Reading
SAA Notes
The early Church was exclusively Jewish. Non-Jews were not considered fit to be members of Christ’s Church. God gave a second Pentecost so that the Church could not refuse baptism to these non-Jewish believers. They are baptised immediately in the house. What is God challenging in your life or church?
SJA Notes
* Creator God, thank You for Your salvation plan that You reveal to us in and through Your word.
“Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”
This was a big important deal for Peter to come to understand, and for all Israelites since then.
Because in Ancient Israel’s times, there was Israel and there was the rest of the world, Gentiles. To be part of God’s people you had to be grafted into Israel through physical circumcision (for the men folk of a family).
But this was not God’s full revelation.
“And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.”
The Holy Spirit had been promised through the old testament prophets, for-telling the time when this pouring out would happen.
Here we see the promise of God to Abraham, that in him ALL NATIONS would be blessed.
This is the good news, that God shows no human partiality in His salvation plan. Skin color, personality, means of wealth or power or ability, upbringing, heritage, blood-line.
The message of Jesus is for all mankind.
How good is this!
* Mighty God in Heaven,
Please hear our prayer today, may our prayers and alms raise up to You as acceptable offerings.
Please help us be living sacrifices, offering up our lives, our energy and time and intention to You.
Thank You for Jesus, the good news to all nations!
Amen.