Acts 10:34-43 captures a key moment in the early Christian church, depicting Peter’s realisation of the universality of God’s message and the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith. This passage marks a significant shift in the understanding of God’s plan of salvation.

In these verses, Peter, who was a devout Jew and one of Jesus’ disciples, addresses a Gentile audience, specifically Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Peter begins by acknowledging that God shows no partiality, meaning that his love and salvation are not limited to any particular group or ethnicity. This revelation challenges the traditional Jewish understanding that salvation was exclusive to the Jewish people.

Peter then proceeds to proclaim the core message of Christianity: the gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasises that Jesus is Lord of all, regardless of nationality or background. Peter recounts the ministry of Jesus, highlighting his baptism by John the Baptist, his anointing with the Holy Spirit, and his acts of healing and liberation. This serves to establish Jesus’ authority and credentials as the Messiah.

Peter also emphasises Jesus’ death and resurrection, declaring that Jesus was crucified, but God raised him from the dead on the third day. This central tenet of Christianity underscores the power of God over death and sin, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.

Moreover, Peter testifies to the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection, affirming the reliability of the Christian message. He emphasises that Jesus commanded his disciples to preach and bear witness to him, thus validating their role as messengers of the gospel.

Furthermore, Peter highlights the role of Jesus as the appointed judge of the living and the dead, underscoring the accountability of all people before God. He stresses that through faith in Jesus, forgiveness of sins is available to everyone who believes in him.

This passage concludes with Peter affirming the prophetic testimony concerning Jesus, stating that all who believe in him receive forgiveness of sins through his name. Here, Peter extends the invitation to salvation to his Gentile audience, emphasising that faith in Jesus is the means by which all people can experience reconciliation with God.

Acts 10:34-43 is a turning point in the Book of Acts, illustrating the expansion of the Christian message beyond its Jewish origins and the inclusion of Gentiles in the community of believers. It serves as a foundational text for understanding the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

Thought: Live as Easter people in a Good Friday world.