Peter Preaches to Cornelius’ Household

Acts 10:34–48
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Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, was angered by an army officer who accused him of favoritism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who suggested that Stanton write the officer a sharp letter. Stanton did, and showed the strongly worded letter to the president. … More

Favoritism

God makes it clear through Peter’s teaching that the Good News of Christ is for everyone (vv. 34-35). We should never allow culture, prejudice, geography, economic situations, or educational levels to keep us from telling others about Christ. In every nation there are people ready to receive the gospel, but someone must take it to them. Seeking God is not enough; people must put their trust in Him. This is the same message that God gave to the people of Israel, when he sent Jesus Christ, into this world to offer peace to them (v. 36). Peter’s brief and powerful sermon contains a concise statement of the gospel (vv. 37-43). Jesus’s perfect life of servanthood, His death on the cross, and His resurrection was personally witnessed and experienced by Peter. A sermon or witness for Christ does not need to be long to be effective. However, it needs to center on Christ as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Cornelius and Peter were very different. Cornelius was a wealthy, Gentile, military leader. Peter was a Jewish fisherman turned preacher. But God’s plan included them both. Cornelius needed Peter to know the way to salvation and Peter needed Cornelius to know that Gentiles were included in God’s plan. While Peter was still speaking, some of the Gentiles began speaking in unknown languages and praising God, as the Holy Spirit took control of everyone who was listening (vv. 44-46). Some of the Jewish followers were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to the Gentiles, as they heard them speaking in other languages and praising God. Peter responded, “These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have, and I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them” (vv. 47-48). Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Application

Just as Peter obeyed the Lord and accepted the Gentiles as believers, I need to reach out to people who are in different parts of society and different parts of the world.

Acts 10:34-48 (English Standard Version)

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