“I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
It was inevitable that the gospel of Jesus Christ come to the gentiles. Paul was chosen as the Apostle to the Gentiles, but it was Peter, giving the same sermon to the gentiles that he gave to the Jews that brought the Holy Spirit upon them also. The Jews recognized this to be the same spirit that was poured out upon the disciples at Pentecost and now the church, by the growth in the gospel is for Jews and gentiles alike. There are not two ways to the father - one of Law and the other of Grace, but only by grace through faith can men come justified to God, based on the life found in the Son at his resurrection.
Father, it is hard for us to not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to. It is your power, grace and might that makes me acceptable, and I come with an empty hand to the Table of Salvation. We all want to be important, but apart from you, I can do nothing. Create within me the Spirit of Humility, and let this be the face I bring into the world. In Jesus name I pray Amen.
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