When God changes our thinking, it is often a milestone in our faith journey. God revealed to Peter that the Gentiles were no longer to be considered unclean. Then the Holy Spirit told Peter He had sent the men knocking at the door and to go with them without hesitation. The men at the door were Gentiles sent by Cornelius, a Roman Captain. He had a vision of an angel telling him to send for Peter.
A few days later, they entered Cornelius’s home, and Peter asked them why they had sent it for him. Cornelius told Peter, Acts 10:33Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.[1] As Peter listened to Cornelius, he realized God sent him there to tell them about the good news of Jesus.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.[2] As we listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, the Lord will lead and guide us in the work He has for us.
Peter Testified About Jesus
Peter had a message for Cornelius and those gathered. Acts 10:37You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [3]
These verses indicate that Cornelius and those gathered had some understanding of Jesus, and Peter was filling in any gaps. When we witness to people, it is not unusual for them to have some knowledge of Jesus. We, like Peter, can add to their understanding. Peter then summarized Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Peter concluded that God had chosen the Apostles to see Jesus after the resurrection. Don’t think a witness to Christ has to be extended for the Holy Spirit to transform their heart.
The Gentiles Believed
This presentation of the Gospel stirred the hearts of the gathered Gentiles. Before Peter could finish his sermon, God poured out the Holy Spirit on them. Acts 10:45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. [4]
The Holy Spirit showed the Jews that these Gentiles were true believers. God made it clear. Jewish, Samaritan, and Gentile believers who received the Holy Spirit were all part of the body of Christ. God had changed Peter’s thinking about non-Jews becoming believers. Jesus’ death and resurrection cleansed the Gentile believers, and now they were not unclean. Peter observed the fruit of his changed thinking as the Gentiles came to faith. Where is the Lord working in your heart to make you more fruitful? When God changes our thinking, He has a plan for us. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-gentile-pentecost
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.