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Day 20 Acts 11:1-18 Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: 13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. What do you do when people come against you for doing what you were told to do? You defend your actions. When Peter returned to Jerusalem, the other apostles and brethren came against him because he went into a Gentile's home and ate with him. Peter defended his actions and with witnesses told what took place to bring him to Cornelius’ home and how salvation came to that household. Then they believed the gospel was for everyone. As Christians, you know the church began on the day of Pentecost, and grew from there. From the moment Peter went to Cornelius’ home, the world has never been the same. Everyone has the same opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ as Cornelius did. From the beginning the church grew, and continues to grow. No longer do people question the calling God puts on your lives, but with joy sends you where God calls you. Peter needed to show the other apostles and brethren with them what God did and how He worked, not by his word alone, but with witnesses to verify God’s work among the Gentiles. You are a product of that first mission outreach to Cornelius. From that moment, the Word of God has been preached and carried on to all generations, and will continue to carry to your generations as you show the love of Jesus Christ to everyone you meet and tell them what Jesus did for you. Your witness will bring others to salvation. Don’t let God’s Word die with you, but pass it on to your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Let God’s Word dwell in you so it will flow to others who need to know God’s love for them. Let’s pray: Father, let Your Word dwell in me and flow out of me as I bring Your Word to the nations. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 31 January 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay