The power of the gospel

Acts 10:34–41 “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.”

Acts 10:42–43 “And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.””

What are the elements of the gospel seen in this passage?

Jesus living a perfect and sinless life (v.38-39a)

Why is it necessary that Jesus live a perfect and sinless life?

People often fantasize a Jesus who sinned

Fantasy books make stories of Jesus who sinned by having relations with Mary Magdalene for example, million of dollars have been made about this fantasy

If Jesus sinned then He cannot be the substitute for other people’s sin

God will not accept a sacrifice unless it is without blemish

Jesus is not God if he sinned, and man cannot achieve salvation

Jesus’ perfect life allows him to be our substitute

You can’t enter heaven unless you are sinless and perfectly righteous

Since Jesus lived a perfect life he is able to give you his perfect righteousness, this is called imputed righteousness

Thus if you put your faith in Jesus, the Father no longer sees you, but Jesus Christ

Jesus died on the cross (v.39b)

What does the cross accomplish for people?

Jesus’ death on the cross pays for sin. Sin is a crime that results in a penalty/fine which is death. In order to pay the fine, one must be punished in hell, but Jesus pays the fine with his life for anyone who believes

God resurrected Jesus (v.40-41)

What is the significance of the ressurection? Is it just a cool party trick?

The resurrection validates everything Jesus said

The resurrection shows what happens to people who believe in Him

The resurrection shows God’s approval and acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice

Jesus transforms lives (v.42)

What if the people’s lives had zero change?

Jesus’ power and testimony comes into question

We would not be able to tell the difference between a real Christian and a fake

Requirement: faith alone that Jesus forgives sins (v.43)

Why is faith alone necessary? Why not faith + works?

Because Jesus paid it all on the cross when He said, ‘it is finished’

Adding works is saying to God, ‘that’s not good enough’ a blatant offense

Paul calls another gospel condemnable

Galatians 1:8–9 (ESV)

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

This is why Roman Catholics also need the gospel

Because they have a different gospel than the ones the apostles preached

Students is this the gospel you believe in?

1. The gospel (Acts 10:34-43)

Acts 10:44–11:3 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 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. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!””

Acts 11:4–11 “But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: “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. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.”

Acts 11:12–18 “Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 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, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 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.’ 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?” When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.””

Peter then shares what happens with the Apostles

Why? Why not continue about his business?

Peter had to clear up any confusion on the issue of Jews interacting with non-Jews

Most importantly with the Apostles who where the leaders of the early church

The word ‘withhold/withstand’ is repeated

Acts 10:47 (ESV)

“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Acts 8:36 (ESV)

And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

Acts 5:38–39 (ESV)

So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,

Word overthrow shares the root word that the words withhold/prevents are translated as

No one can stop God’s desire to save all kinds of people

1 Timothy 2:3–4 ESV

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

All people - refers to all ‘kinds’ of people (people from every tribe, tongue, nation’

As Christians today we see this as a given

Like how we treat water coming out of our faucet

Or light being turned on with a switch

In other countries you’d have to go to the well to get drinking water

Back then you had to turn light on by candle flame

Today it is so easy and accessible we treat these things for granted

What are other things that we take for granted today?

And we even treat the fact that God saves any kind of person for granted

God would have been completely just if He were to save only Jews

Everyone is a sinner

No one deserves to be saved

The fact that he chose to also save us, non-Jews, is an incredible mercy, and joy

In OT worship, non-Jews were to worship in what is called the ‘Court of the Gentiles’

It was the outermost area/perimeter of the temple

Literally think of our portico where the donuts are

In the temple, if you were not a Jew you had to stay there, you could not come in

Or think in modern term, you could not enter the church building if you were not a Jew

Thank God that he saved not only one group of people, but also included you and others you know into it

Don’t take your salvation as a non-Jew for granted

This was an incredible moment in the church that changed history forever

2. No one can stand in God’s way (10:44-11:18)