The Gospel is for all People: Acts 10:34-43
“34) Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35) but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. 36) The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— 37) you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed. 38) You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39) We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. 40) God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, 41) not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42) And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. 43) Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”” Acts 10:34-43
God arranged all of these events that Peter might preach the gospel to the Gentiles. According to verse 33, Cornelius had gathered all the people “present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” They were eager to listen.
Peter started by sharing the revelation that he now understood that the Gospel was for all people. God does not show partiality. Jesus died to reconcile the whole world to God. (John 3:16)
Then in verses 37-38, Peter made the strong point that the stories of the public ministry of Jesus Christ had spread far and wide. They had undoubtedly heard about Him. Jesus lived out His life and ministry openly and in public.
I want to emphasize that Jesus Christ was the subject of Peter’s message. He spoke of His miraculous life in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. Then he stressed the point that they were witnesses of His entire public ministry.
Then Peter zeroed in on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He did not leave Him in the grave. In verses 40-41 he stressed the resurrection and that they had eaten and drank with Him after His resurrection. Peter presented Him as the one anointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
Then Peter pointed to the Old Testament prophets and emphasized that they foretold of the ministry of Jesus, and that through faith in His name, everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. (See verse 43)
As we shall see in the next paragraph, the results were instantaneous. God confirmed their faith by pouring out the Holy Spirit.
What is paramount about this text is the focus on Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Peter stayed true to the message. He remained faithful to His calling to preach the Gospel. God did the rest. God arranged all the details for Peter and Cornelius to come together so Peter could preach the Gospel to them. There is no salvation without the gospel being shared.
So how does this apply to you and me? Please prioritize the sharing of the Gospel in your life and ministry. This is why you were given the Holy Spirit. He wants to empower you to be a witness of the Gospel. (Acts 1:8) If you desire to see God move in miraculous ways, make Jesus Christ and the gospel your focus and part of your conversations.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
