Acts Chapter 10

ACTS 10:34 & 44

34 Peter began to speak: I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis.  Whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him no matter what race he belongs to. 

44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his message. 

In Acts 10, Peter expands the gospel beyond Jerusalem and Judea and into the ancient Greco-Roman world. Cornelius, a devout Gentile, while praying, has a vision of an angel telling him to send for Peter in Joppa.  He sends messengers and Peter, after his vision of the “large sheet coming down” containing all kinds of creatures, reptiles and birds, returns to Caesarea with Cornelius’ messengers.

To those gathered, Peter says (Acts 10.34), “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in any nation anyone who fears him does right and is acceptable to him.” He continues to praise the Lord and bear witness.

In visiting Cornelius in Caesarea all that he said and did. (Acts 10.44) “While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.  The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God.”

GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY … a stunning sentence. In his forgiveness, in his love and in his infinite wisdom that brings us trials, sorrows, and reminders of the fragility of life ….God Shows No Partiality.  All humanity knows the good and the bad.

Are the believers who “were astounded that the Holy Spirit was poured out EVEN on the Gentiles” very different from those of us who come to love, understand and embrace the “other” – those from different cultures, religions, languages and customs? As the current worldwide situation so clearly illustrates, we are all in this together.  While some will try to separate us by blaming the “other” for a custom, a decision, a lack of responsiveness, or some other “theory” to account for the global pandemic, everyone  everywhere – experiencing the disease, losing loved ones, living in fear and losing hope, and praying for wisdom, relief and modern miracles to end this – is a child of God.  
God shows no partiality. Remember this when the pandemic is over. Pray for yourselves, your loved ones, our congregation, community, country and the world.

                                                                              Adele Sadiq, EfM Year 4