“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, ‘Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.” Acts 10:44–48
Has God ever shown you something in his Word that totally changed your opinion about something? Have you ever been corrected by someone and, in the process, began seeing that your way of thinking was wrong? There is something strangely freeing about seeing things in a new way and knowing that the old way is gone forever.
In this text, Jesus’ Jewish followers experienced something similar. Knowing they were God’s chosen people, they thought that the Messiah had come for them and them only. What they didn’t expect was that the Gentiles would be included in God’s plan of salvation. The text says they were “amazed.”
God welcomes all to come to him and find salvation, regardless of skin color, background, or country of origin. May this truth free us to see the good news of Jesus reach all nations!
Read
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” Revelation 7:9–10
- How do these two verses support the point of our devotional for today?
- Why do you think God loves people of all nations?
Prayer
Father, thank you for allowing all to come to Jesus. Thank you that we have the freedom to declare your grace to anyone and everyone under the sun. We want to have an attitude toward all peoples that is inclusive and loving. Help us to never see our heritage or ethnicity as a source of pride. May it never be a barrier to our witness for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Acts Study Guide: Chapter 6–11. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes an 11-week curriculum with small group studies, group inductive studies, as well as 55 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
