John Bengel Commentary - Acts 10:35 - 10:35

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John Bengel Commentary - Acts 10:35 - 10:35


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Act 10:35. Ἐν παντὶ ἔθνει, in every nation) It is not an indifferentism of religions, but an indifferency (impartiality) as to the acceptance of nations, that is here asserted. This is even evident from the contrary opinion, viz. that as to the circumcised only being pleasing to GOD; the opinion which Peter confesses himself delivered from. Cornelius had not been utterly ignorant of the doctrine as to the Christ, and the report concerning Jesus Christ (following verses), although he had not received circumcision; GOD so ordering it in His providence. Wherefore Peter speaks with him very differently from the way in which Paul afterwards dealt with idolaters, as the Gospel advanced onwards to more remote nations. See ch. 14 and 17. Hence also in Act 10:43 he appeals generally to the prophets: which Paul, in the passages referred to, did not: nor does he, however, as he is wont everywhere to do in addressing the Jews, specially quote the testimony of the prophets.-ὁ φοβούμενος αὐτὸν καὶ ἐργαζόμενος δικαιοσύνην, he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness) According to the measure (standard) of primitive knowledge derived from the light of nature, and (or) rather from the revealed word. An indefinite description, suited to the matter in hand and its commencement (the exordium of his speech). Such men in various grades are elegantly described: for instance, ch. Act 17:4; Act 17:11-12.-αὐτὸν, Him) the true God.-δεκτὸς, acceptable) one to whom grace may be vouchsafed, even without circumcision. The verb λαβεῖν, to take (“out of the Gentiles a people for His name”), corresponds to this, ch. Act 15:14, where this very passage is had in view.