Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Peter and Cornelius

Peter was able to put aside the Jewish cultural biases and laws against the Gentiles, and accept what God had shown him, essentially that "God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right"  (Acts 10:34b-35).   So, he preached the message to the large group of relatives and friends Cornelius had gathered together, who were eager "to listen to everything the Lord has commanded [Peter] to tell [them]."  After Peter told them of John the Baptist's ministry, Christ's annointing by the Holy Spirit and His powerful ministry, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the appearances of Christ before the Ascension; and concluding that he has been commanded "to preach to the people and to testify that [Jesus] is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead" (vs 42b), and "that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." (vs 43b), those who heard the message believed and were baptized.  This all happened due to God's orchestration and plan, and Peter's and Cornelius' obedience and willingness to be used by God.

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