Jesus prophesied His first followers would receive power from on high, then they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem (check), in all Judea (check), in Samaria (check), and to the end of the earth (attractions coming soon)!!!

Today, we read about some “amazing” work accomplished BY the Holy Spirit, THROUGH the ministry of Peter, among the Gentiles in Samaria. Could it be that the Gospel of Jesus is not just for His chosen people, but for truly for all of humanity?

[Acts 10.44-48]

10.44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Compare and contrast the events recorded here in Chapter 10 with Acts 2. Do you think it’s significant that v. 44 says “the Holy Spirit fell on ALL who heard the word”? Why?

+ Why were those who had come with Peter “amazed” that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles? Should they have been? [Read Genesis 12.1-4, Isaiah 60.1-3, Matthew 8.5-13, John 10.16, John 12.32, and Acts 1.8]

+ Do you think the gift of speaking in tongues by the Gentiles came in the same form/manifestation as recorded in Acts 2? Why or why not?

+ Is there significance in Peter’s “command” for these new followers to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? [Read Matthew 28.18-20]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ As far as I know, I have ZERO Jewish blood in my veins. Based on that, I am Biblically defined as a Gentile. Reading today’s Scripture reminds me of the incredible plan God put in place to reach the whole world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ [Ephesians 3.5-6]. If you are like me, you have been CHOSEN, ADOPTED and GRAFTED into the FAMILY of God, not based on anything but the mercy and grace bestowed by Him through the work of His only begotten Son Jesus. This makes me want to cry out, like Paul:

[Romans 11:33-36] 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?