June 9, 2020
The "Good News" Is for Everyone
Acts 10:34-48
Kevin Lamb
Central Truth
The gospel is God's great connector of humankind. God's redemptive gift of His Son Jesus Christ is the ultimate display of love and sacrifice, which was given for all humankind, not just one chosen race. To receive this gift, we must "fear him" and do "what is right."
Key Verse | Acts 10:34-35
So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."
Acts 10:34-48
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.
Dive Deeper | Acts 10:34-48
I grew up in what I considered to be at the time a diverse school system, but that was not truly the case. As I grew older, attended college, and moved around the country, I experienced true diversity. I'm proud to be a member of a church that has members from over 80 different countries! I've learned that when meeting other people who don't appear to be like us, we should find commonalities grounded in our faith rather than showing partiality.
In our fallen world, we often show partiality toward those who appear different from us, which has resulted in a racially and politically polarized world. That is not what we're called to do. I work at a large company where I have an opportunity to see—and sometimes influence—diversity and inclusion efforts. So I experience firsthand the difference we make when we show Christlike love and discernment rather than partiality.
As Christians, we cannot give in to the secular trend of accepting everyone's sins without rebuke and allowing others to create a self-serving theology. Rather, we must speak truth into life and follow God's commandments knowing that "in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:35). It's our mission to go out into the world and spread the gospel to all humankind (Acts 10:42).
Although the gospel is the great connector of humankind that offers the free gift of eternal life (John 3:16), I've often struggled with sharing my faith. However, through prayer, daily devotion, accountability from my community group, and attending Unashamed, I've become more comfortable sharing my faith. It's become much easier to discuss my faith with my coworkers. Peter tells us in Acts 10:36-42 how simple it is to share the gospel, closing with the redemptive message of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:43).
Today's Journey passage ends with the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles whom Peter was addressing (Acts 10:45) and Peter directing them to share their faith publicly through baptism (Acts 10:48). These acts should encourage us to know we serve a God whose message is available to all who fear Him and do what is right.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you have a list of people with whom you are going to share the gospel? If so, what's keeping you from sharing the gospel with them today?
2. How are you following God's example of loving others by speaking truth into their lives rather than showing partiality?
3. Are you comfortable sharing your faith with others? If not, talk with your community group and find a partner with whom to attend an Equipping class or Unashamed.