Repentance unto life

Read this week's lectionary readings here.

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

How did the witnesses know the Holy Spirit had done this?

46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.


What was striking about this, aside from the fact that it was obviously a miracle?  What was amazing about it, to people who were regularly amazed by such deeds of the Holy Spirit?

45 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

What was the conclusion based on this act of the Holy Spirit?

46 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

Or, as those who later heard Peter retell the entire story concluded: "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life" (Acts 11:18)

By the way, I encourage you to go through Acts 10 and 11 several times and read through it carefully.  The entire story is retold several times from person to person.  Each telling focuses on different details.  All of them are important for a full understanding of what God is telling us in this story, but of course I would say that the main focus is the above: God has granted to Gentiles also the privilege of repenting from sin and receiving life in Jesus.

Thank God, because I am a Gentile.

Preaching Jesus, accepting Jesus

Read this week's lectionary readings here.

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.

36 and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?"


Philip must've explained how Jesus was the one promised in that Scripture, the prophecy of Isaiah.  He must've explained the Good News that Jesus was the one who had stood on trial for the sins of the world, been found guilty and executed, been raised to life as the Scriptures had promised, and who now offered salvation to all who called on His name.  He must've explained that anyone who accepted Jesus would be saved from sin and death, and how to accept Jesus, and the eunuch was thinking about it, and wanted that.  And then the opportunity presented itself, and the eunuch called.

And the Lord answered.

Praise His name.