Thoughts for the Day

Gentiles Hear the Good News

Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and 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 ordained by God 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.’

Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

So we come to the conclusion of the account of Peter and Cornelius in Luke's Book of Acts (Acts 10). We cannot underestimate the enormous change that Peter is undergoing in his thinking at this time because of the work of the Holy Spirit. He has been brought up to obey the Law of Moses, and to treat Gentiles at a distance. Indeed one historian has pointed out that if a Jew married a Gentile, the community would hold a funeral for them. Yet here Peter, in response to a vision where God declares animals that were 'unclean' to be 'clean' begins to understand that there is no such distinction with human beings. When the Roman centurion sends for Peter he travels from Joppa to Caesarea, and begins to teach this Roman family about Jesus.

Confirming the truth of the vision that Peter has received, the Holy Spirit now descends on the whole group, and they begin to speak 'in tongues'. This phenomena is a gift from God, that praises and glorifies Him. We do not see it happening to many in the Book of Acts, but it's importance that it happens to a group of Gentiles cannot be over stated for it confirms that Peter was right to take the Gospel of Christ to everyone. Peter's final comment that they have received the Holy Spirit, "just as we have", also underlines this.

God's message and God's Spirit is for the whole world - to all who are open to His prompting, and ready to receive His word. This is still true today.

Heavenly Father,
may we constantly remember
that You are God of all the world
and all its people,
and that You call us
to spread Your message to everyone.
May we not be surprised
when You get there before us.
Amen.