| Acts 10:35 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness2 is accepted by him. [The beginning works of righteousness are to regret your past sins, turn from evil as you know it, share from your excess with those who do not have the necessities of life, and make every effort to: not lie, be honest, not take advantage of anyone, not oppress people, not want more, and not complain. Further righteousness results from obedience to God's commands to you, which you hear and see as you wait on God in humble silence, listening and watching for His spoken words and revelations to you.] | |||||||||
2 Those who fear him and work righteousness are accepted by God. Cornelius' works of righteousness were: he feared God, gave many charitable gifts to the poor, and prayed always, not presumption of righteousness because you believe Jesus was the son of God. However, today the requirements of fear and working righteousness are ignored, denied, and ridiculed by Christendom throughout the world. You must fear God to begin turning from evil; this starts with fear of consequences. The beginning of fear is to cease stealing, lying, cheating, adultery, fornication, violence, oppressing others, etc. To work righteousness is to give to those who lack life's necessities as Cornelius had acts of charity to the poor; and then to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness as your first priority in life, no longer trying to get rich, gain possessions, etc. To seek God is go to him, wait on him, with the humility of a sinner needing his changing grace, listen in silence, hear him speak to you, and practice and obey what he teaches and commands you.
Thus Peter saw that God no longer favored the Jews, as prophesied by Isaiah and Malachi, but instead turned to the Gentile nations.
I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand; I will keep you and give you for a covenant to the people, for a light to the Gentiles, Isaiah 42:6
Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard for the peoples; and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign and standard of the people; the Gentiles seek it, and his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:10
For from the rising of the sun till its going down my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense and a pure offering shall be offered to my name; for my name shall be great among the heathen, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 1:11
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