---
title: Acts 10
description: Explore the meaning of inclusion and belonging in Jesus' teachings, and how modern challenges reflect the call to embrace diversity in faith communities.
---

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# Acts 10

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[Newcastle Anglican Communications](https://blog.newcastleanglican.org.au/living-the-word/author/newcastle-anglican-communications)

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We see this playing out in Acts 10. In this section of the book, we are taken to one of the significant moments in the life of the first Christians.

The earliest followers of Jesus were Jews, shaped by the Scriptures, traditions and practices of Israel. As the good news spread, questions were emerging about whether those who were not Jews must observe Jewish laws when they became Christian.

God was making clear that the good news of Jesus Christ was for all people. We learn of a God who “shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to God.”

There are at least two important things to hold together as we read the Acts of the Apostles. We see the vibrant action of the Holy Spirit among the first Christians as the Church comes to understand more fully the good news of Jesus Christ. These were foundational moments in the life of the Church, and Christians ever since have been living into what was learnt at the time.

At the same time, we recognise that God continues to act today. The Holy Spirit continues to engage with people, challenge our assumptions and draw us into a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. We are invited to be attentive to what God is doing.

In the story, we meet Cornelius, a Roman centurion, likely a commander of 100 troops. He is already responding to God. He has inspired and led his household to do the same. He shares his money generously and takes every opportunity to pray. As the story unfolds, we recognise that Cornelius and his household are not baptised. Yet God is already at work in their lives.

Peter is growing in his apostleship. He also is devout in his prayers. On this day, as he prays, he enters a trance, has a vision and hears a voice three times. He recognises that God is speaking to him. The vision challenges Peter's understanding of the Jewish food laws. It is a huge challenge for Peter because he has always obeyed them. He is puzzled by what he has seen and is trying to understand what God is showing him.

It is God's intention that Cornelius and Peter meet. One of the major turning points in the story is when Peter says to Cornelius and the assembled people, “You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or to visit a Gentile; but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean.”

Peter has come to understand that the vision was not simply about food. God was challenging his understanding of people and of who could belong among God's people.

I love this text because we are taken into the prayer life of both men and we are invited to see Peter as a reflective person. He has been puzzled by his vision and by the call of God. We see the deep faithfulness of them both. Each is growing in wisdom, maturity and faith.

There is something important in recognising that God is at work in both men. Cornelius is being drawn into a fuller understanding of Jesus Christ. Peter, who has already given his life to following Jesus, is being drawn into a fuller understanding of God's purposes. Peter comes to teach Cornelius, but he also has something to learn. His faithfulness to God has not changed, but his understanding of what that faithfulness requires is changing.

Peter then teaches the household that Jesus is the Lord of all. He speaks very personally as a witness to the resurrection. He says, “They put Jesus to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”

Peter goes on to proclaim that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name. The good news is not confined to one nation or people. Jesus is Lord of all.

In a very dramatic turn, while people are still listening to Peter, “the Holy Spirit fell upon them”. They begin speaking in tongues and praising God. Those who have accompanied Peter are astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out even on the Gentiles.

It is important to recognise the order of events. The Holy Spirit comes upon Cornelius and his household before they are baptised. God has acted before Peter, and the other Christians have determined what should happen.

Peter then asks, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptising these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” He orders that they be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ.

When Peter is later challenged about what has happened, he explains the events to the believers in Jerusalem. He recalls the words of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He asks, “If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?”

It is a remarkable question.

Peter has been faithful to God throughout his life. He has been shaped by the Scriptures and the practices of his people. He has followed Jesus and witnessed the resurrection. Yet God is still teaching him. God is still challenging his assumptions and drawing him into a deeper understanding of the gospel.

We are invited to recognise that God is already at work in the lives of people. We are invited to be prayerful and reflective, attentive to the Holy Spirit and willing to have our understanding challenged. We are also reminded that this discernment takes place within the life of the Church, as we listen to one another and seek to remain faithful to Jesus Christ.

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