God Saves Gentiles (Part 3)

When someone is lost, truly lost, they need to be rescued. The problem is that most people have no idea what to do when they are lost. For about 2 years I was privileged to be part of a disaster relief organization in Texas. One training we were all required to have was search and rescue training. In that training you learn the best methods to find a lost person. You also learn why it can be so difficult to find someone who is lost. There are two basic problems with the same outcome. 1 - The person will not admit they are lost. This person confidently moves forward, and gets even more lost. 2 - The person panics and keeps wandering around, getting even more lost. The best thing you can do when you are lost, is sit and wait. The chances of being found are much higher. However, very few people sit and wait.

This truth plays out in the Spiritual realm as well. People don’t just wait for God to rescue them. They often pursue activities and ideas that lead them into greater and greater darkness. But here’s the thing.

God rescues the lost.

That’s what He does! That’s what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about! Mankind is sinful and corrupt. We are separated from God, alienated from Him, we are His enemies!

The only hope we have of reconciliation with God lies in Jesus Christ!

For people to trust in Christ, they must hear the gospel.

Last week we saw Peter and Cornelius brought together. We saw the barriers between them broken down by Christ. We ran out of time and didn’t quite finish the section. So we want to pick up the story in v. 30.

We are called to share Christ with everyone. In this passage. That is what Peter does. When we share Christ, people get saved.

In this passage. That is what Peter does.

When we share Christ, people get saved.

When people get saved, God is glorified.

When God is glorified, we are blessed.

This passage is about lost people being saved. It is about sinners becoming saints, and aliens becoming sons. Last week we talked about the barriers that were preventing Peter and Cornelius. We saw how God removed Peter’s mental barriers through the Spirit’s command and the angel’s communication. We saw the cultural barriers begin to break down as Peter crosses them to enter Cornelius’ house and communicates the truth about those barriers. As we begin this morning we find Peter, through the power of the Holy Spirit, …

c. Crushing the barrier vv. 30-33

Once we know there is a barrier, and we know what it is, we need to crush it.

READ vv. 30-32

Here we learn a new piece of information about Cornelius. When Cornelius had the vision, he was fasting. This shines even more light on his character. What he has displayed is described by Jesus in , (pp. 1116-1117).

, (pp. 1116-1117)

Matthew 6:1–8 NKJV

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

Matthew 6:16–18 NKJV

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

This is Cornelius! He was a better “Jew” than some of their religious leaders!

Cornelius recounts his experience for Petter. This is almost word for word. The only variation is on the end. In v. 6 the angel said that Peter would tell Cornelius “what he must do”. Here Cornelius says Peter would “speak to you”. Some manuscript difference here as well. No major differences.

Peter needs to hear what was said to Cornelius. This will give him an open door to preach the message God has called him to preach. The gospel.

READ v. 33

Having recounted the angel’s message, Cornelius explains his actions. He sent for Peter immediately.

There is no benefit in delaying obedience when God commands.

I love that Cornelius commends Peter for coming. “Well” is the idea of rightly or correctly. He’s saying, “Peter, you did the right thing.”

God brought them all together. Now it is time for Peter to preach the message. As Peter preaches, Cornelius and those present will hear.

“Hear” is an active verb. The sense is to hear with intention.

This isn’t a passive thing where they sit back and let Peter talk. This word implies an edge-of-the-seat eagerness. This is leg bouncing, fidgeting energy just waiting for direction. All they need is for Peter to tell them what to do.

I love this commitment to hear and act instead of just passively allowing sound to enter the ear canal.

Are we committed to putting the truth we hear into practice?

There are barriers to the gospel.

Those barriers need to be identified and demolished.

For Cornelius, the barrier was a need to hear the clear Gospel message.

To destroy this barrier God prepared Peter to come and preach the gospel. But first…

For Peter, the barrier was a hatred of Gentiles.

To remove this barrier God demonstrated that no one He cleanses is common or unclean.

Peter obeys the Lord. He shows up in Caesarea and meets Cornelius.

Peter finally understands that the gospel is for everyone!

Do we have this understanding?

With his new understanding, Peter begins to preach. As he does, we learn that…

That friend, that relative, that co-worker; they may not be around tomorrow.

Whatever barrier prevents you and I from sharing the gospel, remove it.

When the barrier is removed , may we faithfully and boldly preach Christ. What do I mean? GOSPEL

God Rescues The Lost Through Conversion 10:34-48

How? In this passage we see two ways the lost are rescued. First, they are…

1. Rescued By The Gospel Of Jesus Christ vv. 34-43

The word “gospel” literally means good news. In this passage Peter clearly walks through what the good news is.

One thing we must always recognize is that the gospel is only good news because there is first bad news. It is the bad news that makes the good news, good.

What is the bad news? The bad news is that we are all sinners. Ephesians tells us that we are “by nature children of wrath”. When Adam sinned in the Garden he became a sinner. He and Eve had children after their kind and so Adam fathered a race of sinners. We are sinners by nature and by choice. We sin because we are sinners. We are condemned in Adam. It is that sin that Christ, the second Adam, died for. He cleanses us from our sin nature and our chosen sin.

The gospel truly good news. It is good news because…

a. The gospel is about Jesus’ identity vv. 34-38

READ v. 34

Partiality – προσωπολήμπτης (prosōpolēmptēs) respecter of persons. Partial person n. — a person who (unjustly) shows favor to one group or view or opinion over alternatives. Noun, nominative, singular, masculine, predicate adjective.

Partiality – προσωπολήμπτης (prosōpolēmptēs)

This is such a powerful statement. One of the things it highlights is that God is not like us.

We show partiality. We are exclusive. God says whosoever will may come.

For Peter, as a Jew, this is an even more powerful statement. Their entire religious system is built around the idea that God is partial. And He is. The Jews are His chosen people and nothing will ever change that. However, in our dispensation, He is dealing with the church. When it comes to the church, we all stand on equally lost footing.

This is who Jesus is. He is not someone impressed by our followers on social media. He doesn’t care how many people like our posts. He is not star struck by fame or fortune!

God sees only those who are His, and those who are not. The redeemed, and the lost. The sinner, and the saint. The regenerate, and the dead. God doesn’t care who you are! He cares that you know His Son.

If God shows no partiality, neither should we.

READ v. 35

In contrast to showing partiality, God accepts those who fear Him and practice righteousness.

This is an interesting verse.

Peter is not advocating a works based righteousness or salvation. He is doing two things. First,

He stating the reality that God is more concerned with the heart of a person than their nationality.

Second,

Peter is not advocating a works based righteousness or salvation. He stating the reality that even in the dispensation of Law, God was more concerned with the heart of a person than their nationality.

He is introducing his topic. What does it meant o fear God, work righteousness, and be accepted? That’s what Peter will explain in his gospel presentation!

This word “works” refers to your behavior or manner of life.

Righteousness – δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē) righteousness. Righteousness (character) n. — a life or lifestyle in conformity to justice, law, or morality as given by God. Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, feminine.

Righteousness – δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē)

The idea here is that your manner of life needs to adhere to God’s standard laid out in His Word.

Under the law, acceptability with God was produced by the sacrificial system. The blood of bulls and goats temporarily covered sin. When this was done, the person was accepted. Adherence to the Law demonstrated a fear of the Lord and personal righteousness.

In the Church age, acceptability with God is produced by faith in Christ. The blood of Christ has permanently removed sin. When we trust in Him, we are accepted. Our faith in Christ and obedience to the Holy Spirit demonstrates our fear of the Lord and displays the reality that the righteousness of Christ has been credited to our account.

God accepts those whose hearts are made right through the blood of Jesus Christ. That is what our Heavenly Father is concerned with! Your nationality doesn’t matter to God. He cares that we accept Christ, fear Him, and seek to live holy lives.

The Grace New Testament Commentary B. God Reveals His Cleansing of the Gentiles to Peter and Other Witnesses (10:1–48)

God grants even Gentiles who fear Him and work righteousness the additional revelation that they seek and need in order to receive justification by faith (cf. Luke 13:22–30).

God accepts those whose hearts are right. That is what our Heavenly Father is concerned with! Your nationality doesn’t matter to God. He cares that we fear Him and seek to live holy lives.

Having expressed this, Peter moves into the background of the gospel. He does this by proclaiming that Jesus is Lord of all!

ii. Jesus is Lord of all vv. 36-38

i. Jesus is inclusive vv. 34-35

1. Inclusive not exclusive v. 34

READ v. 36

2. Inclusive and accepting v. 35

“Word” here is logos and it refers to a message. What message does God have? Peace through Jesus Christ! How is there peace through Jesus Christ? Because He is Lord of all!

ii. Jesus is Lord of all vv. 36-38

Remember, a message is what Peter has been called here to give! In v. 29 he used this same word “Logos” to ask what message they were to hear. vv. 34-35 are Peter’s introduction. Here in v. 36 he is telling them, this is the message I have been given by God.

First and foremost, it is a message of peace through Jesus Christ.

Why do we need peace? ; (S).

;

Romans 5:10 NKJV

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Colossians 1:21 NKJV

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled

We need peace because we are enemies of God! This means that in our natural state, we are at war with our creator.

Peter says that the message, the Logos, God sent was peace through Jesus Christ. Paul says the same thing in (S).

Romans 5:1 NKJV

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

The only possibility of having peace with God comes through Jesus Christ.

He is Lord of all. What does it mean to be Lord of all? The song “His Name Is Wonderful” has a line that says “He is the Mighty King, Master of everything”. That’s what this means. He is the master of everything.

That means that He is my master, and your master. Is that reality reflected in our lives?

This is who Jesus is, He is Lord!

This means He Lord of both Jews and Gentiles.

Peter continues.

READ v. 37

Peter tells them that they know the message. Everyone heard it. They heard it because of the attention John the Baptist had when he proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world.

What is the message?

READ v. 38

Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. So that there is no mistake, Peter says Jesus of Nazareth. The Savior sent to redeem His people. Jesus was sent by God, He was anointed. He lived a perfect sinless life.

The gospel is about Jesus’ identity. Who is He? He is Lord of all! He is the Messiah! He is the one proclaimed by John. He is the one who healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead.

Do we believe in Him?

Not only is the gospel about Jesus’ identity. As we continue we find that…

2. Displayed in the message proclaimed v. 37

3. Displayed in the message of power v. 38

b. The gospel is about Jesus’ activity vv. 39-43

Having given the background to the gospel, Peter describes Jesus’ death and resurrection.

READ v. 39

Peter witnessed the healing, the casting out of demons, and the raising of the dead.

Though anointed by God, though revealed to be the Christ, though He possessed power to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead, Jesus was crucified by His people. The sinless, spotless Lamb of God was brutally tortured and executed for crimes not His own.

But, READ v. 40

Jesus didn’t remain in the grave! He was raised the third day and seen by many.

The third day demonstrates that He truly died.

READ v. 41

Jesus was not seen alive by everyone, only by His chosen.

The gospels speak of Jesus appearing to His disciples, and the apostles. Paul, in , mentions that Jesus was seen by over 500 believers. These men and women were Christ’s chosen witnesses to tell of His death and resurrection!

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was not an accident. In John calls him “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” In his message in Peter says that Christ was “delivered up by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God”. In Ch. 4 Peter prayed, recognizing that everyone involved in Jesus death gathered “to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.”

Here Peter states that the witnesses had been chosen beforehand.

The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ was carried out as part of the plan formed by the triune God in eternity past!

Peter stands here and explains these things to Gentiles. He gives them the gospel message.

2. Raised by His Father v. 40

3. Witnessed by His chosen v. 41

READ v. 42

Those who saw the risen Lord were commanded to proclaim Him. This takes us back to the beginning. says that they are to witness to the ends of the earth. Now they know that it is to all people, not just all places.

There are two separate things here. They are to preach to the people, proclaim who He is. They are also to testify of what He will do. He is the judge. Christ being the judge is a testimony to His Deity. Turn to (p. 1226).

(p. 1226)

John 5:22–23 NKJV

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Only God can judge. Jesus is the judge, therefore, Jesus is God. This phrase, “living and dead” is used in two other places. It always is connected to judgement. ; (S).

;

2 Timothy 4:1 NKJV

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

1 Peter 4:5 NKJV

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

When Christ returns, all will be judged. At the Great White Throne judgement, the judgment will be between believers and unbelievers. At the judgement seat of Christ, believers will have their works evaluated. It is the Great White Throne judgment that is in view here. We know that because the very next thing Peter mentions is the need to believe.

READ v. 43

All the prophets witness to this. “What must I do to be saved?” Believe in Him. Name = all that a person is. It is who Christ is and what He has done that makes faith in Him able to save!

1. The righteous Judge v. 42

Remission – ἄφεσις (aphesis) forgiveness; pardon. Forgiveness (absolution) n. — a formal release from an obligation or debt; especially understood of the debt of sin. Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, feminine.

Remission – ἄφεσις (aphesis)

Let’s review what Peter has told them.

2. The Remission of sin v. 43

Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Through Him we are able to have peace with God. He was anointed by God to live a perfect sinful life, to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead. These activities prove that He is the anointed one of prophecy, He is the Messiah. This Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and buried but rose again the third day. His resurrection was witnessed by many who now proclaim Him. He is God, He will judge.

The forgiveness of sin comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Peter says that all the prophets gave witness to Christ. They bear formal testimony of Him! What is their testimony.

10:43 – All the prophets witness to this. Christ plus nothing. By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Christ plus nothing.

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.

This Is The Gospel! This is the good news! Sin can be forgiven through faith in Christ.

You don’t need endless ritual or a laundry list of rules. All that is required is faith.

Peter has been sovereignly placed by God with these people at this moment in time to deliver this message.

They need to be rescued by the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Peter preaches the gospel and as they believe we find them also…

2. Rescued By The Indwelling Holy Spirit vv. 44-48

By some estimates, there are around 39 things that happen when we place our faith in Jesus Christ. The rest of this chapter deals with an experience that all believers share.

As we begin to examine the indwelling of the Holy Spirit there is a verse we must keep in the forefront of our minds.

(S).

Romans 8:9 NKJV

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

If you do not have the Spirit. You are not saved. You are not a believer. You do not belong to Christ.

Because this is true, the indwelling of the Spirit must happen the moment we believe. We see that very clearly in this account. What the experience of Peter and these Gentiles teach us is that…

a. Indwelling is for believers vv. 44-46a

READ v. 44

Poor Peter, he doesn’t even get to finish his message because the Holy Spirit interrupts!

Peter is in the midst of speaking when the Holy Spirit indwells Cornelius and his family and friends. Notice, Peter doesn’t have to finish the message and give an invitation. There is no sinners prayer, no hands raised, no sawdust trail. Not that these things are bad, however, they are not necessary. Someone who hears the gospel can believe right where they are.

We see in this verse all that is required. Peter is preaching the gospel, they are hearing it.

(p. 1303) is very appropriate here. Turn there please.

(p. 1303)

Romans 10:12–15 NKJV

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

There is no distinction between Jew and Greek! Christ saves whoever calls on Him by faith. But to call they must believe, to believe they must hear, to hear someone must preach, to preach you must be sent.

Peter has been sent, he has preached; those with Cornelius have heard, they have believed, and called. They are saved!

When you believe, the Holy Spirit comes that very moment.

This coming of the Holy Spirit brings confusion to the Jews who are present.

READ v. 45

There is something very interesting here. There is no laying on of hands. There are those who teach that the Holy Spirit is only given through the laying on of hands. However, we only see that twice in all of Acts and it is with the Samaritans and later with followers of John the Baptist. With the two main groups, Jews and Gentiles, the Spirit simply comes.

No laying on of hands.

There is more to say about this verse, but first we need to

READ v. 46a

This is the confirmation of the indwelling here.

The Jews who came with Peter were also believers. They too had received the Holy Spirit. The fact that Gentiles also receive the Spirit, just like they had, evidenced by speaking in tongues, completely blows their minds.

Astonished – ἐξίστημι (existēmi) amaze; astound; astonish. To be utterly amazed v. — to be or become astounded to such a degree as to nearly lose one’s mental composure. Finite verb, aorist, active, indicative, third person, plural.

Astonished – ἐξίστημι (existēmi)

Look at the other ways this word is translated, out of his mind, overcome, beside ourselves. This is a strong word!

Why are they so surprised? Because to them, the Holy Spirit was for the Jews. It is one thing to tell Gentiles about Jesus. But to have them receive the Holy Spirit? That was earth shattering! Again we ask, why? In the NKJV v. 45 ends with the Word “also”. In v. 47 Peter says they “received the Holy Spirit just as we have”. Gentiles receiving the Holy Spirit is a clear indication that God sees them as equal with Jews.

That is a counter-cultural thought for the Jews.

These new Gentile believers speak in tongues and magnify God. We need to make several comments here. First,

First,

The Holy Spirit is a gift.

Gift – δωρεά (dōrea) gift. Gift n. — something acquired or given without compensation in return. Noun (subject), nominative, singular, feminine.

Gift – δωρεά (dōrea)

This means that He is not prayed for, sought, or worked to gain. He is freely given. Second,

This is only the second appearance of tongues.

Second, No record of tongues at other conversions in between.

iii. The confirmation of indwelling v. 46a

People come to Christ in every single chapter but 7 when Stephen is martyred. Yet none of them speak in tongues. Why not? That brings us to our third comment.

Tongues demonstrated that Gentiles too were saved.

No record of tongues at other conversions in between.

10:45-56 – Tongues were to demonstrate that Gentiles too were saved.

Tongues always served a deliberate and specific purpose. The point here is to show beyond a shadow of a doubt that Gentiles were now included in the body of Christ!

It is undeniable because the same sign, tongues, is present as it was in ch. 2 with the Jews.

The Gentiles speak with languages they had not previously learned and magnify God demonstrating that they have believed and been given the Holy Spirit. What language? Probably Aramaic.

What we learn next is that…

b. Indwelling precedes water baptism vv. 46b-48

This is an important point. It counteracts some false teaching about baptism.

READ vv. 46b-47

Now, I’m going to ask you a question. Everyone ready? Good. How do we know that Peter is talking about water baptism?

He says, “water”. Peter is very clear about this. They have already received the Spirit. They received Him just like the Jews had. Because they have the Spirit, tells us they are believers. They are regenerated children of God.

Baptism was after belief. Not part of belief or salvation and not before.

10:47 – Baptism was after belief. Not part of belief or salvation and not before.

Here Peter uses his final “key” as the last people group comes to Christ.

Peter fulfilled this role, being present as each people group first received the Holy Spirit. (Jews in , Samaritans in , and the gentiles in ).

Christopher Cone, A Concise Bible Survey: Tracing the Promises of God, 4th ed. (Ft. Worth, TX: Exegetica Publishing, 2012), 176

What this clearly demonstrates is that baptism is an external affirmation.

[1] Christopher Cone, A Concise Bible Survey: Tracing the Promises of God, 4th ed. (Ft. Worth, TX: Exegetica Publishing, 2012), 176

READ v. 48

ii. Because baptism is an external affirmation v. 48

Another interesting point. Apparently, Peter doesn’t baptism them. If water baptism were necessary for salvation, Peter would have done it. However, since it is an external affirmation, he simply commands it to be done.

As regenerated believers, they are now going to outwardly demonstrate the inward reality.

Peter stays in Caesarea for a few days. What happens next, we will find out in a few weeks.

Conclusion

As we come to the end of this section there are three points that stick in my mind.

God is unbiased.

What matters to Him is faith. That’s it. Your lineage and genealogy do not impress Him. He is not turned off by your ethnicity, nationality, or anything else. When we come to Christ in simple faith, believing that Jesus died for our sin, that He rose again. We are saved.

Jesus is Lord of all.

There is a famous poem called invictus. The last two lines say, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

Jesus is the master of all! He will judge the living and the dead! The standard of that judgment will be faith in Christ. Those who have not believed will spend eternity separated from the presence of God in torment. Those who believe will have the privileged of serving in Christ’s presence for eternity.

He is Lord of all. Have you submitted to His Lordship of you?

Forgiveness is only found in Christ.

When we believe in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. In when Peter is preached he says this (S).

Acts 4:12 NKJV

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

My prayer, aim, and desire today is that God would awaken us to the urgency of preaching the gospel to everyone.

That friend, that relative, that co-worker; they may not be around tomorrow.

Whatever barrier prevents you and I from sharing the gospel, remove it.

When the barrier is removed, may we faithfully and boldly preach Christ.

The only hope for lost souls is the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we be faithful ambassadors as we plead with people to come to Jesus.

#101 “His Name Is Wonderful”

Acts

Acts 10:30–48 NKJV

So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” 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. 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.” 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.

Related Media

Related Sermons