Acts 10:23b-48 (NIV)
Read by: Christy Gates
When God calls you to engage people who are different from you culturally, socially, ideologically, do you engage for the sake of tolerance or for the sake of transformation?
In today’s episode of Daily Read, the last several passages come to their climax as Peter responds to the LORDs invitation through Cornelius to come to Caesarea and enter a Roman centurion’s house. Cornelius represents so much of what has oppressed this religious minority in Judea throughout the lifetime of Peter and for generations before him. Peter represents the pathway to knowing and being in communion with God, the law and the religious system was fashioned in such a way that even the most god-fearing gentiles would have trouble getting close to God.
So while Peter was in a position of weakness in relation to Cornelious, Cornelius was at the mercy of Peter in his desire to follow Yahweh. Peter knows that God shows no partiality, but as the Spirit leads him into this cross-cultural experience, he has a choice between a posture of tolerance, or an openness to transformation.
As you listen to the passage, pay attention to the moments when Peter leans into curiosity, looking for God’s transformative work among a household that would otherwise be an enemy. Because what he finds, not only transforms Cornelius and his household, but Peter and the future of the Church and the world.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What moment in this passage sticks out to you as most significant?
2. As Peter approaches the house, Cornelius runs and falls at his feet to worship him. Can you imagine? When did Peter ever imagine a Roman Centurion bowing to him? Yet, he does not indulge in this power differential, he says to Cornelius “stand up.” This goes beyond tolerance in pursuit of a transformative dignity. How can you give dignity to people who are different from you?
3. Throughout the passage it’s the Holy Spirit who is initiating the transformative work in Cornelius and his household. Before Peter could even finish what he was saying the Holy Spirit took over and fell on those gathered with Cornelius. God invites Peter into what he’s wanting to do and uses him there. How might God be inviting you into what he’s doing in folks who are different from you?
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project: Acts 1-12 Overview >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Acts >>
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