devout and God-fearing: Gentiles described as God-fearing admired Judaism's high ethical standards. However, they were not ready to undergo circumcision or fully convert to Judaism (see 13:43).
Christianity appealed to these Gentiles who worshiped God (18:7; see 13:48; 16:30; 17:4, 12, 17). These individuals were open to the message of the gospel that announced that “there is peace with God through Jesus Christ” (10:36).