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 through Your word.
“Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,”
This was a big deal for Peter to come to understand, to wrestle with, for any Israelite through the ages.
In Ancient Israel times, there was God’s people (Israel) and the rest of the world, Gentiles. That was a clear distinction. To be part of God’s people you had to be grafted into Israel through physical circumcision.
However, 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, foretelling 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 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.
* Mighty God in Heaven,
Please hear our prayer today. May our prayers and alms rise 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.