By Andrew Williams
Acts 11:15-18 (NLT): “‘As I began to speak,’ Peter continued, ‘the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?’ When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, ‘We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.'”
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage is a powerful testimony of God’s heart for all people. Peter recounts his experience with the Gentiles in Cornelius’ household, where the Holy Spirit came upon them, just as He had come upon the Jewish believers at Pentecost. This event confirmed that salvation through Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit were not limited to one group of people but were freely given to anyone who believes, regardless of their background or heritage.
Peter’s words, “Who was I to stand in God’s way?” reflect his surrender to God’s plan and his recognition that God’s ways are higher than human traditions or prejudices. This moment marks a turning point in the early church, as the believers began to understand that God’s grace extends to all people. It challenges us today to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are not standing in the way of God’s work in the lives of others.
Peter’s humility and obedience in this story empower us to follow God’s leading, even when it challenges our assumptions or traditions. Peter had the courage to step outside of his cultural comfort zone and boldly testify to what God was doing among the Gentiles. His willingness to let God reshape his perspective reminds us to stay open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the world around us.
Peter’s example also teaches us to celebrate God’s work in the lives of others, rather than questioning or resisting it. He calls us to be instruments of God’s inclusive love, welcoming all people into His family.
Are there people or groups in your life that you’ve unintentionally distanced yourself from or written off? Redirect your focus to God’s heart for all people. Ask Him to show you how you can be a vessel of His love and grace to everyone, regardless of their background or differences.
Reflect on your relationships and interactions. Is there someone you’ve overlooked, avoided, or underestimated? Take a step today to reach out to them, showing God’s love through a kind word, a prayer, or an act of service. Open your heart to see others as God sees them—worthy of His love and grace.
Prayer: Father God, I praise You for being a God who welcomes all people into Your family through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the example of Peter, who was willing to let go of his own traditions and perspectives to follow Your leading. Help me to redirect my focus to Your inclusive grace and to see others as You see them. Break down any barriers in my heart that keep me from loving others as You do. I commit to being a vessel of Your love, welcoming all people into the hope and salvation found in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
