This week, we turn our attention to Acts 10. In this chapter, Peter receives a vision from the Lord that challenges his thinking. God calls Peter into new territory. He goes to the home of Cornelius, a Gentile. Up until this point, many, including Peter himself, believed that the gospel was only for the Jews. However, in this chapter, God makes it clear that the gift of the Holy Spirit is for everyone who believes – Jew or Gentile.
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. (Acts 10:44-46)
While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and his entire household. Spirit baptism – the filling of God’s presence and power – is not for a select few. It is for every heart that receives Jesus as its Lord and Saviour.
In fact, the same signs that happened to the disciples in Acts 2 happen here: they began speaking in tongues and praising God!
Reflect:
Q1. Have you ever experienced or prayed for the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If yes, how were you transformed by that experience? If not, what holds you back from asking God for this gift?
Before Peter went to visit Cornelius, God had to deal with Peter’s own heart. In a vision, God showed Peter that what he had called “unclean”, God called “clean”. It seems that Peter’s assumptions had to be corrected before he could minister freely to Cornelius’ family and close friends.
Q2. Are there any barriers or prejudices we carry that can limit God’s work through us?
In Peter’s case, he had to cross racial and cultural barriers. The Holy Spirit helped to unite the Jews and the Gentiles but Peter still faced opposition from the church in Jerusalem. He was wise to take witnesses with him so that there were others who could corroborate his testimony. But he still had to be brave to explain the reasons for his decisions.
Q3. When we ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we do need to be prepared for tests to come our way after the baptism. Spend time and surrender your concerns so that God can use us to break down barriers as his witnesses.
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