Acts 10:43
To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The most striking thing here is how Peter frames this incredible truth: "all the prophets bear witness." He's not just saying that some prophets hinted at Jesus; he's saying that the entire prophetic message, from beginning to end, ultimately points to Him as the source of forgiveness. It's a powerful assertion that Jesus isn't an add-on to ancient faith, but its grand fulfillment.
Peter is concluding his message to Cornelius and his household, explaining the core of the gospel he’s been entrusted with. He’s just declared that Jesus is the appointed judge of all people and that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins. This statement serves as the foundational summary of the prophetic testimony about Jesus, bridging the gap between ancient promises and the current reality of Gentile inclusion in God's salvation.
Ever wonder if the Old Testament was just a setup for Jesus? Peter says it was a grand, unified chorus singing His praises!
A Symphony of Scripture
Peter declares that "all the prophets bear witness" to Jesus. This isn't just a few isolated verses scattered through the Old Testament; it's a consistent, overarching testimony. From the very first promise in Genesis about the seed of the woman crushing the serpent's head, to the sacrificial system pointing to a greater sacrifice, the prophets consistently looked forward to a Messiah who would bring redemption.
Think of it like a vast orchestra where every instrument, from the trumpets to the strings, plays a part in one magnificent symphony. The prophets, in their diverse times and writings, all played their part, their voices harmonizing to announce the coming of Christ and His work of salvation.
What does it mean to receive forgiveness 'through His name'? It’s not just a label, but the power behind everything Christ is and does.
The Power of His Name
Peter doesn't just say we get forgiveness from Jesus, but specifically "through his name." This is profound! In the ancient world, a name represented the entirety of a person's character, authority, and power. So, believing "through His name" means believing in all that Jesus is – His divine nature, His sinless life, His atoning death, His victorious resurrection, and His present reign.
It's through the authority and the perfect work of Christ, symbolized by His name, that sins are forgiven. This isn't dependent on our merit, our law-keeping, or our background (Jew or Gentile). It's a gift received by faith, a gift that brings peace and acceptance with God.
Who gets forgiveness? Peter's message shattered the boundaries of 'us' and 'them,' opening God's grace to everyone.
No More Barriers
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
Those who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, spoke for God to Israel; their overarching function was to point toward the coming Messiah and the work of redemption.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
To place trust in, rely upon, or cling to; in a biblical sense, it denotes a saving faith that involves intellectual assent, emotional commitment, and volitional surrender to Jesus Christ.
aphesis · Greek Noun
The removal of the guilt, penalty, and power of sin; it is granted by God's grace through faith, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.
This verse highlights the continuity of God's plan: the forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus, a message anticipated by all the Old Testament prophets, is now being powerfully demonstrated to Gentiles.
c. 2000 BC - 400 BC
Prophetic Ministry in Israel
Throughout Old Testament history, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others spoke God's word, often foretelling a coming Messiah who would bring forgiveness.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus lived, taught, performed miracles, died, and was resurrected, fulfilling prophecies and laying the foundation for the forgiveness of sins through his name.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ascension and the Early Church
After his resurrection, Jesus commissioned his apostles to preach the gospel, and the Holy Spirit empowered them, beginning in Jerusalem.
c. AD 34— this verse
Conversion of Cornelius
Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, was divinely prompted to seek Peter, marking a pivotal moment in bringing the gospel to Gentiles.
This passage prophesies the suffering servant who would bear our iniquities, directly pointing to Jesus' atoning sacrifice as the means for receiving forgiveness.
Jeremiah 31:34This prophetic promise speaks of a new covenant where God's law will be internalized and sins will be forgiven, a future reality fulfilled in Christ.
Luke 24:47Jesus Himself commissions His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations, echoing Peter's message here.
Romans 10:9-10This New Testament passage clearly articulates the core of Peter's message: confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation and forgiveness.
John 1:29John the Baptist's proclamation of Jesus as the 'Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world' directly connects to the universal offer of forgiveness through faith in Jesus.
ellicottActs 10:43: "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."
(43) To him give all the prophets witness. —As in St. Peter’s earlier speeches in Acts 2, 3 so here, we trace the result of our Lord’s teaching given in the interval between the Resurrection and Ascension as to the method of prophetic interpretation which discerns, below all temporary and historical references, the under-current of testimony to the kingdom of whi…
barnesActs 10:43: "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."
To him give ... - See the notes on Luke 24:27 , Luke 24:44 . That through his name ... - This was implied in what the prophets said. See Romans 10:11. It was not, indeed, expressly affirmed that they who believed in him should be pardoned, but this was implied in what they said. They promised a Messiah, and their religion consisted mainly in believing in a Messia…
The most striking thing here is how Peter frames this incredible truth: "all the prophets bear witness." He's not just saying that some prophets hinted at Jesus; he's saying that the entire prophetic message, from beginning to end, ultimately points to Him as the source of forgiveness. It's a powerful assertion that Jesus isn't an add-on to ancient faith, but its grand fulfillment.
Peter is concluding his message to Cornelius and his household, explaining the core of the gospel he’s been entrusted with. He’s just declared that Jesus is the appointed judge of all people and that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins. This statement serves as the foundational summary of the prophetic testimony about Jesus, bridging the gap between ancient promises and the current reality of Gentile inclusion in God's salvation.
Peter is concluding his message to Cornelius and his household, explaining the core of the gospel he’s been entrusted with. He’s just declared that Jesus is the appointed judge of all people and that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins. This statement serves as the foundational summary of the prophetic testimony about Jesus, bridging the gap between ancient promises and the current reality of Gentile inclusion in God's salvation.
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Peter's declaration, "everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins," is a revolutionary statement. He's speaking to Cornelius and his household – Gentiles who had no prior connection to the Jewish Law or covenant promises. This message breaks down every barrier of nationality, ethnicity, or religious background.
The Gospel is for all who believe. Whether you're a Jew who has followed the Law or a Gentile seeking God, the path to forgiveness is the same: faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. This universal scope of salvation is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, showing God’s boundless love and desire for all people to be reconciled to Him.
c. AD 34
Peter's Sermon to Cornelius' Household
Peter preached Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his family, emphasizing that forgiveness of sins is received through faith in Jesus' name.
"To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”" — The most striking thing here is how Peter frames this incredible truth: "all the prophets bear witness." He's not just saying that some prophets hinted at Jesus; he's saying that the entire prophet…
