Verse
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.
— Acts 10:44-45 tniv
Thought
Jesus had promised his closest followers that the Holy Spirit would bring them power and enable them to be his witnesses to people all over the world (Acts 1:8). Yet after several years, they had only moved outside the shadow of Jerusalem and Judea grudgingly. With the persecution that drove believers out of Jerusalem after Stephen's death (Acts 8:1-4), they had begun to tell Samaritans about Jesus and the Holy Spirit had made clear they were included (Acts 8:1-17). But to this point, the leadership in Jerusalem had not made a bold, solid, intentional move to include Gentiles. So, just as Jesus promised, using visions, angels, and the work of the Holy Spirit, God clearly shows that Gentiles are included in his Kingdom family through the conversion of Cornelius. This verse is God's unmistakable way of saying, "The good news of Jesus is for ALL people, and here's my proof: they received the Holy Spirit!" This is Gentile Pentecost: the Spirit comes to show the work of Jesus has begun and a group of people is included in the mighty triumph of God's good news of grace.
Prayer
Father, we confess that as your people we have at times been selfish, short-sighted, and fearful. We have seldom made bold moves in sharing Jesus with others. Part of the reason is because we are fearful of rejection or don't believe others will respond. Sometimes, however, I am afraid we have also not shared Jesus with others because of prejudice or dislike for others. Please forgive us. Even more, continue to move in our day to tear down barriers between people through your Spirit and empower us by your Holy Spirit to bring the grace of Jesus to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
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While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.
— Acts 10:44-45 tniv
Thought
Jesus had promised his closest followers that the Holy Spirit would bring them power and enable them to be his witnesses to people all over the world (Acts 1:8). Yet after several years, they had only moved outside the shadow of Jerusalem and Judea grudgingly. With the persecution that drove believers out of Jerusalem after Stephen's death (Acts 8:1-4), they had begun to tell Samaritans about Jesus and the Holy Spirit had made clear they were included (Acts 8:1-17). But to this point, the leadership in Jerusalem had not made a bold, solid, intentional move to include Gentiles. So, just as Jesus promised, using visions, angels, and the work of the Holy Spirit, God clearly shows that Gentiles are included in his Kingdom family through the conversion of Cornelius. This verse is God's unmistakable way of saying, "The good news of Jesus is for ALL people, and here's my proof: they received the Holy Spirit!" This is Gentile Pentecost: the Spirit comes to show the work of Jesus has begun and a group of people is included in the mighty triumph of God's good news of grace.
Prayer
Father, we confess that as your people we have at times been selfish, short-sighted, and fearful. We have seldom made bold moves in sharing Jesus with others. Part of the reason is because we are fearful of rejection or don't believe others will respond. Sometimes, however, I am afraid we have also not shared Jesus with others because of prejudice or dislike for others. Please forgive us. Even more, continue to move in our day to tear down barriers between people through your Spirit and empower us by your Holy Spirit to bring the grace of Jesus to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
