God has no favourites - O le Atua e lē fai mea faapito

Scripture Focus: Galuega 10:25-48

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together. He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean. Therefore also I came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?” Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.” Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
- Acts 10:25-48 (WEB)

Study:

This passage recounts a pivotal moment in the early church – the acceptance of Gentiles (non-Jews) into God’s family. Peter, a Jewish apostle, initially hesitated to enter the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, because Jewish law considered interaction with Gentiles as unclean. However, God intervened with a vision (not detailed here, but in the preceding verses) and compelled Peter to go. The narrative showcases God shattering cultural and religious barriers. Cornelius, a God-fearing man, and his household were receptive to Peter's message. Crucially, while Peter was preaching, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as it had upon the Jewish believers on the day of Pentecost. This unmistakable sign demonstrated God’s impartiality; He doesn't show favoritism, but accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right, regardless of their nationality. The Jewish believers with Peter were astonished, as this was a radical shift in understanding. Because the Holy Spirit was present with the Gentiles, Peter affirmed that he could not deny them the sign of repentance and new life, which is baptism.

Application:

This story is incredibly relevant to us today. It challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases. Do we unconsciously limit who we consider “in” and who is “out” based on superficial characteristics like ethnicity, social status, or political affiliation? God's message is clear: He loves all people. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect that same love and inclusivity. We can learn from Peter’s initial reluctance and his subsequent act of obedience. It requires humility to challenge our own presuppositions and to embrace those who are different from us. The church is meant to be a diverse body, united by our shared faith in Jesus Christ, not divided by cultural or societal barriers.

Reflection Questions:

• How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's character?
• What prejudices or biases, conscious or unconscious, might you hold?
• In what ways can you actively practice inclusivity in your daily life?
• How can the church better reflect God's impartiality in its actions and teachings?

Prayer:

Loving God, forgive us for the times we have allowed prejudice and bias to cloud our judgment. Help us to see all people through Your eyes, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth You have bestowed upon each one. Empower us to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and love. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, that we may be instruments of Your peace and justice. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Tags:Acts, Peter, Cornelius, Gentiles, Holy Spirit, inclusivity, prejudice, bias, early church, God's love, Roman, salvation, baptism, no favouritism