Scripture
The Gentiles Hear the Good News
34Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
39“And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,[1] 40but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, 41not to the general public,[2] but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
Translation notes (2)
- 10:39 Greek on a tree.
- 10:41 Greek the people.
"Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.’ "
"God shows no favoritism." Let this statement sink in for a moment. As human beings, we see people show favoritism frequently and sometimes have to fight against showing favoritism ourselves. While favoritism is a struggle for human beings, this is not the same with God. He does not show favoritism. Instead, he loves every person and desires to have a personal relationship with them. This truth was the message that Peter gave in Acts chapter 10.
We have studied the story of a man named Cornelius in Acts chapter 10 this week. Cornelius was a Gentile Roman officer who summoned Peter to come to him and bring a message from God. During this time, Jewish law forbade any Jews from going into the home of a Gentile. Even though Jews did not go to the homes of Gentiles, Peter went to Cornelius' home, where Cornelius had gathered all of his relatives and close friends. As they were all gathered, Peter shared a message with them. "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation, He accepts those who fear him and do what is right", Peter taught (verses 34-35). He then shared the good news of Jesus Christ and the eternal life that was available through Him. This moment was remarkable. Peter, one of the most influential leaders in the early church, was broadcasting that Gentiles were invited into the family of God just as Jews were a part of God's family. Why? Because God shows no favoritism.
Because God shows no favoritism, we are called to follow His example and refuse to give in to favoritism. Favoritism can be so subtle that we do not even recognize it in ourselves, but it is often there. When we treat some people better than others or show a preference for certain people, we give in to favoritism. We also misrepresent God, who does not have favorites. Are you showing favoritism in any area of your life? If so, are you willing to let go?
Moving toward action
Spend some time praying. Ask God to reveal any area of your life where you are showing favoritism. As He reveals these areas, confess that favoritism and turn away from it. Commit to treating every person as someone loved by God, showing no partiality.
Going Deeper
Acts 10:34-43 (NLT)
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