THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 338

The following post is based upon the contents of Acts chapter 10. As you take the time to read it, you will find that this chapter outlines the happenings on that very day when salvation’s door (JESUS) is opened wide by the Holy Spirit of JESUS, permitting the Gentiles (by God’s grace) to become partakers of the free gift of eternal life!

The man in this text was an Italian named Cornelius. He was known to be a devout man and one that feared God with all his house. Not only did he give much alms to the people but he prayed to God always.

Reading further, we learn of Peter's vision prior to arriving at Cornelius' house. Needless to say, Cornelius awaited their arrival, having called together his kinsmen and friends. And as Peter was coming in Cornelius met him and fell down at Peter's feet. Indeed, he worshiped Peter. But Peter upon seeing the circumstance, took Cornelius up saying, "Stand up. I myself am also a man."

At this point, Peter starts delivering the good news concerning the salvation that can be found of God in JESUS the Christ. While Peter continued speaking, the Holy Spirit descended upon all them which heard the word. And they who were Jewish believers (that had accompanied Peter) were astonished because they saw that God was pouring out His Spirit upon the Gentiles also. Yes, God was pouring freely the gift of His Holy Spirit to all those who believed.

Indeed, no one could dispute these occurrences for everyone present saw with their own eyes and heard with their own ears the Gentiles speaking with tongues and rejoicing. Peter, upon seeing and hearing the manifestation of the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit upon these believing Gentiles declared to all, "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized - these which have received the Holy Spirit, even as we also received?"

And Peter commanded them to be baptized into the name of the Lord JESUS. This is the record of the gospel that went forth from Jerusalem. It is not, as we have discussed earlier that erroneous teaching that emanated from Rome in 300/400 AD.

What it does say is that contrary to religious teachings Peter was not the first pope. In fact, he wasn't a pope at all. He most certainly was greatly disturbed that someone would even think of falling down and worshiping him like Cornelius had.

This explains why Peter immediately began to enlighten Cornelius by saying stand up for I also am a man. These scriptures may also provide some insights into why the Gentile believers spoke in other tongues as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance! Or why the gentile believers were commanded to be baptized into the name of the Lord JESUS.

Stand in the Offering Plate! Offer yourself!