Strong’s Greek 4381 designates a “respecter of persons,” one who judges or treats people according to external appearance or social standing. Its lone New Testament use appears in Peter’s sermon to Cornelius, signaling a turning point in redemptive history.

Single New Testament Occurrence—Acts 10:34

“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism’” (Acts 10:34). Spoken inside a Gentile household, the statement anchors the narrative that immediately follows: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon non-Jews (Acts 10:44-48). The term therefore frames the chapter’s core message—God’s gospel promise transcends ethnic, cultural, and ceremonial boundaries.

Theological Emphasis on Divine Impartiality

Scripture consistently affirms that God’s righteous character forbids partiality. Peter’s appeal simply echoes an established biblical theme:

• Deuteronomy 10:17 – The Lord “shows no partiality and accepts no bribe.”
• Romans 2:11 – “For God does not show favoritism.”
• Ephesians 6:9 – With Him “there is no favoritism.”

Divine impartiality is not mere fairness; it is covenantal faithfulness expressed to “all who fear Him and do what is right” (Acts 10:35). Because salvation is grounded in Christ’s work, not human merit, the gospel is necessarily impartial.

Historical Setting of Acts 10

Cornelius was a Roman centurion in Caesarea, a city symbolizing imperial power. By visiting his home and sharing a meal, Peter crossed social and ceremonial lines that Judaism had maintained for centuries (Acts 10:28). Luke’s narrative highlights Peter’s internal struggle—visions, divine timing, and angelic messages converge so that the apostle’s confession of God’s impartiality is unmistakably Spirit-led.

Implications for the Early Church

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) later cites Peter’s experience with Cornelius to confirm that Gentiles need not become proselytes to receive salvation (Acts 15:7-11). Thus Strong’s 4381 helped articulate a doctrinal watershed: faith in Jesus Christ, not ethnicity or observance of the Mosaic code, marks inclusion in the people of God.

Old Testament Foundations

Israel’s law warned judges against “regarding faces” (Leviticus 19:15). Monarchs and prophets alike were accountable to an impartial God (2 Chronicles 19:7). These statutes anticipated the universal scope of Messiah’s reign, preparing the narrative soil into which Acts 10:34 would be planted.

Broader New Testament Witness Against Partiality

Though 4381 itself occurs once, cognate terms widen the testimony:
• James 2:1-9 condemns preferential treatment of the wealthy within the assembly.
• Colossians 3:25 warns masters and slaves alike that God “shows no partiality.”

Such passages apply the truth of Acts 10:34 to relational, economic, and ecclesial contexts.

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Evangelism: The word reminds believers that no ethnicity, social class, or past sin disqualifies a person from hearing the gospel.
2. Church Leadership: Elders and deacons must judge matters without favoritism (1 Timothy 5:21).
3. Discipleship: Members are to extend honor without bias, reflecting the character of the Lord who saved them.
4. Social Engagement: Advocacy for the poor, the foreigner, and the marginalized embodies the impartiality of God’s kingdom ethics.

Contemporary Relevance

Modern cultures still elevate status, wealth, and appearance. Strong’s 4381 confronts such idols, calling the church to display the multi-ethnic, economically diverse, grace-driven community that the Spirit birthed in Cornelius’s house. Whenever believers welcome the outsider in Jesus’ name, they proclaim afresh, “God does not show favoritism.”