While he was staying in Joppa with Simon the tanner, Peter had a vision brought on by the Lord about the new covenant. IN the vision, the Lord instructed the apostle to “kill and eat” and that all flesh was to be considered good, and holy.
After traveling along the Mediterranean Sea from Joppa to Caesarea, Peter was now in the presence of Gentiles, a group of people gathered with Cornelius to hear the gospel.
“44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.” (Acts 10:44)
As the apostle shared the truth about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the risen Christ, those present were born again of faith in the Savior.
“45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.” (Acts 10:45)
The brethren who traveled with Peter from Joppa had been Jews, or part of the circumcision. Until Peter’s testimony in Caesarea, salvation and the preaching of the gospel of the risen Christ had been reserved to Jews and Samaritans.
This day proved to be a defining moment in Christianity, the day when the new covenant was revealed, that all those who believe, both Jew and Gentile would be saved from the wages of sin, which is death. By faith, anyone who believes in the Lord will inherit a place in the kingdom of God.
“46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:46-47)
Peter and the brethren with him were astonished to hear the newly converted Christians speak in tongues, and magnify God in such a glorious way. As a result, Peter called for a water baptism to ensue, allowing each new believer to make their public acknowledgment of their faith in Jesus, the Christ.
“48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.” (Acts 10:48)
Blessed by the spiritual occurrence, Peter felt led to call on the new believers to be baptized right away. The baptism would take place in water, in the name of the Lord Jesus, the risen Christ. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
