Acts 10:24-48
God Welcomes Every Nation
Read the passage
24The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him.
26But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
27As Peter talked with him, he went inside and found many people gathered together.
28He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
29So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?”
30Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this, the ninth hour. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me
31and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God.
32Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’
33So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us.”
34Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,
35but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
36He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
37You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:
38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
39We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree,
40God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen—
41not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
42And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
43All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.
45All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
46For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,
47“Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!”
48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Cornelius has gathered relatives and friends. When Peter arrives, Cornelius falls at his feet to worship, but Peter helps him up and says he too is only a man. The messenger must not receive the honor that belongs to God.
Peter explains that God has taught him not to call any person impure or unclean. Cornelius recounts the angel's instruction and says they are ready to hear what God has commanded Peter to say. Peter now understands that God's welcome is not restricted by nationality.
He tells them about Jesus, Lord of all: His ministry of doing good, His death, and God's raising Him on the third day. The apostles ate and drank with Him afterward. This Jesus is appointed judge of the living and the dead, and everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness through His name.
While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls on his hearers. The Jewish believers with him hear Gentiles speaking in tongues and exalting God. They are astonished to see the same gift given to them.
Peter asks who could withhold baptism from people God has given His Spirit. He orders their baptism in Jesus' name, and they ask him to stay. Their welcome into the church rests on God's action through the same Savior, not on becoming members of Peter's nation.
Questions
1 Who was waiting to hear Peter?
AnswerCornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends, ready for Peter’s message rather than keeping the encounter private.
2 What did Peter say God does not show?
AnswerHe said God does not show favoritism but welcomes people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
3 What happened while Peter was speaking?
AnswerThe Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the message, including Gentiles, and they began speaking in tongues and praising God.
4 What did Peter command?
AnswerHe commanded that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ after God had given them the same gift of the Spirit.
What This Means for Us
Peter proclaims peace through Jesus, who is Lord of all. That message cannot belong to one nationality, social class, or family tradition. Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness through His name.
Consider how your family speaks about Christians from unfamiliar backgrounds. Do we treat them as fellow recipients of grace, or as people who must first become like us? Learn a name, hear a story, or share a meal with someone you have kept at a distance.
The same grace also keeps us from elevating a messenger above others. Peter refuses worship because he is human too. Give thanks for those who teach you while keeping your trust in Christ.
Prayer
Father, forgive us for the lines we draw where you have opened a door. Teach us to welcome people through faith in Jesus and to rejoice when your Spirit is at work. Amen.