Acts 10:1-33 — Peter and Cornelius, Peter’s Vision
Acts 10:34-48 — Gentiles Hear the Good News, The Holy Spirit and Gentiles
Creative Space for Wanderers
Creative Space for Wanderers
Acts 10:1-33 — Peter and Cornelius, Peter’s Vision
Acts 10:34-48 — Gentiles Hear the Good News, The Holy Spirit and Gentiles
The accounts of visions by Cornelius and Peter culminate in the unthinkable by Jewish standards, the Gentiles heard the Word of God! “The Circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles” (Acts 10:45). It’s a new day! Yes, indeed, God cares about all of us and wants us all to be part of his kingdom, his glorious plan.
Cornelius and his people were true spiritual seekers, much like Garry Poole talks about in his books on seeker small groups and the like. Peter says, “you know the message God sent to the people of Israel…you know what has happened throughout the province of Judea…” (10:36-38). Then switches from “you know” to “they killed him by hanging him on a cross” (10:39) and concludes, “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (10:43). That’s all they needed to hear! The Holy Spirit came on them in a mighty way. Praise the Lord!
God help us to pour out your message to all people, to proclaim your good news to everyone!