Acts 10:36
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts 10:36
This verse frames the message of peace announced by God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. In Acts 10, the content focuses on what God has “sent” to the Israelites—good news about peace through Jesus. The phrase “Lord of all” emphasizes Jesus’s sovereignty over all peoples and nations, aligning with the universal scope of the Gentile mission. The “word” refers to the gospel proclamation that inaugurates peace with God—reconciliation achieved through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Historically, Israel’s prophets spoke of peace and restoration; now Peter declares that Jesus is the agent of that peace for all who believe, transcending national boundaries. This is not merely personal salvation but a cosmic declaration: Jesus’s lordship governs all creation and history. The context also heightens the connection between Jesus and the prophetic expectation fulfilled in the Messiah.
Key themes include the universality of Christ’s lordship, the reconciliation of all people through the gospel, and the fulfillment of Israel’s prophetic promises in Jesus. The peace he brings is not partial but comprehensive—peace with God, peace within communities, and peace among nations. The Spirit’s presence demonstrates the inauguration of this peace in the world. This verse also anchors the apostles’ mission: to declare Jesus as Lord over all and to call all nations to submit to Him in faith. It highlights the centrality of Jesus’s life as the means by which God’s peaceful reign enters human history.
Today, claim and live under Jesus’s lordship in practical ways: seek reconciliation in personal relationships, pursue peace in conflict at work or in communities, and advocate for justice that reflects God’s reign. Embrace unity across cultural differences in church life—serve together, worship together, and share resources. When disagreements arise, return to the peace Jesus offers instead of carving out rival camps. Let the gospel’s peace shape your decisions about money, power, and influence—prioritize relational harmony, mercy, and truth-telling. In mission, remind others that Jesus is Lord of all and that allegiance to him transcends national or cultural identity. Practical example: mentor a younger believer from a different background, or join cross-cultural outreach to demonstrate this universal peace.
Cross-References: Isaiah 9:6-7; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:14-17; Colossians 1:19-20; Philippians 2:9-11