Reflection on Acts 10:44-48

Scripture
“The Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptising them.”

Observation
The story of Cornelius and his household receiving salvation is a story of two conversions
- Peter from the Law
- Cornelius into grace

Old prejudices are hard to put away, even when we are confronted by God. Peter, to his credit, goes off in obedience to the command of the Lord. The result is the salvation of an entire household.

The Holy Spirit's presence is seen in the giving of the gift of unknown languages. This gift of a prayer language is still an important part of the Christian experience of God. Traditionally, Pentecostal theology said that tongues was THE sign of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Personally I think that any of the 1 Corinthians 12 gifts is a valid sign of the Baptism, but tongues is the most common initial sign.

Application
It's easy to think of certain groups of people to be beyond the power of grace. It can be racial or social in basis. We perceive that some groups are “too hard” to minister to- but we forget that it is God who brings the gift of salvation and nothing is impossible for Him.

Whether it is aborigines, Muslims, single mothers, homosexuals- the promise of God is available to all who will put their faith in Jesus.

Prayer
Father I thank you for the story of the salvation of Cornelius. Help me to see the people around me, whom I consider to be “too hard”, to be potential Corneliuses. Soften my heart to their needs and let me be like Peter and take the Good News to them.