Last night we studied Acts 10 - Cornelius and Peter. Fascinating stuff! Cornelius is a gentile (solider in the Italian Regement) who is devoted to God. And God heard his prayers - Cornelius' prayers and gifts to the poor were sent up to God as a memorial offering - that's what the angel told him. And while God is putting in motion for Cornelius to send for Simon Peter - God is giving Peter a vision of his own - sheets with all kinds of animals on it. He tells Peter to "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." And Peter's response? "Sureley not, Lord!" See, Peter was devout in his Jewish ways - he did not eat anything unclean. And God was preparing him to go to Cornelius' household, a gentile household. God tells Peter, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
Well, Peter finally catches on when the three guys Cornelius sent for him showed up. Peter goes to his house and shares the good news of Jesus. Then it says starting in verse 44: 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 the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
What!?!?! I thought you could only have the Holy Spirit if you were baptized? Kim had prayed hard over this passage in preparation for the onslaught of confused looks and questions. HOWEVER, she is teaching us well. We meditated over the context. We read and re-read each word with meaning. We flipped back to the Holy Spirit at Pentacost and then Peter's first sermon. Kim read from the commentary book to get a scholar's insights. And within 5 minutes we got it.
The Holy Spirit CAME ON all who heard. When we are baptized we RECEIVE THE GIFT (holy indwelling) of the Holy Spirit. This was a clear example of the Holy Spirit moving / nudging those who are not saved. He was giving Cornelius and his household a taste - beckoning them to come into the family. So immediately Peter ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. As we studied - it was just that obvious to us.
I've got to tell ya - it's awesome to be in a study where we can be of one-mind and heart - just like the first church. Now, don't get me wrong - there are still plenty of different opinions and questions - we are just able to work out our salvation together. It's great! And I highly encourage those that are reading to join us starting August 11 at 7p.m. at Sacred Grounds. And spread the word - tell all the ladies you know!
