This is one of the seminal passages of the history of Christianity as recorded in Acts. In Peter’s day, there were two branches of the human tree, Jew and Gentile; Peter was ministering primarily to fellow Jews. In our text, Peter relates his visions of unclean animals and the voice saying, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” (verse 9) Then three Gentiles invite Peter to teach them. God’s Spirit directs him to go with them and not to make a distinction between Jew and Gentile. He goes. He teaches a roomful of Gentiles. The Holy Spirit falls upon them. Everyone witnesses it; believing in Jesus wiped out racial barriers. There was no longer we and them; all are one in Christ.
Sometimes, I view people as “them.” Sometimes, I fail to see the divine spark in each individual. Then I reread this passage, which resets my lens. In the words of Peter, “If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?”
Lord, help me remember daily that God gives all of us the repentance that leads to life. Amen. —