Acts 10:37-43 Meaning: From John's Baptism to Forgiveness
37you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38how 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.
39We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree.
40God raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed,
41not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.
43All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
37That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38How 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.
39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
37that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judæa, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom also they slew, hanging him on a tree.
40Him God raised up the third day, and gave him to be made manifest,
41not to all the people, but unto witnesses that were chosen before of God, even to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
42And he charged us to preach unto the people, and to testify that this is he who is ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
43To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.
37ye--ye have known; --the word that came throughout all Judea, having begun from Galilee, after the baptism that John preached;
38Jesus who is from Nazareth--how God did anoint him with the Holy Spirit and power; who went through, doing good, and healing all those oppressed by the devil, because God was with him;
39and we--we are witnesses of all things that he did, both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, --whom they did slay, having hanged upon a tree.
40`This one God did raise up the third day, and gave him to become manifest,
41not to all the people, but to witnesses, to those having been chosen before by God--to us who did eat with him , and did drink with him, after his rising out of the dead;
42and he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify fully that it is he who hath been ordained by God judge of living and dead--
43to this one do all the prophets testify, that through his name every one that is believing in him doth receive remission of sins.'
37ye know; the testimony which has spread through the whole of Judaea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached —
38Jesus who [was] of Nazareth: how God anointed him with [the] Holy Spirit and with power; who went through [all quarters] doing good, and healing all that were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39We also [are] witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also slew, having hanged him on a cross.
40This [man]God raised up the third day and gave him to be openly seen,
41not of all the people, but of witnesses who were chosen before of God, us who have eaten and drunk with him after he arose from among [the] dead.
42And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he it is who was determinately appointed of God [to be] judge of living and dead.
43To him all the prophets bear witness that every one that believes on him will receive through his name remission of sins.
Meaning in one sentence
Why Peter starts with public facts about Jesus, his life, death, resurrection, and what it means for you.
Context
Peter stands in the home of Cornelius, a Roman officer who has summoned him. Just before this, Peter realized that God shows no favoritism, people from every nation who fear him are welcome. Now he tells the story of Jesus. He does not begin with a private vision or a secret teaching. He starts with what everyone already knew: the public events that began when John the Baptist preached in Galilee. Jesus of Nazareth appeared, anointed by God, healing the oppressed and doing good. The religious leaders killed him, hanging him on a tree. But God raised him on the third day. The apostles saw him, ate with him, and were commanded to tell the people. The point is simple: this Jesus is the appointed Judge of everyone, and whoever believes in him receives forgiveness. That is the gospel in a few plain words.
Key Words
Three Greek words carry the weight of this passage. The first is chriō, translated “anointed.” This is the word from which “Christ” comes. In the Old Testament, kings and priests were anointed with oil to set them apart for God’s work. Here, God himself anoints Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power. It means Jesus is the promised Messiah, equipped for his mission. The second word is martures, “witnesses.” This is where we get the word “martyr.” A witness tells what they have seen. Peter insists: we were there. We saw the miracles, the crucifixion, the empty tomb. We ate and drank with the risen Jesus. Our faith rests on real events, not made-up stories. The third word is aphesis, “forgiveness” or “remission.” It means release, letting go. Your sins are not counted against you. They are sent away. That is what Jesus offers through his name, to anyone who believes.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have treasured this summary of the gospel. Catholic readers often highlight the role of the apostles as chosen witnesses and the command to preach to all people. Protestant readers focus on the phrase “everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins” as the heart of salvation by faith alone. Orthodox readers emphasize the harmony with the Old Testament: “All the prophets testify about him.” Across these traditions, there is deep agreement: the gospel is not a new religion but the fulfillment of God’s ancient plan, and it is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Peter is simply recounting history without calling for a response. But notice verses 42 and 43: Jesus is appointed as Judge, and everyone who believes receives forgiveness. Peter is not giving a neutral report. He is building a case. The facts demand a decision. The gospel is news that calls for trust.
Living This Out
This week, take the facts of Jesus seriously. The apostles were eyewitnesses; you and I trust their testimony. Pick one person who needs to hear the good news of forgiveness. You don’t need a long sermon. Just tell them what Jesus did: he went about doing good, he died for sins, he rose, and he offers forgiveness to anyone who believes in him. That is the simplest gospel you can share.
Main takeaway: The gospel is rooted in real history and calls you to trust Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Peter told Cornelius about Jesus. Jesus did good things and healed people. He died, but God made him alive again. Jesus wants everyone to believe in him and be forgiven.
For ages 9, 12
Peter gave a short summary of Jesus’ life: starting with John the Baptist, then Jesus’ miracles, his death on a cross, his resurrection, and the command to tell others. The most important part is this: everyone who believes in Jesus gets their sins forgiven. You can tell this good news to your friends.
Questions People Ask
Why does Peter start his sermon with John the Baptist?
John the Baptist was a well-known prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. By starting there, Peter anchors the story in public history that Cornelius and others had heard about. It shows that Jesus did not appear in secret; his coming was announced.
What does it mean that Jesus is the Judge of the living and the dead?
It means Jesus has authority over everyone who has ever lived and everyone still alive. At the end of time, he will decide each person’s destiny. This truth gives urgency to Peter’s call to believe in him.
What is 'remission of sins'?
Remission means release or forgiveness. It is the act of God canceling your debt of sin, letting it go as if it never happened. This forgiveness is offered to anyone who believes in Jesus, not because of their good works but because of what he did.
Why didn't Jesus show himself to everyone after his resurrection?
Peter says Jesus was revealed 'not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God.' God chose specific eyewitnesses so the news could be reliably passed on. Their testimony becomes the foundation for our faith.
How do 'all the prophets' testify about Jesus?
Throughout the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and David wrote about a coming Savior who would suffer, die, and bring forgiveness. Peter says all of them pointed to Jesus, even if they did not know his name.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study