God’s Guiding Word: Discipleship
Introduction
Acts 10:34–48: Today’s reading continues the story of the meeting between Peter and Cornelius. Peter speaks to those gathered at Cornelius’s home and delivers the message of the gospel to this Gentile audience. The chapter concludes with the Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit and being baptized.
Scripture Reading
34 Peter began to speak: “I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. 35 Those who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know of the great event that took place throughout the land of Israel, beginning in Galilee after John preached his message of baptism. 38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of everything that he did in the land of Israel and in Jerusalem. Then they put him to death by nailing him to a cross. 40 But God raised him from death three days later and caused him to appear, 41 not to everyone, but only to the witnesses that God had already chosen, that is, to us who ate and drank with him after he rose from death. 42 And he commanded us to preach the gospel to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God has appointed judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets spoke about him, saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message. 45 The Jewish believers who had come from Joppa with Peter were amazed that God had poured out his gift of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in strange tongues and praising God’s greatness. Peter spoke up: 47 “These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did. Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptized with water?” 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay with them for a few days.
Today’s Key Verse: Acts 10:34
Peter began to speak: “I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis.”
Reflect
What is the essence of Peter’s speech (verses 34–43)? What does Peter say he and the apostles were commanded to do (verse 42)? As a result of Peter’s encounter with Cornelius, what new understanding has he gained? What insights have you gained as a result of your daily encounter with God’s Word?
Pray
Gracious God, all who revere you and do what is right are acceptable to you. Your Son, Jesus, is Lord of all. Thank you for the outpouring of the gift of your Holy Spirit and for welcoming and embracing all who put their faith in Jesus. In your holy name I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Acts 11:1–18: Peter reports to the church in Jerusalem.
