BULLETIN ARTICLE – 10 June 2018
Our in-built prejudices often manifest in bias views and wrong judgments that hinder the spreading of the gospel of Jesus. The Jews always had deep anti-Gentiles prejudices for they considered themselves superior because they were God’s chosen people and had the Torah (Law). The Apostle Peter, a Jew, was no exception and thought that he would have nothing to do with Gentiles. God in his wisdom tore down Peter’s prejudice so that he could be an effective witness to the Gentiles with the gospel of Jesus.
In Caesarea, God picked a devout and God-fearing Roman centurion (despised by Jews) to connect with Peter. An angel appeared to Cornelius, asking him to send men to Joppa to bring Peter over to Caesarea. Though Cornelius did not know the full plan of God, he obeyed the request of the angel. God was preparing Cornelius and his Gentile community to receive the gospel of Jesus.
Meanwhile, in Joppa, God repeated three times in a vision to Peter that he should not call anything impure that God has made clean. He was prompted by the Holy Spirit that three men would come to him with a request. As he was still wondering what the vision meant, the men whom Cornelius sent appeared before him. Though Peter did not know the full plan of God, he obeyed. God was preparing Peter to preach the gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles and open the door of faith in Jesus Christ to them.
At first, Peter was apprehensive because it was against Jewish expectations for a Jew to socially associate with Gentiles. But the vision was vivid that he should not consider any Gentile, whom God created, impure or unclean. Peter understood the purpose of the vision and he could no longer hold on to his prejudice. Apostle Paul also wrote in Romans 2:10-11 “glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favouritism.”
In Cornelius’ house, Peter preached the gospel of Jesus to the entire household and Gentile community. The Holy Spirit was poured out on all who were present. The place was filled with praise and joy and the Gentiles were all baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. God had an amazing plan for Cornelius and Peter to extend his Kingdom’s work. God is also asking us to reach out to the unbelievers in our midst, e.g. family members, colleagues, friends, neighbours or any strangers we may come to know. Are we willing to ask God to tear down our prejudices that hinder us from sharing about Jesus? Are we willing to get out of our comfort zone to obey God, like Peter or Cornelius, without knowing His full plan? By God’s grace and for his glory we will do everything to extend his Kingdom.
