By Andrew Williams
Acts of the Apostles 10:45 NLT- The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too.
Good morning fellow disciples.
Let us be blunt. The Jews thought that they were the chosen ones and that they were the only ones who could receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This was probably because for a while only Jews were baptized.
Why?
Maybe because they only preached the gospel to fellow Jews for the first few years after Jesus’ resurrection.
But remember God’s promise in Joel 2:28 NLT –
“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.
All people mean everyone, both Jews and gentiles.
Did the disciples forget or misunderstand Jesus’ instructions to them:
Matthew 28:19 NLT- Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
And,
Mark 16:15,17 NLT- And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.
They were told to make disciples of ALL peoples/nations, and that ANYONE who believed would speak in new languages.
This is exactly what happened to the gentiles gathered in Cornelius’ house!
Do you also think that only certain people can receive the Holy Spirit?
Stop being so narrow minded, and just obey what God has said!
Go and preach the gospel to EVERYONE! When you do this, ANYONE who believes can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit!