Why was Peter being criticized by Christians in Jerusalem? All of these people had belonged to the Jewish religion, and been taught they must not mix with other people. Even as “Christians” now, they were still thinking of non-Jewish people as being “unclean”!
They were shocked, when they found out that Peter had visited Gentiles, and eaten with them! Peter told them this surprising story; and in it there is great news for you and me.
Peter had had a vision that had changed his mind about not wanting to go to Gentiles. In the vision God had taught him not to consider anything unclean that God declared clean. (Acts 11:5-9.)
Meanwhile, God had sent an angel to a Gentile called Cornelius, with this message: “Send for Simon Peter … He will speak words to you by which you and all your family will be saved.” (Acts 11:14.)
So, when Cornelius sent for Peter, Peter was ready and willing to go to him because of the vision.
Cornelius had invited many of his relatives and friends in, to hear whatever the good news was. Peter preached to them the message of Jesus’ death for the sins of the world, and of God raising Him to life and power three days later. (Acts 10:38-43.) Then he told them the words by which they could be saved: “Everyone who believes in (Jesus) will have his sins forgiven through the power of His name.” (Acts 11:14. &. 10:43.)
“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message,” with just the same evidence that had come to the Jewish believers at Pentecost. (10:44-46.) God was showing that the Holy Spirit was to be His gift for believers – for all who trust in Jesus for Salvation, not just for Jews who believed.
When Peter saw that, he said, “‘These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we also did. Can anyone, then, stop them from being baptised with water?’ So, he ordered them to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ.” (Acts 10:47-48.)
When Peter told these things to those who were criticizing him for having gone to the Gentiles, they stopped their criticism, and praised God, saying, “Then God has given to the Gentiles also the opportunity to repent and live.” (Acts 11:18.)
YES! So, the gospel is for YOU, whoever and whatever you are! (Acts 2:38-39.) If you will turn from your sin, and from wrong ideas about how to get to God, and trust Jesus alone to save you, you will receive GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT immediately - HIS gift for believers. (Acts 5:32. Romans 8:1,9.)
A proof sign of a true believer today is the changed life the Holy Spirit makes him willing and able to live. (2ndCorinthians 5:17. Titus 2:11-14.) He should request to be baptised in water, as another way to illustrate his faith and hope in Christ. (Mark 16:15-16. Romans 6:1-4.)
Read Acts chapter 10:39 to 11:18.
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