Fan the Flame - a Journey Through Actsಮಾದರಿ

Day 26 - Peter at Cornelius' House

The sequel here in Acts 10:23-33 continues with Jesus orchestrating many meetings to bring people together, but it was noticeably uncomfortable and undeniably messy. Immediately upon arrival, Cornelius threw himself on the ground in front of Peter to worship him, so he clearly didn’t understand the way this whole Christian thing works. Peter, on the other hand, shares his uncertainty about entering a Gentile's house because this broke Jewish traditions! Opposing communities coming together to form a new faith-family isn’t easy. Personal perceptions and beliefs must shift to coalesce into a ‘new normal.’ Look at Peter. He refused to be treated by Cornelius as a god and refused to treat Cornelius as a dog. Both were learning about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ unites different people in fresh ways.

On bated breath, Cornelius’ household absorbs Peter’s sermon in Acts 10:34-43, which contains the Gospel principles that apply to both Jew and Gentile. The Good News of peace and reconciliation through Jesus, who is Lord of all and not just Israel secured for us in His body on the cross. This divine act of sacrifice is forever memorable because then Jesus rose from the dead, and now the message must be preached to all. Afterwards, there was no altar call, no emotive worship song, no call to lift your hand to receive Jesus… the Holy Spirit did His work! In fact, before Peter had finished speaking, the Holy Spirit poured out on everyone and filled them all, almost like an excited parent can’t wait for kids to unwrap their Christmas present and helps them do it! He cannot wait to bless His blended family!

In a moment, this passage shows us that the Gospel truly unites, and the Holy Spirit goes ahead of us. He authenticates and affirms His people, and if God can do this between ancient enemies, what might He do through our movement, united by Christ and empowered by His Spirit! It’s His Holy Spirit that fuels our mission and relationship, so bring more of Your Spirit, Lord! Are there places in your life that feel messy? Maybe there are relationships that are characterised more by differences than unity? Pray and ask God what He might want to say about that through this story today.

Written by Dan Lyons