Acts 9:32-10:48

Peter traveled around Israel, ministering to others.  In Lydda he healed a man who had been paralyzed and bedridden for 8 years.  In Joppa, he raised Tabitha from the dead.  Many more people came to believe in Jesus through these miraculous works.

While Peter was staying in Joppa he had an unusual vision.  God prepared Peter for a new work.  By showing him that He had the authority to cleanse what had once been considered "unholy".. Peter was open to the next instruction, which was to go to the home of a Gentile centurion in Caesarea.

God's work was evident in Cornelius' life already.  This man was "devout".  He feared God.  He prayed.  He gave alms to Jewish people.  He was respected by his servants and those he commanded. He was obedient to follow the instructions of the angel that visited him.  When Peter came and told them about Jesus.. Cornelius and his household immediately believed and were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Two passages stick out to me.  10:34-35 " ... I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him." And, 42-43 " 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. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." Here is the gospel in a nutshell...  God welcomes any and all who will come to Him through Jesus Christ.  

We come to know Jesus by believing.  Peter was a witness, chosen by God.. to testify that Jesus was anointed by God,  that He was crucified on a cross,  and that He was raised from the dead on the third day.  Peter testified and those who believed his testimony were saved.  We are welcome to come to Him in the very same way!

Father in heaven, holy is Your Name. We bow in reverent fear before You.  You are God and there is no other. You sent Jesus to be our Savior.  You have appointed Him to be the Judge of the living and the dead.  May we be found in Christ alone. He is our only hope.  He is our Lord and King.  What amazing grace You have shown to us.  Let Your Word fill our hearts and minds that we might grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord.  Anoint us with Your Spirit that we might also be faithful witnesses of Your Truth, that others might also believe in Jesus and be saved.  We ask this in the powerful name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.