Acts 10:34-36, 39

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)… And we are witnesses. 

This section of the book of Acts demonstrates a radical turn in the hearts of God’s people engaged in the Missio Dei, the mission of God. In his early twentieth-century work, “The Acts of the Apostles,” T. E. Page wrote, “The first grave difficulty which threatened the unity of the early Church was the question whether Gentiles desirous to become Christian need or need not first accept Judaism and the Mosaic Law.”

The Spirit-directed encounter between Cornelius, the centurion of the Italian Cohort and Simon Peter literally lays the foundation for the extension of the Gospel beyond the walls of those who considered themselves the recipients of God’s saving work. Peter’s words reflect the commonly held belief that those not of the descendants of Abraham were common (κοινὸν) and unclean (ἀκάθαρτον).

Luke, the self-proclaimed author of Acts, is adamant about the universal nature of God’s work in Christ. He demonstrates this in three ways:

1. In Chapter 2, Simeon’s prayer refers to “the face of all people” (v 30)
   
2. The genealogy in Luke 3 is carried back to Adam; by contrast, Matthew’s Gospel takes the genealogy back to Abraham (see Chapter 1)
   
3. the account of the Good Samaritan, which is unique to Luke.

To be sure, the message is the same. Peter’s “good news” to Cornelius and those whom he gathered was one consistent message. This Jesus was baptized, anointed with the Holy Spirit, went about doing good, healed those in his midst, was put to death, was raised by God, was seen eating and drinking post- resurrection, commanded us to proclaim these things, and is the one appointed to judge.

Fulfilling the commission of Matthew 28, Peter declares in v. 39, “and we are witnesses (μάρτυρες) of these things.” A couple of significant points should be made here. The first is the “conversion” of Saint Peter. He is turned from a man who views
Gentiles as common and unclean to a man who is willing to mingle with them. The second is God’s confirmation of His new work.

When “the Holy Spirit fell on them” Peter would plea “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing?” (See Acts 10:41-48.) As we take up the apostolic role in today’s world we are thus encouraged, empowered, and challenged to be constantly aware of these truths. Indeed, God shows no partiality. Consider what that means in your setting and calling in your community.