This reading picks up right where we left off. Cornelius and his household now hear the whole story of what happened to Jesus, his death, his resurrection, and the promise Jesus made. Peter shared that “everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” What a stir that message must have created!
I love that the Holy Spirit showed up even before Peter finished delivering his message. There could be no question now. God’s promises extend to Gentiles, too. What a stir such a realization caused the Jewish friends who had accompanied Peter! Peter had already come to terms with that reality. It was good to see that the others came to see the truth as well.
What was Peter’s immediate response? He wanted to baptize them in the name of Jesus, too. As if to seal the deal or make their encounter complete. Usually, the Holy Spirit comes after the baptism of repentance, but we see how it doesn’t have to be that way. These days, at least in the Lutheran Church where I grew up, baptisms still use water as part of the sacrament as a cleansing and creating a lasting faith in the One true God. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit happens when we are ready to receive the Spirit’s power.
We hear of encounters with Jesus happening today to non-believers. People far from faith, even lifelong Muslims who leave everything behind to follow Jesus. Those stories warm my soul, and I celebrate with the throngs of heaven at each new believer. Jesus said in a parable in John 15:10, “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
I’m glad that Cornelius extended his hospitality and invited Peter to stay a bit longer. New Christians would have questions. New believers might try to second-guess themselves. New believers might not truly understand the gift of life they had been given, not to mention the power. These were Romans, after all, and Peter’s counsel would be very helpful to strengthen their belief.
We might find ourselves in a position of being surrounded by new believers, even lifelong believers with a recent encounter with Jesus or a wake-up call to stop going through the motions. Sometimes we even get a time-out from God so that we can slow down and start to remember “Who” is important. We never want to get too busy to stay connected to our power source.
Upon returning to Jerusalem, Peter had to explain yet again the crazy thing that had happened in Joppa. News of this “stir” had reached his friends and colleagues. So again, we hear Peter recount what had transpired, and by the grace of God, these doubters cast their disbelief aside and embraced how loving and inclusive God wanted to be.
I can sense Peter’s joy in telling the story. He had just been profoundly used by God. When you come off those types of experiences, you can’t help but want to share about it. I’m sure Peter felt a bit defensive at first but leaned into the truth. The message which came from the throne of God was incredible. How do you respond to that?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for your loving care for me. I am so grateful that your kingdom extends to Gentiles, too. Such a powerful message you shared with the early church! May I never take you for granted but continue to seek you and your will for my life. Help me be like Peter by sharing with others about what you have done for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
