New Testament Faith: Part Three
As we travel through the book of Acts watching for New Testament faith we come to an incredible story of a Gentile soldier named Cornelius (ch. 10). A Gentile is someone who’s not Jewish but is intertwined for the unveiling of God’s plan.
The Church is now about ten years old but the rules of separation between the Jews and Gentiles remain; God is going to change that by having two experiences run parallel: Cornelius and Peter’s. Cornelius believed and worshipped God, was a fervent prayer warrior, and a generous giver. His motives were right but he was unaware of Jesus; incomplete faith. If he was the first Gentile convert to Christianity some mighty big mountains must be moved. God began that mountain-moving process using an angel on His assignment: “Go get Peter.” Simple enough.
Meanwhile … Peter simultaneously had his own vision which dramatically changed the makeup of the Church using Cornelius and his family. Peter virtually says to the Spirit, “Yes, but no, God.” He couldn’t possibly allow Gentiles into the Church. No way. After God spoke three times Peter finally gave in and was instructed to go with Cornelius’ men on His mission.
Cornelius gathered his family and friends in anticipation of Peter’s arrival to hear what the Lord commanded him to say (vs.33). As Peter opened his mouth the message of good news flowed out that declared forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ and redemption was opened to all. Even as the words came out the Spirit fell on those listeners who received Peter’s words and they weren’t only saved but filled with the Spirit and magnified God by speaking in tongues! What an amazing experience for the Jewish believers as they watched … the Spirit poured out on the Gentiles just like it was on them. Who knew?
Peter, though, had some explaining to do with the Jewish believers who were already criticizing him; he told his story in chapter eleven. The Spirit commanded that the separation of Jew and Gentile was no longer in effect; they are now one in Christ (Eph. 3:14-16). Peter remembered that the baptism or overwhelming of the Spirit (vs. 16) was promised by Christ (Luke 3:16 and Mark 1:8) and all the leaders joined him in glorifying God for His amazing plan.
New Testament faith often means we have to let some things go, traditions or teachings that don’t line up with Scripture but we’ve held for years, allowing the Spirit to retrain us so incredible things can happen. For this group it was mega growth of believers (vs. 21 & 24) and the arrival of Barnabas, a Spirit-filled believer who instructed them in grace and faithfulness in their purpose. Barnabas was full of faith and the Spirit, retrieved Saul (who became Paul) and they both spent a year teaching these new believers that the Jewish Messiah fulfilled His divine plan to be a blessing to the nations (Gen. 12:2). Faith moves mountains.
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