Our scripture this morning is Acts 10:44-48.
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. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Peter was called by God to go to a Gentile community and minister to them (Acts 10:9-23). While the Hebrews knew God’s promise to Abraham that all nations were blessed through him, they were not an evangelical faith, in that they did not reach out to those who were not Jewish. Converts were accepted but they had no missionary activity.
We know that Paul was called as the apostle to the Gentiles but in this passage it is Peter that learns God’s plan is for everyone to receive the Holy Spirit as the disciples have (Acts 2). Through a vision from God and the request of the Gentile group, he goes to their community to teach them. Some of the Jewish believers accompany him and during their visit the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles.
We should never be surprised at anyone receiving God’s Spirit, it is a free gift offered to all His children. It is our task to share our faith and rejoice with those who accept God’s promise. May we be the disciples of today, reaching out to all the world.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your blessing and the call You place on our lives. Help us to reach those who do not yet know You and make them part of the faithful. Amen.