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Acts_10_1-48_Rise_Peter_Kill_Eat.docx

Acts_10_1-48_Rise_Peter_Kill_Eat

Rise, Peter; Kill & Eat

Key Verse 13: And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

Theme

As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. -John 17:18

Introduction:

The Holy Spirit helped the disciples to preach in many ways. In chapter 4, Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in all boldness. In today’s passage, the Holy Spirit helped the disciples to overcome barriers between the Jews and the Gentiles. It was a huge barrier. God tore down the barrier and helped the disciples to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. It is the turning point for world evangelism. We can think about what kind of barriers or limitations in ourselves, and through the help of the Holy Spirit, we can remove them and preach the gospel to anyone freely.

V1-8

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Who was Cornelius? What happened to him? What did Cornelius do by faith? How was God preparing Cornelius?

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Who was Cornelius?

Cornelius was a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort. The term “Cohort” refers to one of the ten divisions of a legion in the Roman army.

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What happened to him?

³ About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ^4, And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

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What did Cornelius do by faith?

He feared God and gave alms generously to the people. He was a Gentile but converted to Judaism. (v.2)

² A devout man who feared God with all his household gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. The angel said that Cornelius’ prayer and alms have ascended before God. God could see them and recognize Cornelius.

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How was God preparing Cornelius?

God helped Cornellius to fear God with all his household (as a group), and give alms generously to the people, and pray to God continually. But Cornelius was missing a very important one. That is hearing the word of God, especially about Jesus’ death and resurrection.

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Additional notes fromV1-8

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion

He was a Roman soldier.

of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man

He committed.

who feared God with all his household,

Cornelius was converted to Judaism and accepted God. Not only him, but all his household believed. He converted, possibly when he was in the Judea area (Caesarea, which is north of Joppa). He could have heard about God and believed in him. It was not easy for him to convert to Judaism, being a Roman. The Romans believed in many gods. Romans could not accept only one God. They believed in Roman culture and believed in many gods. To Romans to believe one god is a cult. But the Jews believed in one God. And Cornelius believed in one God, the God of the Jews and feared him.

gave alms

“Alms” is a donation for the poor.

generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

Cornelius did not worship God superficially. “He prayed continually” shows he had a deep relationship and fellowship with God, believing in God as God. His faith was not superficial but a genuine one. Even Jewish people did not pray continually, although they knew God from birth.

³ About the ninth hour of the day

“The ninth hour” is 3 pm in the afternoon. The Jewish calendar starts at 6 am.

he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him,

While he was praying, he saw a vision.

“Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

We cannot see what is invisible. But God sees. God sees what is unseen. “Memorial” means God remembers all of our prayers. And he answers them in his time for our best. The more we pray, the more we can see. It is because all our prayers can be remembered by God.

⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.

The angel told Cornelius to bring Simon Peter.

⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him,

Probably, even his servants, who could be believers and soldiers under his authority, were converted to be worshippers of God. He sent 3 of them.

⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

What can we learn from God who answered his prayer? What kind of spiritual lesson can we learn from this event?

Probably Cornelius sought God all his life, and that was why he could be drawn to God and deeply committed. God does not discriminate between the Jews and Gentiles. Cornelius was a Roman centurion, and the Jews are colonial people. So he could be proud of being Roman, and the religion of the Jews could be dismissed. But he was humble enough to believe in the god of the Jews.

He practised what he believed through his generous alms.

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V9-23

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

¹⁷ Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

What happened to Peter the next day? Why do you think Peter said “By no means, Lord”? Why do you think God showed Peter the vision 3 times? What was Peter missing, and how was God preparing Peter to be sent out into the world?

What happened to Peter the next day?

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

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Why do you think Peter said “By no means, Lord”?

He said, “By no means, Lord,” because not to eat unclean food was embedded in him. Even unconsciously, he was opposing God.

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Why do you think God showed Peter the vision 3 times?

To deliver his message clearly. To teach him without any confusion about his message and intention.

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What was Peter missing, and how was God preparing Peter to be sent out into the world?

Peter missed to know the will of God. God wants to save all Gentiles, too.

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Additional notes from V9-23

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey

Three people were on a journey.

and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.

6th hour is noon. The Jewish time starts at 6 am. Cornelius saw a vision while he was praying. Peter saw a vision when he prayed. So when we pray, something good and amazing can happen.

When 120 people prayed, the Holy Spirit came down.

¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance

“Trance” is a half-awakened status of mind and body.

¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air.

“All reptiles” were unclean animals to the Jews.

¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”

This is Peter’s immediate response. It was a very strong objection, even though he saw the sheet came from heaven (God). It shows Peter was very committed to the law (the law of Moses). It shows he observed all the laws, although he was a fisherman.

¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

God shows his will clearly when he said, “Rise, kill, and eat,” and “What God has made clean, do not call common”. Under the law, the Gentiles were like unclean animals to the Jews. That was the status of the Gentiles under the law to the Jewish people.

Peter said in verse 28 “²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.” According to Peter, the Jews should not associate with or visit any Gentiles.

The Gentiles became clean and pure because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God wanted Peter to change his perspective on the Gentiles. God prepared Peter to accept the Gentiles. He needs to struggle to overcome an inner barrier or concept.

Under the law, there is a clear distinction between clean and unclean. But under the gospel of Jesus, there is no barrier. Under the gospel of Jesus, everyone can be accepted. There is zero barrier or distinction. Everyone can be accepted.

But the Jewish people could not accept the Gentiles, thinking, “We are Jews. We are God’s chosen people, and we are special. We made so much effort to obey the law of God so many years despite persecutions”. So it was very hard for the Jews to believe that in Jesus’ gospel, all people, including the Jews and the Gentiles, are all equal. There is no special treatment for the Jews. In the gospel, all people are the same.

The Jews must have felt superior to the Gentiles because they made so much effort to obey the law. But the Gentiles did not make any effort to obey the law.

Under the gospel of Jesus, everyone can be righteous through faith. What is the benefit of being Jewish? Romans 3:1-2

Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? ² Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.

¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

¹⁷ Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate

At the very moment when Peter thought about the meaning of his dream, 3 people were at the gate.

¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him,

The Holy Spirit told Peter.

“Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.”

The Holy Spirit said that He sent them. The dream and the visit from the Gentiles are related because they were all coordinated by the Holy Spirit. Therefore “Rise and go down” and “Rise, kill and eat” are connected.

²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation,

He has a good reputation with the Jewish people (nation).

was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

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V24-33

²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

³⁰ And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

How did Cornelius welcome Peter? (24-26) How did Peter learn to accept Cornelius? (27-29) How did Cornelius and Peter work together to figure out God’s plan? (29b-33)

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How did Cornelius welcome Peter? (24-26)

²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”

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How did Peter learn to accept Cornelius? (27-29)

²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

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How did Cornelius and Peter work together to figure out God’s plan? (29b-33)

Peter said, “I ask then why you sent for me.”

³⁰ And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Each explained their situation. It all becomes clear that all of these events were coordinated by one person, the Holy Spirit.

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Additional notes from V24-33

Peter

²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Cornelius invited everyone he knew. He really wanted to receive the word of God together. He was very evangelistic.

²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.

He recognized Peter as the messenger from God, God’s servant. When Roman soldiers receive the emperor’s message, they kneel and take it. But Cornelius even worshiped Peter. It shows how much he honored and respected God and his servant with reverence.

²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”

Peter was humble, too. He did not want to put himself above Cornelius. Although he was sent by God, Peter did not want to receive any special honor and respect because of it. Peter humbled himself.

They shared their stories and agreed that all these things happened according to God’s will.

²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

Verse 33 “So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” shows that Cornelius and his people were ready to hear the word of God. Please tell us the message.

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V34-43

³⁴ So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶ As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), ³⁷ you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹ And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, ⁴⁰ but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, ⁴¹ not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, 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 be judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

What did Peter now understand? (34-35) What did Peter do next? (36-43) What key point did Peter claim about receiving forgiveness in the name of Jesus? (43)

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What did Peter now understand? (34-35)

³⁴ So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

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What did Peter do next? (36-43)

³⁶ As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), ³⁷ you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹ And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, ⁴⁰ but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, ⁴¹ not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, 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 be judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Peter explained what God has done through Jesus.

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What key point did Peter claim about receiving forgiveness in the name of Jesus? (43)

⁴³ To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

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Additional notes from V34-43

³⁴ So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,

This is what Peter understood: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality.” This is the turning point for him and all the Jews to reach out to the Gentiles. God shows no partiality.

³⁵ but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Peter realized “in every nation” regardless of their culture or language, or background. “Anyone who fears God and does what is right” is acceptable to God. We need to accept this. Everyone has a chance to hear and accept the word of God regardless of any barriers or obstacles. We need to accept God’s heart.

Peter said, “I truly understand”. He deeply learned it to his heart.

³⁶ As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ

Peter called “good news of peace”. The gospel is good news and it brings peace.

(he is Lord of all), ³⁷ you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea,

Jesus’ death was well known.

beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

He shared what Jesus did.

³⁹ And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, ⁴⁰ but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,

Peter’s message was focused on “resurrection” many times.

⁴¹ not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

He testified vividly about Jesus’ death and resurrection as an eyewitness. He said “We ate and drank with him”.

⁴² And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.

Jesus was appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead.

⁴³ To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The conclusion was “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Once believes in Jesus as the Savior sent from God, he receives sin forgiveness.

God sent Peter to deliver the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection. When we believe, we are forgiven, and we become children of God, and we receive the kingdom of God and eternal life, etc. If someone wants to believe he can believe regardless of any doubts. But if someone wants to doubt, he will doubt to the end regardless of any proof.

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V44-48

⁴⁴ While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. ⁴⁵ And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

What happened after Peter shared the gospel? What new thing did Peter declare? (46b-48) Why is it significant that the Jewish believers agreed to baptize the gentiles together with them in the name of Jesus? What does this reveal about unity and why we are sent into the world and to every nation?

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What happened after Peter shared the gospel?

The Holy Spirit fell on those who heard the gospel. They spoke tongues and extolled God. This was the exactly the same happening when the Holy Spirit was poured out to the Jesus’ disciples at the first time. There was no difference.

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What new thing did Peter declare? (46b-48)

Then Peter declared, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

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Why is it significant that the Jewish believers agreed to baptize the Gentiles together with them in the name of Jesus?

It was significant for the Jewish believers to agree to baptize the Gentiles together with them in the name of Jesus because they accepted the Gentiles as brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus. They realized that God had accepted the Gentiles as he had accepted the Jews. The Jews and Gentiles became one in the name of the Lord Jesus.

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What does this reveal about unity and why we are sent into the world and to every nation?

There is unity among the Jews and Gentiles. It refers to the unity of all men because the bible divides all men into the Jews and the Gentiles.

We are sent into all the world and to every nation because we are all equally brothers and sisters in the name of the Lord Jesus.

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Additional notes from V44-48

⁴⁴ While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

We can think about the moment when the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples at first. Even before Peter finished his speech, the Holy Spirit came down on them when they heard the gospel message. The Holy Spirit really worked through the message of the gospel. We have to preach the gospel. We need to preach the word of God. If Christians are silent, people cannot hear the gospel message, and the Holy Spirit will not come and baptize them.

⁴⁵ And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed,

because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.

They never expected that God would work on the Gentiles. It shows the Jews were deeply influenced by Judaism.

⁴⁶ For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.

It was the same thing that had happened at the time when the Holy Spirit came at first. It shows there is no distinction between the Gentiles and Jews.

Then Peter declared, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Peter recognized that the Jews and Gentiles received the same Spirit, and there was no partiality.

⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Then Peter gave them the same baptism that he gave for the Jews. Now they really understand the gospel is for everyone in the world. Now, because of this event, they dropped all barriers and Judaism, going out to all nations.

It shows God wants to save all peoples on earth. Even though people in the world may have different religions, we need to remember that God wants to save all of them without holding any barriers. We need to pray to preach the gospel to all people on earth.

Then they asked him to remain for some days.

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The end.