The Witness Of Peter

 

"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."

                                                                       (Acts 10:34-45 KJV)

Here we have the witness of Peter to the Gentiles of Jesus had done for them. While hearing this witness the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word; both Jesus and Gentiles alike. The Spirit of God did not discern a difference among the people; but, touched the lives of everyone who heard.

The Jews were indeed God's children; but now because of Christ, to be a member of the family of God was open to all who heard the word and believed. Peter wrote in his first letter to the exiles of the dispersion (that is to the people living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia):

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

                                                                                  (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Thanks be to God for we who were not His people are now His people and not just His people; but, His children and heirs because He has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light through the gift of His Son Jesus the Christ. Thanks be to God for his mercy and grace. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.