The story of Peter’s revelation in Acts 10 reveals a core tenet in the gospel of Jesus Christ: God saves all who come to faith in His Son, regardless of their past, cultural differences, or their upbringing. The gospel is for all people, and it took Peter—just as it will require us today—great humility to see that God shows no favoritism. The ones whom God calls clean are clean; the ones He brings into His family are in His family forever.
What did these visions reveal to both Cornelius and Peter? How did these animals in the vision correlate to a deeper truth about God’s gift of salvation and invitation for all?
God prepared both Cornelius and Peter for the invitation that would change the makeup of Jesus’ church forever. Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile centurion, was not welcome within Jewish social circles nor was he accepted in any way as clean according to Jewish beliefs. Even still, God used him to open Peter’s eyes to the reality that the gospel builds bridges between people groups rather than divide them even further.
Peter’s vision seemed to be much less direct than Cornelius; yet God was patiently repetitive in instilling the greater message that the ones whom He purifies through faith are brought into the family of God—with no stipulations due to custom or culture. This revelation was contrary to the Jewish traditions and defied favoritism, which later caused tension within the early church. (Acts 11:1-18) Still, as Peter preached the good news and declared that Jesus is Lord of all, the Holy Spirit fell on all who believed the gospel––confirming God’s desire to save anyone who trusts in Jesus.
Explain to your kids that the good news of Jesus Christ is for all people, and we are all called to faithfully invite others to believe the good news of Jesus Christ. May this reality be as true in our churches and social circles today as it was in Cornelius’ home all those centuries ago.
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