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Acts 10:44-45
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.
This has often been described as the Gentile Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in Jerusalem, it was on the occasion of a major Jewish festival. But Jesus made it clear that the good news belonged to the whole world, so it was necessary for it to be firmly established that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon non-Jews. That’s exactly what happened here, to the great astonishment of the Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter. Peter had already learned that God has no favourites and that the doors had been flung open to non-Jews. However, there were many Jews who still struggled to believe that God would do such a thing.
The book of Acts tells us how the good news of Jesus moved from its Jewish beginnings in Jerusalem all the way to Rome at the heart of the mighty Roman empire. It wasn’t a simple or straightforward journey, but ultimately nothing could stop the progress of the gospel because it belonged to the whole world. As we meet people today, we need to remind ourselves that the good news is God’s message of love to everyone. His desire is to pour out His Holy Spirit on everyone.
Question
What would it look like if God poured out His Spirit on the people you meet today?
Prayer
Lord God, I open my heart to Your Holy Spirit. Give me your wisdom and strength as I live for You today. Amen
Released on 12 Aug 2026
Acts 11:2-3 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticised him and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” Criticism always stings. It must have been so hard for Peter to face a barrage o...
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