A GENTILE PENTECOST
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Opening Prayer
As I read Scripture today, Holy Spirit, I look to you to show me more of what I need to follow Christ more closely.
Read ACTS 10:34–48
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 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. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 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.
39 “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, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 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. 42 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. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 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.
Reflect
God has done all the work to line up this moment in our passage. Now Peter will get to explain the good news to this gathering of gentiles. What should he say? What would you say?Peter was ready to proclaim Christ! He started by pointing to how God had brought him to that place. Peter went on to speak of what he had witnessed—the ministry of Jesus that God empowered, that Jesus was killed on the cross, but God raised him from the dead. Peter was an eyewitness, and he was not hesitant to testify.
Peter proclaimed the facts about Jesus and applied this truth to his listeners. He told how God appointed this Jesus to judge everyone. Still, anyone who believed in Jesus would receive forgiveness of sins. His message was good news if they would receive it. They did.
Just like at the church’s birth in Acts 2, here with these gentiles, the Holy Spirit came down upon them, and they spoke in tongues. Peter had preached a message to them, but this sign was a message from God to him: these people were fully in the family, just as Jewish believers were!
Apply
Most of us are not called to be preachers, but we are all called to be witnesses. Are you ready to explain the good news of Jesus— both the facts and the application—for anyone listening? Our most incredible privilege is to point others to God’s great news.
Closing prayer
Thank you, Jesus—you have given me everything I need to share the message of the gospel—your Word, the Holy Spirit, my own testimony, and a great commission.
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