MONDAY May 22, 2023
The Gentile Pentecost
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Acts 10:44-46
Gentiles listening to Peter share the Gospel must have responded, because at this very moment, we witness a Gentile Pentecost! The Holy Spirit fell upon them just like in Acts 2:1-3. They were baptized by the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. These Gentiles praised the Lord and worshiped Him in different languages.
The company of Jews who came with Peter could hardly believe their eyes––the Gentiles were saved! The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to them. God’s Spirit is given to anyone who accepts Jesus as Savior. The Gospel is universal; anyone from any nation can come to Christ.
In Acts 9, the Apostle Paul encountered the Lord and had a dramatic conversion. As a Jew, he described himself as:
...circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless (Philippians 3:5-7).
As a Christian, Paul, a highly educated, zealously religious man, became born again. He was called by God to minister to the Gentiles. He said:
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him [Christ] will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:11-13).
No matter your nationality, have you called on the name of the Lord?
...let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you. Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; and will you not accept it, now it is offered unto you?
~George Whitfield~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
