The Gospel to the Gentiles

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:23-29, 44-48

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12

Peter responded to the call of the Holy Spirit and went to follow the three men that had been sent by the Roman Centurion Cornelius. When Peter arrived at the home of Cornelius he saw that there were many Gentile people there and he remembered what the Holy Spirit had told him that God had cleansed the people and he was to minister to them. Peter reminded the people that Jewish tradition forbade him from coming into the house but God had showed him that he was not to call any man common or unclean. After preaching to them Peter saw the Holy Spirit come upon the people and Peter saw that since God had approved and accepted them that there was nothing to hinder them from being baptized. This was the first major evangelistic effort for the Gentiles and it set the stage for all further work with God’s peoples in other nations.

Prayer for Today: God, help us to not let our personal traditions stop us from working and sharing for You. Grant us victory over our thinking and the thinking that our families have shared with us. Help us to give the gift of recovery from sin to anyone who wants it.