Spreading the Gospel
“A simple act of obedience on the part of Peter, you might think.”
Acts 10:34-48 (NIV)
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Reflection
Poor Peter! His life was like a ride on a roller coaster, as he struggled to live for Jesus. Sometimes fearful and distrusting, Peter was full of doubt about his role in supporting Jesus. Other times, he was strong in his convictions and loyal to a fault, even to the point of violence.
But Peter was maturing, and God had yet another monumental mission for him – to bring the Gospel message to the Gentiles. Peter was called by God to go to the home of a wealthy Roman officer, a Gentile named Cornelius. Talk about a paradigm shift! For close to 2000 years, the God who Peter knew was the God of the Jews alone. Suddenly, God was commanding Peter to open the doors of salvation to everyone!
Even though Cornelius was a good man who prayed regularly and gave to the needy, he sought more. He needed to hear the full salvation story. In Cornelius, Peter had an earnest and willing subject who was seeking something he did not yet fully understand. Cornelius needed Peter! Cornelius and his household were ready to hear. So powerful was their faith and receptiveness that the Holy Spirit fell on the house of the Gentiles before Peter had even finished his testimony!
So, what did Peter finally get right?
A simple act of obedience on the part of Peter, you might think. But not so simple when you are faced with nearly 2000 years of history! Yet Peter prevailed, and because of his obedience, the Good News of Jesus was suddenly open to all people.
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the gift of salvation. Help me to accept it freely and with reverence, with the understanding I did nothing to deserve it. I want to be a willing servant. Instill in me a strong desire to help others find their way to You. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Reflection
Poor Peter! His life was like a ride on a roller coaster, as he struggled to live for Jesus. Sometimes fearful and distrusting, Peter was full of doubt about his role in supporting Jesus. Other times, he was strong in his convictions and loyal to a fault, even to the point of violence.
But Peter was maturing, and God had yet another monumental mission for him – to bring the Gospel message to the Gentiles. Peter was called by God to go to the home of a wealthy Roman officer, a Gentile named Cornelius. Talk about a paradigm shift! For close to 2000 years, the God who Peter knew was the God of the Jews alone. Suddenly, God was commanding Peter to open the doors of salvation to everyone!
Even though Cornelius was a good man who prayed regularly and gave to the needy, he sought more. He needed to hear the full salvation story. In Cornelius, Peter had an earnest and willing subject who was seeking something he did not yet fully understand. Cornelius needed Peter! Cornelius and his household were ready to hear. So powerful was their faith and receptiveness that the Holy Spirit fell on the house of the Gentiles before Peter had even finished his testimony!
So, what did Peter finally get right?
- He obeyed God and testified to the Gentiles in their home, even though it was in conflict with Jewish law.
- He recognized it was God’s plan to pour out the Holy Spirit on ALL people.
- He commanded they be baptized as rightful heirs to God’s grace, and for the forgiveness of their sins.
A simple act of obedience on the part of Peter, you might think. But not so simple when you are faced with nearly 2000 years of history! Yet Peter prevailed, and because of his obedience, the Good News of Jesus was suddenly open to all people.
Action Steps
- Do you ever feel like Jesus wants more from you than you are currently giving? Ask God to reveal to you His plan for your life. It may come in bits and pieces over time, but be receptive to any thought God places on your heart.
- Is there someone in your life who you feel is searching for the truth, just like Cornelius? Reach out to that person this week, and help them with their salvation story.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the gift of salvation. Help me to accept it freely and with reverence, with the understanding I did nothing to deserve it. I want to be a willing servant. Instill in me a strong desire to help others find their way to You. I love You, Lord. Amen.
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