Acts 10: 24-48
Tuesday, 24 August 2021
“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” -Acts.10:44
In the master plan of Evangelism, Jesus clearly stated: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts1:8). As the Lord promised, the disciples were waiting to be baptized by the Holy Spirit (Acts1:4-5) and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). On the same day Apostle Peter stood along with the other apostles and preached the Gospel by which about 3000 souls were saved and added to the Church. The first church started with the Jews accepting the Gospel, but in today’s reading we see how God opened the door of the Gospel to Gentiles as well.
The Great Commission (Matt.28:18-20) was not for a particular nation. God revealed “the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints” (Colossians 1:26-27). In order to open the door for Gentiles, God chose Cornelius- he was a devout, God-fearing and prayerful man. (Acts10:2). To him God sent His angel with a clear direction. Besides, God had shown a vision to Apostle Peter also who was hesitant to go to the Gentiles but God told him, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”(Acts 10:15 NIV). Apostle Peter’s attitude took a total change and he confessed: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34-35).
From today’s reading, we see how God’s marvellous work was revealed among the gathered people, through the obedience of Peter and Cornelius. We too can learn from them:
Wait Confidently (V.24):- Cornelius, after receiving the direction from an angel, sends his envoys to Peter. He waited for Peter though he wasn’t sure whether Peter would come or not. But with great zeal, he invited his kinsman and friends who also waited expectantly. As a believer we are to hold fast our confidence and wait for the Lord who will surely pour out His Spirit.
Be Humble (V.25) :- Cornelius though in a reputed position humbled himself before God by just obeying what the angel of the Lord said to him and also before the Word spoken by Peter. James 4: 10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you!”
Expect to hear from God:-(V33):- Cornelius and his family had no idea what was going to happen but they were confident that Lord would speak to them. Just as they believed it happened and that led to magnify God and His work. God the Father really wants to speak to us-are we ready to hear from Him?
God- fearing and Just (V.35):- Our God is an unbiased God. He is no respecter of persons (V.34). Cornelius was a God -fearing person. Reverent fear towards God is always required, for them God will do great things!
Shared the Gospel (Vs.36-43):- Here the Apostle just shares the Word, the pure Gospel without any confusion. The pure gospel message leads to the salvation of many till today.
As the Key verse states, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word (V.44). This was just the beginning of the great work among Gentiles; the door of the Gospel was flung open and many started coming to the faith and it still continues. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit is not an option— its God’s will; it’s a command (Eph.5:18) and is required to fulfill His Great Commission (Mark 16:16-20; Acts.1:4-5 & 8).
Think on: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13)