Acts 10:34‐48

Read Acts 10:34‐48 slowly and prayerfully. What words or phrases stand out for you?



Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem.  They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that
everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” 
     44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”  48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.


Reflect

In your heart do you know and believe that God shows no partiality?


What needs to change in your life and church to make the gospel more accessible to those who would assume that Christ (or your faith community) was not for them?


How has the Holy Spirit surprised you recently?


Respond

Think of how welcoming your faith community is from the point of view of someone who has no church background. Implement one idea to make it more accessible to them.


Pray that your faith community and all faith communities of the California‐Nevada conference will not only welcome the “Cornelius’” of the world but go to where they live in order to do so.