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Here we note — First, Peter's acknowledgment of his former mistake, in which are three things.

1. The preface. "Then Peter opened his mouth" — a Hebraism indicating that he is about to speak something weighty on mature deliberation (Matthew 5:2; Psalm 8:2; Psalm 78:2.)

2. The means of his conviction. "Of a truth I perceive" — a phrase used of those who are persuaded to change their opinion on full conviction.

3. The error that God was such a respecter of persons that He would not reveal Himself to any but Jews. Here we see —

(1) That God's people may err. Peter had read the prophecies about the calling of the Gentiles, and had received Christ's commission to disciple all nations. So we often hear the truth expounded and yet perceive it not. Therefore we had need to be careful lest we be ignorant of an obvious truth.

(2) That the godly, when convinced, confess their errors. Controversies would soon end if we could learn Peter's modesty. Second. Peter's positive assertion of the truth now learned.

I. WHAT IS RESPECT OF PERSONS? Regard for that outward condition whereby one differs from another.

1. Gifts of the body. It is not the strong or the beautiful that are accepted of God, but the good and holy.

(1) He is strong in a spiritual sense, not that overcometh another man, but that tameth his own flesh (Proverbs 16:32) and vanquishes temptation (1 John 2:14).

(2) So not beauty but grace makes us amiable in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:3, 4).

2. Gifts of mind. Learning, etc., may make us more serviceable in the world, but do not commend us to God (Genesis 3:1; 1 Corinthians 3:18).

3. Gifts of estate, rank, quality. The blood of the poor is of the same colour as of the rich (Acts 17:26). Social distinctions have no weight with God (1 Corinthians 1:26; Job 34:19; Revelation 20:12). So with bond and free (1 Corinthians 7:22; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25).

4. Nationality. Some peoples lie nearer the sun than others, but they are all alike near the Sun of Righteousness (Galatians 3:28).

5. Religious profession and privileges. Cornelius was a good man, but wanted circumcision, and was accepted, while many a carnal Jew was rejected (Romans 2:9-11). If by outward profession there be a people nearer God than others, they have the privilege to be first rewarded if they do good, but to be first punished if they do evil.

II. In WHAT SENSE IS THIS DENIED OF GOD?

1. He is no respecter of persons in His government. This is forbidden to man (Leviticus 19:15); and so denied of God (1 Peter 1:17). God may be considered as a righteous Governor and as a free Lord. In the latter capacity He may do as He seeth meet. Hence of His free mercy He called the Gentiles, and gives the grace of His gospel to one and not to another (Matthew 20:15). We can plead no right either by merit or purchase. On the other hand God governs man by a law, and judges according to that law (Cf. Romans 9:16 and 1 Corinthians 9:24).

2. He is no respecter of persons in His gifts of grace (Matthew 11:27).

III. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS QUALIFICATION? "That feareth God and worketh righteousness."

1. Fear is the principle of obedience. Not that this excludes faith in Christ (John 15:5; Hebrews 11:6; Hosea 3:5).

(1) Holy fear is of two kinds.

(a) The fear of reverence, which is necessary that we may not offend God (Jeremiah 10:7; Revelation 15:4).

(b) The fear of caution, which is necessary to make us watchful against temptations (Hebrews 4:1; 2 Corinthians 10:12; 1 Peter 5:8).

(2) Why is this frame of heart pitched upon?

(a) That we may carefully abstain from what displeases God (Genesis 39:9; Philippians 2:12).

(b) Because it produces a diligent endeavour to approve ourselves to Him.

2. Working righteousness is the fruit of this sense of God upon our hearts. This is required —

(1) In respect of God that we may honour Him in the world: for our obedience makes our esteem of Him visible (2 Thessalonians 11, 12; Acts 10:2).

(2) It is for our own comfort. When we obey God it leaves an evidence in our consciences (1 John 3:19; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Proverbs 3:17). Comforts are the rewards of obedient children (Psalm 11:6).

IV. THE MEANING OF THE PRIVILEGE. "Is accepted of Him." He that feareth God, etc. —

1. Is sure of God's favour and protection (Philippians 1:6).

2. God will increase this, for He delighteth to crown His own gifts (Proverbs 4:18; Proverbs 10:29).

3. God will perfect it and reward it (Psalm 15:2; Psalm 106:3).

(T. Manton, D. D.)

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KJV: Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

WEB: Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism;