Today’s reading: Acts 10:23-13:3
My selection: Acts 10:42-43
42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
My reflections: Here is a succinct statement by Peter to Cornelius and his friends, all Gentiles, about Jesus’ life and ministry: who He was, what He did, and what the significance was of these things. The historic facts about His life were clear: His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His good works and healing, His death by crucifixion, His resurrection, and His appearance to witnesses. Jesus sent the apostles to preach and testify to two things:
1. That Jesus was the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
2. That everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
Jesus is Judge and Savior. His judgment extends to all mankind. His salvation extends to all who believe, to all mankind without distinction whether Jew or Gentile.
Peter here was the preacher, but he was also the learner, because God was showing him the truth that ALL who believe would be saved.
My challenge: Are there groups or individuals whom you have difficulty envisioning among the saved? Perhaps they are people who are very different from you or who seem to be very unresponsive to the gospel. If so, you can understand how Peter viewed Gentiles before the vision from God and the experience with Cornelius and his friends.
Give out the gospel to all who will hear. Never underestimate the power of God to bring to Himself those who you think most unlikely to respond.
Tomorrow’s reading: Acts 13:4-14:28
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