| I Kings 15:25-17:24; Acts 10:24-48; Psalm 134:1-3; Proverbs 17:9-11
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘In truth, I understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. He sent the message to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ – He is Lord of all.'” (Acts 10:34-36)
“All the prophets testify about Him that through His name everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins.” (10:43)
“The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of God.” (10:45-46)
This was a huge turning point for Christianity. It became obvious that God was opening Himself to the world, the Jewish nation no longer held exclusive rights to salvation. He revealed this to Peter through the vision he received concerning the unclean animals earlier in Chapter 10.
The Jews did not associate with foreigners or unbelievers, they were considered uncircumcised and unclean. Also, there were particular animals they did not eat because they were considered unclean. God gave Peter revelation with a vision of a sheet dropping down containing all sorts of unclean animals. God then told him to kill and eat. Peter told the Lord that He would never eat anything unclean. The Lord rebuked him and told him that anything He has made clean should not be considered unclean. The three men from the Gentile Cornelius’ house arrived looking for Peter. The apostle went with them and preached salvation. The Gentiles became born again and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At that moment he began to understand that God was joining the two.
God broke down that wall between the Jewish nation and the Gentiles. It was obvious there would no longer be any requirements to knowing the Lord accept for a willing heart. The deal was further sealed as all of the Jewish men who were with Peter saw God pour out the Holy Spirit on these uncircumcised Gentiles. Knowing they could not have done this on their own, it had to be a work of God. He opened the door for folks like me and other Gentiles to be saved. Amen!
PRAYER:
Lord, give me a witness with those who have different beliefs. I yield myself to You and ask that You would give me an anointed word for them. I pray for their salvation and that You would fill and empower them with the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. |
