; in the Old Testament, it signifies being chosen by God for leadership (prophet, priest, king), fulfilled perfectly in Christ's mission.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, the agent of God's presence, power, and sanctification in the lives of believers and the earthly ministry of Jesus.
diabolos · Greek Noun
The malevolent spiritual adversary of God and humanity, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but is decisively defeated by Christ.
martys · Greek Noun
Those who have personally observed an event and are tasked with declaring its truth to others, specifically referring to the apostles' role in authenticating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
xylon · Greek Noun
A term used in the New Testament to refer to the cross, invoking the imagery of Deuteronomy 21:23 regarding those under a curse, highlighting the substitutionary nature of Jesus' death.
Peter's message highlights Jesus' divine anointing and power, emphasizing that his miracles, including healing those oppressed by the devil, were clear demonstrations of God's presence and authority, validating Jesus as the Messiah to a diverse audience, including Gentiles like Cornelius.
c. AD 27
Jesus' Baptism and Anointing
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him, signifying his divine anointing for ministry.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, performing miracles, healing the sick, casting out demons, and preaching the message of the Kingdom of God.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, providing the ultimate proof of his divine authority and the power of God.
c. AD 30-33
Early Church Growth in Judea
Following Pentecost, the disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, preach boldly in Jerusalem and Judea, with many signs and wonders following.
c. AD 33-34
Persecution and Scattering of Believers
Believers in Jesus face increasing persecution in Jerusalem, leading many to scatter throughout Judea and Samaria.
c. AD 41-54
Roman Rule and Social Climate
During the reigns of Claudius and Nero, Roman rule in Judea is complex, with varying degrees of tolerance and tension towards new religious movements like early Christianity.
This Old Testament passage describes the Spirit of the Lord God being upon the one sent to proclaim good news, heal the brokenhearted, and announce freedom – directly echoing the anointing and mission of Jesus described in Acts.
Matthew 3:16-17The account of Jesus' baptism shows the Spirit descending like a dove and a voice from heaven declaring Him as God's Son, confirming the divine anointing and empowerment Peter describes.
Luke 4:18-19Jesus Himself quotes from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, stating the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him to proclaim good news and freedom, directly linking His ministry to the prophetic declaration and Peter's summary.
John 3:2Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus' miraculous works, stating 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him,' which perfectly aligns with Peter's assertion that God was with Jesus.
Acts 2:22Peter previously preached in Jerusalem, calling Jesus 'a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him,' reinforcing the theme of divine empowerment and attestation through miracles.
ellicottActs 10:38: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
(38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth. —In the Greek structure the name stands in apposition with the “word” in the two previous verses—“Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him.” The word “anointed” is used with distinct reference to the name of Christ in Acts 10:35 , and assumes a knowledge of the facts connect…
clarkeActs 10:38: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth - Here the apostle refers to Christ as the promised Messiah; for, as Messiah signifies the anointed one, and Christ has the same signification in Greek, and the Messiah, according to the prophets, and the expectation of the Jews, was to work miracles, Peter proclaims Jesus as the Mes…
Peter emphasizes that Jesus’ miracles weren't just acts of kindness, but powerful demonstrations of God’s direct intervention against the devil’s oppressive force. The term for "oppressed" suggests a heavy, forceful rule, highlighting that Jesus' healing wasn't merely therapeutic but a reclaiming of those forcefully held by evil. This reveals Jesus' mission as a spiritual battle, actively liberating people from demonic influence.
Peter is explaining to Cornelius and his household how God's favor has extended beyond Israel to the Gentiles. He begins by recounting Jesus' ministry, highlighting that Jesus of Nazareth was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good and heal, demonstrating God's presence with him. This sets the stage for Peter's declaration that salvation through Jesus is now available to everyone, regardless of their background.
Peter is explaining to Cornelius and his household how God's favor has extended beyond Israel to the Gentiles. He begins by recounting Jesus' ministry, highlighting that Jesus of Nazareth was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good and heal, demonstrating God's presence with him. This sets the stage for Peter's declaration that salvation through Jesus is now available to everyone, regardless of their background.
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews…" — Peter emphasizes that Jesus’ miracles weren't just acts of kindness, but powerful demonstrations of God’s direct intervention against the devil’s oppressive force. The term for "oppressed" suggests a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
