The rest of the story shows that Peter went downstairs and told the men, "I am the one you are looking for.". The men told Peter about the vision Cornelius had and that God had divinely directed them to come and get Peter. How can you refuse an offer like that? So the next day they get up and travel to Caesarea from Joppa, which is about 39 miles, and they covered that distance in one day. When Peter got to the house of Cornelius, Cornelius fell at his feet, but Peter stood him up and said, "Stand Up, I too am just a man." Cornelius had gathered all his family and close friends and Peter proceeded to say "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.36 The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)—37 you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed.38 You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.39 We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross.40 God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible,41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.42 And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead.
Wow, what a mouthful. Peter just puts the whole thing out there and "goes for it." What happens next is awesome. So Peter is sharing the gospel and we pick it up in verse 43 Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
It was like "even these people can come to Jesus for salvation!" The circumcised believers who were with Peter were amazed. It might amaze you "who" God wants to reach out and save and it may be someone or some group of people you don't approve of. But, all of that doesn't matter to God in the big picture of life. Salvation is for "all" who come to Jesus!! Perhaps God is setting up divine appointments right now for you and he wants you to overcome internal prejudices in order to share the gospel with those who need to hear it. It would be good to make the appointment God is setting up for you and you never know, the Holy Spirit could fall on those who are needing the message and a great revival could break out!!
Just be open to allowing God to show you the way and He will do it. There is a lost and dying world out there that needs Jesus and we are the ones commissioned to share the message with "ALL!"
The Pilgrimage continues.....
David Warren
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