In Acts 10:34–43, Peter delivers a concise yet profound summary of the Gospel—a message that encapsulates the essence of Jesus’s ministry and establishes the foundation for the Church’s universal mission. Peter begins by declaring, “Of a truth, God shows no partiality,” a statement that dismantles long-held Jewish barriers by …

Acts 10:30–33 offers a succinct yet profound summary that encapsulates God’s gracious initiative toward those who earnestly seek Him. In this passage, Cornelius, a devout and God-fearing Gentile, recounts how his prayers and almsgiving were "remembered by God." His testimony, though brief, weaves together earlier revelations into a powerful …

Today’s reflection focuses on Acts 10:23–29—a key passage where divine preparation, hospitality, and the breaking down of long-held cultural barriers come vividly to life. 

Today, we turn our attention to Acts 10:17–23—a pivotal section in which Peter encounters messengers from Cornelius that point to a new horizon in God’s mission. 

Acts 10:9–16 recounts Peter’s transformative vision on the rooftop during prayer. As a devout Jew, Peter’s location is significant: the rooftop symbolizes openness to divine revelation and serves as a public space, highlighting the vision’s legitimacy. His hunger grounds the narrative in human experience, framing the vision not as abstract mysticism but as a practical reorientation of faith.

Acts 10:1-8 demonstrates God's heart for all people and His divine orchestration in expanding His kingdom. In this passage, we meet Cornelius, a Roman centurion whose story illustrates how God works beyond human boundaries. Although he was a Gentile, Cornelius was a "devout man" who feared God, demonstrating that His Spirit draws people from all backgrounds.

The passage introduces us to Tabitha, a disciple in Joppa whose life exemplified Christian service. Her name is given in both Aramaic (Tabitha) and Greek (Dorcas), reflecting the multicultural nature of the early church. She was known for her good works and acts of charity, particularly her work making clothes for widows, a vulnerable group in ancient society.

Peter's ministry demonstrates how God works powerfully through His servants. When Peter encountered Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years, he declared, “Jesus Christ heals you.” Remember the point we have made a few times now – it’s not our ministry but Christ’s that we are continuing. We see this point reiterated in these verses. 

Acts 9:26–31 captures a pivotal moment in the early church as Paul (formerly known as Saul) arrives in Jerusalem following his dramatic conversion. The irony of the situation is striking: the man who once zealously persecuted Christians now seeks fellowship with the very community he aimed to destroy. Moreover, the very group that once supported him—the Hellenistic Jews—is now trying to kill him.

After his dramatic conversion, Saul’s early ministry in Damascus is marked by significant events that highlight his transformation and commitment to the Gospel. Following his physical recovery, Saul spent time with the disciples in Damascus, integrating into the Christian community. He immediately began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, boldly declaring that Jesus is the Son of God.

Acts 9:17–19 highlights the pivotal role of Ananias, a disciple who courageously obeys Jesus’s command to visit Saul despite his initial fear. Ananias’s mission is twofold: to restore Saul’s physical sight and to affirm his divine calling. His obedience demonstrates profound trust in God’s plan, even when it involves personal risk.

Acts 9:10–16 recounts complementary visions given to Ananias and Saul (Paul), highlighting God’s sovereign orchestration of Saul’s conversion and calling. These dual revelations reflect biblical precedents (e.g., Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10:3–16) and serve as divine validation of Saul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle.

Chapter 9 of Acts starts another shift in the narrative. We are introduced to Saul, later known as Paul. From here, we can see that the Gentile mission will rapidly accelerate. Saul, equipped with authority from the high priest, journeys to Damascus to persecute followers of “the Way.”

The Ethiopian eunuch’s question, “Who is the prophet talking about?” reflects a heart prepared by divine intervention. Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (53:7–8) serves as the bridge for Philip to “preach Jesus,” reversing centuries of exclusion that eunuchs faced under Old Covenant law. By grounding his evangelism in Scripture, Philip exemplifies Jesus’ method (Luke 24:27), affirming that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection fulfill prophetic promises.

In Acts 8:29–33, the Spirit directs Philip to approach the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot, initiating a providential encounter. This divine instruction challenges cultural norms, as Jews typically steered clear of close associations with foreigners. Philip’s immediate obedience (“he ran,” 8:30) reflects the urgency of the Good News, demonstrating that the advancement of the Gospel relies on responsiveness to the Spirit’s guidance.

Acts 8:25–28 marks a pivotal transition as Philip, following the apostles’ confirmation of the Samaritan mission, is redirected southward by an angelic command. The apostles’ return to Jerusalem underscores the church’s unity, while Philip’s new assignment signals God’s sovereign plan to extend the Gospel beyond ethnic boundaries …

Acts 8:18–24 reveals Simon’s attempt to commodify divine power. After witnessing Peter and John bestow the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, Simon offers money to acquire this authority. His request reflects a pagan worldview that reduces spirituality to transactional magic …

Acts 8:14–17 narrates a pivotal moment when the Jerusalem church sends Peter and John to support the Samaritan converts. The apostles’ arrival highlights the early church’s dedication to unity during its expansion. Although Philip’s preaching resulted in belief and baptism, the Jerusalem church sought reassurance that these Samaritan believers were fully integrated …

In Acts 8:9–13, Luke juxtaposes Simon the Samaritan sorcerer with Philip the evangelist to highlight the stark difference between human manipulation and divine authority. Simon, who used magic to astonish and control, represents a worldview where spiritual power is transactional and self-serving. Philip, however, operates “in the name of Jesus,” demonstrating God’s liberating power through healings and exorcisms.

Acts 8:5–8 recounts Philip’s groundbreaking mission to Samaria, a region defined by centuries of hostility toward Jews. As a Hellenistic Jewish Christian, Philip defies ethnic and religious barriers to preach Christ in a Samaritan town—fulfilling Jesus’ commission to spread the Gospel “to Samaria.” The Samaritans, though sharing ancestry …