The Spirit Has No Favorites
[ READ ] Acts 10:24-48
24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”
30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Gentiles Hear the Good News
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 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. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Gentiles Hear the Good News
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 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. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Peter’s encounter with Cornelius is a powerful demonstration of the Spirit at work in bringing the Gospel to all people in fulfillment of Acts 1:8. The Spirit separately guides Peter and Cornelius so that when they meet, they see the Spirit’s unmistakable hand at work. We begin today’s passage with Peter following the Spirit’s direction to go to Cornelius’s house. After arriving, he states that “our law” prohibits a Jew from associating or visiting Gentiles, but that God has shown him that he should not call any man unclean or impure. Cornelius explains how he has been directed by the Spirit to reach out to Peter, and Peter connects this to the Spirit’s direction to him. This is a divine appointment orchestrated by the Holy Spirit.
As Peter explains the Gospel to Cornelius, his family, and his friends, at least two transformations are taking place. First, the Gentiles understand how to receive forgiveness of sins by believing in Jesus and in believing they experience the Spirit coming upon them. Second, the Jewish believers are amazed and astonished that “even the Gentiles” are receiving the Holy Spirit. Personally, Peter reveals his changed perspective by stating that he now knows God does not show favoritism in who can receive the gift of the Spirit.
- Gary Gunther
As Peter explains the Gospel to Cornelius, his family, and his friends, at least two transformations are taking place. First, the Gentiles understand how to receive forgiveness of sins by believing in Jesus and in believing they experience the Spirit coming upon them. Second, the Jewish believers are amazed and astonished that “even the Gentiles” are receiving the Holy Spirit. Personally, Peter reveals his changed perspective by stating that he now knows God does not show favoritism in who can receive the gift of the Spirit.
- Gary Gunther
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Is there someone you know that you believe is beyond God’s ability to save?
+ What does the interplay between the Spirit communicating to and guiding a Jew and a Gentile and their subsequent actions tell us about at least one way the Spirit might work in your life?
+ What is the significance of the Gentiles speaking in tongues (other languages) and how does this contribute to the Jewish believers' understanding of what is taking place?
+ Is there someone you know that you believe is beyond God’s ability to save?
+ What does the interplay between the Spirit communicating to and guiding a Jew and a Gentile and their subsequent actions tell us about at least one way the Spirit might work in your life?
+ What is the significance of the Gentiles speaking in tongues (other languages) and how does this contribute to the Jewish believers' understanding of what is taking place?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ In Galatians 2:11-21 Paul opposes Peter for refusing to eat with Gentiles in Antioch. What do you think is happening in Peter’s mind in light of what Peter says he now knows in Acts Chapter 10?
+ How do Peter’s actions in Antioch serve to alert us to our potential shortcomings?
+ In what ways have you been transformed by the Gospel?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ In Galatians 2:11-21 Paul opposes Peter for refusing to eat with Gentiles in Antioch. What do you think is happening in Peter’s mind in light of what Peter says he now knows in Acts Chapter 10?
+ How do Peter’s actions in Antioch serve to alert us to our potential shortcomings?
+ In what ways have you been transformed by the Gospel?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Father, open my eyes to those around me who need to hear about you. Reveal where my perspectives need to change regarding my attitudes and opinions of others. May I live in step with your Spirit and reflect the love of God in my thoughts, words and actions.
+ Pray with me:
Father, open my eyes to those around me who need to hear about you. Reveal where my perspectives need to change regarding my attitudes and opinions of others. May I live in step with your Spirit and reflect the love of God in my thoughts, words and actions.
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Ask God to lay someone on your heart who needs to hear the good news.
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Ask God to lay someone on your heart who needs to hear the good news.
Recent
Archive
2026
April
May
Leaders Gone WrongA Coming KingWhat God RequiresThe Fall of NinevehThe Day Draws NearGod Rejoices Over YouHow Long, O Lord?The Righteous Live by FaithYet I Will RejoiceWake Up and ReturnThe Lord Judges But He Also RestoresPride Comes DownConsider Your WaysGreater Glory AheadReturn to Me AgainNot by MightGod Dwells AgainYour King Is ComingLook on HimHalf-Hearted WorshipThe Sun of Righteousness
June
The Promise of the SpiritWaiting and ChoosingWind, Fire and WonderThe Gospel Goes PublicWhat the Church Looked LikeMore Than Silver or GoldRepent and Be RestoredArrested but UnsilencedOne Heart, One MindThe Cost of PretendingRejoicing at Being BeatenWhen the Church Has ProblemsA People Who ForgotThe God Who Keeps ComingBlood and ScatteringA Cast Down SoulLight and TruthOur HelpThe Throne of GodGod Our FortressYou Cannot Buy What God GivesA Road, a Stranger, a Question
No Comments