A significant shift occurred in the direction of the Gospel, as Peter, arguably the leader of the early Church, ministered to a Roman officer, named Cornelius, and his family (Acts 10:1-8). What was the big deal? Their salvation and reception of the Holy Spirit threw a wrench in their perception of God’s plans. The original strategy of the disciples was to take the Gospel only to the Jews. Non-Jews like Cornelius, known as Gentiles, were not even “on their radar.”
However, the Lord altered their plans in a vision that He gave to
Peter. After showing him a host of animals, reptiles, and birds that were
considered unclean to eat by Mosaic law, the Lord commanded Peter to “get up,
kill, and eat.” While he was reluctant, at first, the Lord encouraged him by
saying, “If God says something is acceptable, don’t say it isn’t” (v.9-29).
Later, when Peter was invited to the home of Cornelius, the meaning of
the vision became clear. “You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come
into a Gentile home,” he said. “But God has shown me that I should never think
of anyone as impure... I see very clearly that God doesn’t show partiality” (v.28, 34). Something new
was happening here. God was opening the door of salvation for Gentiles to be
saved.
Peter told the disciples, when he met with them in Jerusalem, “God has also
given the Gentiles the privilege of turning from sin and receiving eternal
life” (11:18).
This “new direction” for the Gospel was fore- shadowed many times
before Peter’s vision. Even when God made a covenant with Abraham, who is
considered the father of the Jewish people, He told him, “All the
families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). Prophets, like Isaiah, foretold of this
phenomenon. He wrote of the Lord’s Servant, “You will do more than restore
the people of Israel to God. He will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you
will bring salvation to the ends of the
earth” (49:6). Jesus Himself, though His focus was
on the Jewish nation, ministered to Gentiles during His time on earth. Remember
the Cnaanite woman (Matthew 15), the Roman centurion’s servant (Luke 7), the Gerasenes (Mark 5), and the
Samaritan woman (John 4). Finally, even the Apostle Paul would be used of God to “take His
message to the Gentiles” (9:15).
Daily Reflection
With this new revelation, Jesus’ charge to be His witnesses in
Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth becomes more clear (Acts 1:8). The
Gospel has no boundaries! The good news of salvation in Jesus Christ is for
everyone, regardless of gender, color, social status, or nationality. He is the
Lord of all!
Why should this news cause you to be grateful?
How should this news affect your view and drive your efforts in
sharing the Gospel with others?
In saving you, the Lord has shown great mercy. You too should extend
the same mercy to others. The Gospel has no boundaries. “It is the power
of God for salvation, first to the Jews and also to the Gentiles” (Romans 1:16).
BiAY.org | Day 315 — 50 Days to Go
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