“So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed
in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
Peter was rebuked by the believers in Judea as they heard
that he went to an uncircumcised man’s house and ate together with them (v.2-3). So
Peter told them about the vision he got – that God told him to eat any impure
animals which God had made clean (v.9). These animals represent the Gentiles
who are made clean or sanctified by the grace of God and receive the same atonement
in Christ Jesus just like the Jews who believe.
This passage shows how loving our God is. In the beginning the
Good News was given to the Jews only. Unfortunately not many of them opened their
hearts and welcomed Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, for those
who believed at that time, they saw it as a privilege. And it is. Because to
believe is the work of God not men. It’s a gift from God (v.17).
Those believers then, Verse 18 says, had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life." It is a relief for all of us that God loves any nations in the world. Most importantly, He knows how weak we all are. That we ultimately need this precious gift. The gift of repentance.
To repent is a first step before we accept Jesus Christ in
our hearts. Before Peter visited Cornelius, the Italian Cohort, Cornelius had
shown a repentant life – a humble submissive life towards God. He feared Him, gave alms
generously and prayed continually to God (Acts 10:2).
Do we show the same lifestyle? Let’s praise The Lord. It’s the sign of God's work in our open hearts.
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