The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 29 May 2023 – While Peter Was Still Speaking
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TOPIC: While Peter Was Still Speaking
READ: ACTS 10:34-48 (KJV)
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
THE MESSAGE:
The importance of the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit cannot be overemphasised as far as the ministry of Jesus Christ is concerned (verse 38). Yesterday’s devotion showed us how the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples. The effect was that Peter who denied Jesus in the past, stood up fearlessly to defend the gospel of Christ. Today, our text reveals how Peter went to Cornelius’ house, a Gentile, for an evangelical outreach. Ordinarily, he would have resisted the invitation as a devout Jew but the Holy Spirit intervened and he obeyed.
Surely, the Holy Spirit can dismantle ethnic biases in the lives of those who obey Him. Consider his messages about Christ, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power (verse 38). If Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit, shall we not also be anointed?
To prove the involvement of the Holy Spirit in Peter’s message, while he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the word. They spoke in tongues proving that God is for all flesh and not only for the Jews. Have you been baptised by the Holy Spirit like the disciples? You need this baptism to function to your utmost potential but first of all, you must repent of your sins and receive Jesus as Lord in your life.
PRAYER: Father, please baptise me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can function according to Your plan.
