United in Faith: Welcoming All in Christ

In Acts 10:44-48, we encounter a groundbreaking moment in the history of the early church – a moment that challenged the perceptions of the Jewish Christians and called them into a broader, more unified understanding of God’s family.

As we look into Luke’s account of what happened when the Apostle Peter shared his message about Jesus Christ with the Gentiles in Cornelius’ home, we uncover the very heart of God – God shows no favoritism, anyone who trusts Jesus is welcomed into His body, the church.

Share background of Peter’s vision, verse 34 where Peter told the Gentiles that God shows no favoritism but accepts anyone who trusts Jesus.

Why would Luke, the author of the Book of Acts feel the need to focus on the extreme attitude shift, first of Peter, and then the Jewish Christians?

It’s because of human nature. We tend to believe we are more special to God than those who are different than us.

That’s Luke’s main theme throughout this section of the Book of Acts. We’re going to see it again in this morning’s verses in the dramatic reaction of the Jewish Christians when they realize the Holy Spirit indwelt these Gentiles just like he did for them.

God wants us to see that anyone who trusts Jesus is welcomed into His body, the church, because God shows no favoritism in the invitation of the gospel.

Let’s take a look at what happens.

Read the verses.

God doesn’t even let Peter finish his message.

The Spirit Falls on All Who Trust Jesus (44)

A. The surprise of the Spirit.

This is so awesome! Luke didn’t even finish his sermon. He didn’t give an invitation. He didn’t challenge them to respond in any way.

God decided they had heard enough because He saw that in their hearts they trusted in the one of whom Peter had been talking about.

The Holy Spirit indwelt these new believers without the laying on of hands and even before they were baptized. Salvation is by grace through faith and nothing else can have an effect on that. (Eph. 2:8-9)

The Holy Spirit was giving witness to the six Jews who came with Peter that these Gentiles were truly born again.

These Jewish Christians were deeply rooted in traditions and thought they were sure about who God favors. Then something astonishing happens.

The Holy Spirit indwelt non-Jews. This was a game-changer. The coming of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles was as shocking as if the rain suddenly started falling upwards. It defied everything they thought was right.

This moment teaches us something vital about God. He isn't limited by our expectations or our understanding of how things 'should' be. The Holy Spirit's descent on the Gentiles showed that God’s love and salvation were not exclusive to a single group – they were for everyone, everywhere. It was a clear signal that God was doing something new, something big. He was expanding His family beyond the boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, and tradition.

This surprise of the Spirit is a powerful reminder for us. Sometimes, we might think we have God all figured out. We might assume we know who belongs and who doesn’t, who’s in and who’s out. Who’s right, and who’s wrong. But this passage challenges us to think bigger, to expect the unexpected. It encourages us to look around our own church and community. Who are the people we least expect to see touched by God's love? The surprise of the Spirit invites us to embrace a bigger picture of God’s family – one that includes people from every background and walk of life.

B. The immediate response of faith.

Let’s pause for a moment and look at the immediate response of faith from the Gentiles.

They didn’t hesitate. God had already been preparing their hearts to believe. They trusted Jesus in their hearts before Peter was finished talking. They simply believed.

This is a powerful testimony to the power of the gospel. It’s like a light switch being turned on in a dark room. The moment the light of Christ shone upon these Gentiles, they saw the truth clearly and embraced it wholeheartedly. Their faith wasn't gradual; it was instantaneous. This is the power of the Gospel – it transcends cultural, ethnic, and religious boundaries, speaking directly to the hearts of those who hear it.

Now, think about this in our context. Often, we might underestimate the reach and impact of the Gospel. We might think it’s too complex for some or irrelevant for others. But here’s the truth: the message of Jesus is for everyone, everywhere – no exceptions. It has the power to touch hearts and change lives in an instant. The response of the Gentiles in Acts reminds us that anyone can be moved by the Gospel, often in ways or times we least expect.

So, what’s our takeaway from this? Be open. Be hopeful. Let’s expect God to work in surprising ways and among unexpected people. As we share our faith, let's do so with the confidence that the Gospel is universally powerful. It can and will resonate with people from all walks of life. Our role is to be messengers, to share this incredible news, and then watch in amazement as God does the rest, illuminating hearts and minds, just as He did with the Gentiles. Let’s be excited about the possibilities, because with God, incredible things happen when we least expect them.

The Holy Spirit has come to the Gentiles. How did these Jewish believers react?

The Jewish Believers Were Beside Themselves (45-46)

A. The astonishment of the Jewish believers (45)

Picture this: You’re a Jewish believer in the early church. You’ve grown up with a clear understanding of who God’s people are – and it's always been about Israel, about those who follow the Jewish customs and laws. Then, suddenly, you see Gentiles – people who are completely different from you in culture and religious background – receiving the Holy Spirit just like you did. This moment in Acts 10:45 is like watching the walls you’ve always known come tumbling down. The Jewish believers were more than just surprised; they were astonished. It was a radical, eye-opening moment that challenged their deepest beliefs about God and His workings.

The word that Luke used for astonished is literally “beside themselves.” This word was also used of people who were insane, or like we might say, “they were out of their minds with the possibility that God had accepted these Gentile dogs into the church, the body of Christ.”

Why does Luke include this? Because he wanted to bring attention to their prideful attitude. Why is it that throughout human history, people tend to believe that God will only welcome and accept people who are just like them? Pride. They were beside themselves. They were incredulous. These Jewish believers thought they were more acceptable to God because of who they were. And the way they lived their life.

This astonishment is something we can learn from. It shows us how God’s plans can often go beyond our expectations and prejudices. The Jewish believers had to confront the fact that God’s grace and love were not exclusive to their ethnic or religious group. This was a humbling and transformative realization. It was a call to widen their understanding of who could be part of God’s family. Their astonishment turned into a lesson about the boundless nature of God’s love and the universal reach of His salvation.

In our lives, too, we might encounter moments that challenge our preconceived notions about who God is and how He works. This passage invites us to stay open-minded and expect to be surprised by God. It reminds us that His grace can reach far beyond our circles, touching lives we might never have imagined. So, let’s be ready to embrace these moments of astonishment with humility and joy, recognizing that we are part of a diverse and beautiful family that God is continuously building.

B. The speaking in tongues (46)

This verse doesn’t suggest that every new believer will give evidence of salvation by speaking in tongues. We need to remember that signs were given to the Jews on the day of Pentecost, laying on of hands for the Samaritans, and speaking in tongues again here to prove to the Jews that God accepts the Gentiles as well into the church, His body.

The word tongues here is the same as in Acts 2. It’s the word used to refer to a language. With this event, the period of transition in the early history of the church comes to an end. Believers among Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles have all received the Spirit of God and are united in the body of Christ.

This was God’s way of showing that His love and salvation were not confined to a single group but were available to all who believe, regardless of their background.

So, what does this mean for us? It's a reminder that God’s Spirit can work in ways that are beyond our understanding and expectations. It encourages us to look beyond our own experiences and expectations, to be open to the surprising and diverse ways God moves among His people. It’s a call to embrace the beautiful diversity of the global church, united by the same Spirit that transcends all cultural and linguistic barriers. Let's celebrate this unity, rejoicing in the fact that we are all part of God’s incredible, diverse family. Satan wants us to be fractured and separated. God wants His entire body unified in purpose and mission.

Think about it - the church isn't just a building or a Sunday service; it's a family made up of people from all walks of life, each with their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Embracing diversity means more than just acknowledging it; it means actively celebrating it. It’s like having a big family dinner where everyone brings a dish from their own culture. Each dish adds something special and unique to the meal, just like each of us adds something special and unique to our church family. We should be curious about each other's stories, learn from each other, and grow together in our faith.

So, let’s start this week. Let's make an effort to connect with someone who might come from a different background than ours. Let’s be intentional about understanding and appreciating our differences. This is how we build a stronger, more vibrant church – by celebrating every member and recognizing that each person is an essential part of the beautiful tapestry God is creating. In doing so, we're not just following a command; we're living out the reality of the Gospel – a Gospel that reaches every nation, every tribe, and every language. Let’s be a church that mirrors the diversity of God’s kingdom!

Baptism: A Public Declaration of a New Unity (47-48)

Why did Peter ask if there were any objections to these Gentiles being baptized? I think our answer is in his qualifier, “just as we received the Holy Spirit.”

Peter’s point was “We’re not special. We’re not alone. God doesn’t discriminate. He accepts everyone who comes to Him in faith. Unlike us sometimes.

So, what does this mean for us today? It means that we, like Peter, need to recognize that our church isn't just for people who look like us, talks like us, or thinks like us. It's for everyone who calls on the name of Jesus. This realization should shape how we view others, how we do church, and how we share the Gospel. We're called to be a community that reflects the wide and welcoming heart of God, a place where everyone feels at home, no matter where they come from. Let’s be a church that doesn't just open its doors, but also opens its arms to all who seek Jesus.

These Gentiles weren’t saved because they were baptized; they were baptized because they gave evidence of being saved.

C. The Call to Action

Now, let's talk about our role in this amazing journey. As believers, we're called to do more than just welcome people into our church; we're called to actively disciple and support new believers, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Think of it like this: When someone new joins a sports team, it's not just about giving them a uniform. It's about teaching them the plays, helping them fit in, and cheering them on. In the same way, when new believers join our church family, it’s up to us to help them grow in their faith, understand God’s Word, and feel like they truly belong.

This discipling and mentoring isn't just beneficial for the new believers; it's a blessing for us too. When we take the time to invest in someone else's spiritual journey, we get to see faith through fresh eyes, and we grow in our own walk with Christ. It's like adding new colors to a painting - the whole picture becomes richer and more vibrant.

Application: Reflecting on Our Role

Here's where it gets personal. Let's take a moment to think about our individual roles in creating an inviting and welcoming church environment. Ask yourself: When was the last time I reached out to someone new in church? Have I ever taken the time to understand someone’s story that’s different from mine? Remember, every one of us plays a key role in making our church a place where everyone feels loved and accepted.

Let's challenge ourselves this week. Let’s make an effort to talk to someone we don’t know, or invite someone different from us for a coffee or a meal. Let’s ask questions, listen, and share our own experiences. By doing this, we're not just being friendly; we're living out the Gospel. We're showing the world what it looks like when the love of Jesus is at the center of a community. Let’s be a church that’s not just a building with open doors, but a family with open hearts.

Next Steps:

Connect with someone new this week.

Invite someone new for a meal or coffee this week.

Join a ministry team and begin reaching out.