Day 53 · Acts 10:34–48 · Berean Standard Bible
No partiality
Peter learns that God shows no partiality and proclaims peace through Jesus Christ. The Spirit interrupts the expected order by coming upon Gentile listeners before baptism, and the Jewish believers recognize what God is doing. The scene expands the church without requiring Gentiles to become Jews. It must not become a story in which Christianity replaces a failed Judaism. Nor does this single sequence settle every later debate about baptism, confirmation, Spirit baptism, tongues, or church membership.
Acts 10:34–48
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,
35 but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
36 He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
37 You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed:
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
39 We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree,
40 God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen —
41 not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
42 And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
43 All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.
45 All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,
47 “Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!”
48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
