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9. The Beginning of Preaching to the Gentiles through the Conversion of Cornelius the Centurion (Acts 10:1 - 11:18)
ACTS 10:44-48
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can any man forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
God confirmed Peter’s simple sermon about the truths of the life of Christ. He poured out salvation and the Holy Spirit on all those who heard these words. This event annihilated all complicated and pompous words, for it was not masked in eloquent or colorful speech. God rejects everyone who shows arrogant superiority over others. He dislikes the proud spirit, but chooses to bless a simple, objective sermon about the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of his Son. Do you desire your friend´s enlightenment and salvation? Then study Peter’s sermon in Cornelius’ house. You will see how God blessed a simple testimony about Christ, and how He inspired a former fisherman with the power of heaven.
Faith opened the hearers’ hearts. Without hindrance the Spirit of God could enter them. The living Lord confirmed to the Jews, through this pouring out of his Spirit on the Gentiles, that circumcision, knowledge of the law, and the keeping of the commandments were not necessary to receive the gift of God. Faith alone justifies. No one has any inherent right or merit before God. The one who receives Christ and places himself under the righteousness of His blood is acceptable to the Most High.
From the Day of Pentecost until today, the Holy Spirit is flowing like a wide river into those who believe in Jesus. Without faith in Christ the Holy Spirit does not enter the heart, for the Spirit glorifies the Son. When the one seeking God opens himself to the gospel of Christ, the blessed Spirit enlightens him. His trust in the Son of Man is established and the Son of God recognizes him. The life of Christ now dwells in the believer. The Holy Spirit realizes faith in Christ through His taking up residence in our hearts. The Spirit of God is not an imaginary thought, a passing feeling, or a product of our subconscious. He is the divine essence dwelling in the believer.
The love of God begins flowing in the one who previously had been selfish. Those who did not know God before now joyfully call Him their Father. Songs of praise and testimonies of triumph ascend in the unity of the Holy Trinity, for the Spirit of the Lord is the Spirit of thankfulness, of power, of life, of joy and peace. Knowing God does not bring grief, but joy, pleasure, and mercy. Do you know life in the Holy Spirit? Believe in the Lord Jesus and in His redemption with all your heart. By so doing you can be filled with the life of Christ today.
The Jews were afraid and probably Peter, too, when they saw the Holy Spirit being poured out on these believing Gentiles, who had not been baptized, confessed their sins, or even taken a single step of obedience. They were saved by faith alone, and not by works, prayers, or fasting. There was no need of circumcision, casting themselves down in prostration, or ceremonial rites of worship. Even while sitting they were filled with the obvious love and light of God.
Peter boldly decided that the outer symbol for receiving the believer into the Christian church, baptism, should not be withheld, for these had received the outpouring of God´s Spirit and been admitted into His family. The Holy Spirit, who dwelt in Peter and believers of Jewish origin, was the same Spirit who entered into Gentiles who believed in Christ. Peter and his companions were perplexed over the regeneration of the Gentiles and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on them. Nevertheless, they baptized them, obeying the Lord’s guidance, and confirmed them in the name of Jesus. The number of those who were regenerated was great, for Cornelius had filled his house with relatives and friends. Thus a church was, all at once, founded in Caesarea, the chief Roman center in Palestine.
The new believers insisted that Peter and his friends stay with them and participate in the joy, experience, and knowledge of the fullness of the salvation of God. Abundant praise, glorification, and thanksgiving to the Father and the Son ascended in those days. God had opened the door wide to the Gentiles, and openly shown the future course of the church, not through Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, but through Peter. Since this hour the gospel is being brought to you too, dear brother, dear sister. You, also, can receive the Holy Spirit through your faith in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, we thank You that You became man for us. You died to bear our sins. You reconciled us to God. Your resurrection from the dead justifies us. We thank You that You give Your Holy Spirit to us, and ask You to pour Him out on our friends and our enemies.
QUESTION:
- How does the Holy Spirit dwell in the heart of man?