How Does Jehovah Accept Those Who Fear Him and Do What Is Right?

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Acts 10:34–35 states, “Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’” These words mark a pivotal moment in redemptive history, as the gospel message is opened to the Gentiles in fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose. Peter’s statement, delivered in the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, corrects a longstanding misunderstanding among the Jews—that salvation and divine favor were limited to the descendants of Abraham according to the flesh. These verses teach that Jehovah’s approval is not based on race, heritage, or status, but on reverent obedience to His revealed will.

The context is essential. Cornelius was a Gentile, but described earlier in Acts 10:2 as “a devout man who feared God with all his household… he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” He was not a proselyte to Judaism, but a “God-fearer,” one who respected and honored the true God without becoming a full convert to the Mosaic system. Up until this point, the gospel had been preached only to Jews and Samaritans, but Jehovah was about to make it undeniably clear that His plan was always for all nations to hear and obey the truth.

Peter’s declaration, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism,” marks a profound recognition. The Greek term used here (prosōpolēmptēs) refers to accepting or judging someone based on external appearances—such as nationality, rank, or ethnicity. Peter, a Jew, had to overcome the deeply ingrained notion that Gentiles were inherently outside of God’s covenant blessings. Jehovah, however, does not evaluate individuals based on external distinctions but on the condition of the heart and the sincerity of faith and obedience. Romans 2:11 plainly states, “For God does not show favoritism.”

This principle is consistently revealed throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 10:17, Moses says, “For Jehovah your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.” Jehovah’s character has always been just, impartial, and righteous. What changed in Acts 10 was not God’s nature, but the unveiling of the fullness of His redemptive plan—that the Gentiles were now explicitly included in the opportunity to obey the gospel, not by becoming Jews, but by being obedient to the message of Christ.

Peter goes on to say that God “accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” This is a profound doctrinal truth. The word “accepts” (dektos) means to be received with favor. Jehovah’s approval is not based on heritage but on two critical responses: fearing Him, and doing what is right. To fear God means to revere Him, to stand in awe of His holiness, and to live in obedient submission to His will. Ecclesiastes 12:13 echoes this when it says, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

To do what is right is to act in alignment with Jehovah’s revealed moral standard. It is not enough to be sincere; one must obey. Cornelius, for example, was a devout man, but he still needed to hear and obey the gospel. This is evident in Acts 11:14, where Peter recounts how Cornelius was told, “He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.” Despite his prayers and generosity, Cornelius was not saved until he heard the message of Christ and responded in faith and obedience, culminating in baptism (Acts 10:47–48).

These verses refute the idea that salvation is a matter of national identity or ceremonial law. They also dismantle the false belief that God predetermines individuals for salvation or condemnation based on His arbitrary will. Rather, Jehovah is just and impartial, extending the opportunity of salvation to all who respond to Him with reverent obedience. Titus 2:11 supports this: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”

Moreover, this passage emphasizes human responsibility. While Jehovah provides the means for salvation through Christ, each person must fear Him and do what is right. This excludes the notion of faith alone or salvation by belief without obedience. Hebrews 5:9 clearly states that Christ “became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” Cornelius’ example affirms this truth—he feared God, he sought the truth, and when he heard the gospel, he obeyed it.

Ultimately, Acts 10:34–35 teaches that Jehovah judges righteously and receives those from every nation who come to Him in reverent obedience. There is no room for racial pride, national exclusivism, or assumption of divine favoritism. All are equal before God in their need for salvation, and all are called to respond in faith, repentance, and obedience. The gospel is for all, but only those who fear Jehovah and do what is right will be accepted into His kingdom.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).