By Andrew Williams
“And we apostles are witnesses of all He did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross, but God raised Him to life on the third day. Then God allowed Him to appear, not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be His witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His name.” Acts 10:39-43 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
In this passage, Peter continues his message to Cornelius and his household, summarizing the heart of the Gospel. He declares that the apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. These events were not mere historical moments—they were part of God’s divine plan for salvation. Peter emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection was validated by His appearances to chosen witnesses who shared meals with Him after He rose from the dead, showing that He was truly alive.
Peter also highlights the mission given to the apostles: to proclaim that Jesus is the one appointed by God as the judge of all, and to testify that forgiveness of sins is available to everyone who believes in Him. This message ties together the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy with the universal offer of salvation through Christ. It underscores the responsibility of all disciples to carry the Good News and invite others into the forgiveness and freedom that comes through faith in Jesus.
This passage reminds us that we, too, are called to be witnesses of Jesus’ work in our lives. Like Peter and the apostles, we have a responsibility to share the Gospel with others, proclaiming the hope and forgiveness found in Christ. This truth empowers us to redirect our focus from fear or hesitation to the urgency of the mission God has given us. We are not only forgiven and redeemed ourselves, but we have been entrusted with the life-changing message that can transform others. Through the Holy Spirit, God equips us to boldly testify about Jesus, knowing that it is His power and His story we are sharing.
This week, identify one person in your life who needs to hear about the hope and forgiveness available through Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to share the Gospel with them, and when the opportunity arises, step out in faith. Redirect your focus from any fears or feelings of inadequacy to the power of God working through you. Remember, like the apostles, you are a witness to the transforming work of Christ, and it’s your privilege to share His love with others.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the forgiveness and new life I have received in Your name. I am humbled that You call me to be a witness of Your grace and power. Help me to redirect my focus from fear or doubt to the truth that You are with me and have equipped me to share the Good News. Give me boldness to proclaim Your message of forgiveness and salvation, and open the hearts of those I speak to so they may come to know You. I commit to being faithful in testifying about Your love and truth. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
