Peter answered the call of the Lord by traveling to Caesarea where he preached the gospel to a group of Gentiles, onto whom, by the grace of God, the Holy Spirit fell.
Following this miraculous spiritual rebirth, Peter baptized the new believers in water, in the name of the Lord Jesus, the risen Christ.
“Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” (Acts 11:1-3)
The early church was comprised of converted Jews who were deeply influenced by the Mosaic law, and they abided to Jewish tradition which forbid them to socialize with Gentiles. But, Peter was answering to a higher calling and embraced the new covenant which delivered believers from bondage to the law.
“4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ 10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.” (Acts 11:4-10)
Peter shared with the apostles how he was called upon by the Lord, who came to him in a vision to reveal His plan for all men to hear the gospel, believe and be saved, including Gentiles.
“11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.” (Acts 11:11-15)
Peter also shared Cornelius’ vision involving an angel of God who instructed to the Roman centurion to send out a delegation to Joppa that would summon the apostle back to Caesarea to fulfill a divinely appointed mission to preach the gospel.
“16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:16-17)
Peter recalls when Jesus mentioned the apostle would one day baptize believers in the Holy Spirit, and his mission to Caesarea proved this prophecy true. Peter witnessed the miracle and felt blessed to be among those chosen to minister to the Gentiles in Caesarea, as such, he would do nothing to prevent God’s divine plan from coming to fulfillment.
“18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” (Acts 11:18)
When they were convinced the occurrence was indeed divinely appointed, the apostles gave up the controversy and gave praise to God for the new believers, and for the removal of the barrier between Jews and Gentiles. 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
