Unmistakable Message!
Opening Prayer
Loving Lord, I remember that I have nothing to prove because I am preapproved in Christ. I am cherished by You, and I rejoice.
Read ACTS 10:34–48
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.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
How often, when you listen to a sermon, does the speaker allow God to touch you and change you in some way?
Think Further
Peter had a role to play, but it was the Spirit who clinched the deal! In the end, however much we may say, or preach, it remains words. It takes the action of the Holy Spirit to burn the words onto hearts.
Peter spoke about Jesus. Was it the combination of the idea of Jesus’ being Judge of all (42) and yet also the means of forgiveness (43) that was the trigger for faith and the intervention of the Spirit (44)? Yet Peter hadn’t even gotten to the end of his sermon! Perhaps that was as it should be. He might have unintentionally gone on to say something unhelpful that reflected his earlier prejudice. After all, his companions were “astonished” (45) that Gentiles could receive the Spirit just as they had. That’s a strong word!
Some preachers go on speaking long after they really should shut up and let God do his work! Is that you? If you have the opportunity to preach, either regularly or occasionally, are you sensitive to the Spirit’s leading about when to stop speaking? It may or may not prove to be similarly dramatic. In this story we have an incredibly important moment, when God showed the Jewish church that he was just as interested in Gentiles. They too could experience the Spirit’s power and be baptized (the outward sign of reception into the people of God) without having to become Jews first.
The invitation to stay for a few days must have opened up much more opportunity to learn. We can only imagine some of the conversations that went on. It also reminds us that making disciples takes time (cf. Acts 18:9–11). Similarly, although there is a very real place for short-term mission service today, it normally takes the dedication of long-termers to make a lasting difference.
Apply
What is the main point in Peter’s sermon? How does this compare with his other sermons (2:36–39; 3:17–23)? From these sermons, what do you see as central to the Gospel message?
Closing prayer
Lord, keep me sensitive to Your Spirit as I speak with people, whether formally or in conversations, that I may follow the Spirit’s leading.
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