A New Beginning — When the Good News Reached Everyone (Acts 10:24–48)
In the second half of Acts 10, something amazing happens—God shows Peter, Cornelius, and the early church that the message of Jesus is for everyone, not just for a certain group of people. It’s a powerful moment of inclusion, understanding, and transformation.
Cornelius Welcomes Peter
Peter had been invited to visit Cornelius, a Roman army officer, after both men had special visions from God. When Peter arrived at Cornelius’s house in Caesarea, he found a large group of people waiting for him—family and friends who wanted to hear from God.
When Cornelius saw Peter, he bowed down to him, but Peter quickly helped him up and said, “Stand up. I’m just a man, like you.” Peter didn’t want attention or praise—he was just there to share what God had told him.
Peter then spoke honestly. He said that, as a Jewish man, it was usually considered wrong to visit people from other nations. But God had shown him, through a vision, that he should not call anyone “unclean” or unworthy.
In other words, God loves all people, and Peter was learning to see others through God’s eyes.
Cornelius Shares His Story
Cornelius explained why he had called for Peter. He told him about the angel’s message—that God had heard his prayers and told him to send for Peter. Then he said, “Now we are all here, ready to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
What an incredible moment—a room full of people, eager to hear about God!
Peter Preaches the Good News
Peter began to speak. He said, “Now I truly understand that God does not show favoritism. He accepts people from every nation who respect Him and do what is right.”
Peter then shared the story of Jesus:
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How He was sent by God
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How He healed people and did good
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How He died on the cross and rose again
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How Peter and others were witnesses to it all
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And how everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins
This was the message of salvation, and it was for everyone.
The Holy Spirit Comes
While Peter was still speaking, something amazing happened. The Holy Spirit came upon everyone in the room—even though they were Gentiles (non-Jews). They began to speak in different languages and praise God, just like the Jewish believers did back in Acts 2.
The Jewish believers who came with Peter were shocked—they had never expected God to give His Spirit to people outside of their community. But Peter saw what was happening and said, “Can anyone stop them from being baptized? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
So right then and there, they were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and a new chapter in the church began.
What This Story Means for Us
This powerful moment in Acts 10 shows us a few important truths:
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God’s love has no borders – He doesn’t care where you’re from, what language you speak, or what your background is. He wants everyone to know Him.
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The gospel is for everyone – Not just a certain group, but for all who are willing to believe.
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The Holy Spirit is a gift to all believers – God gives His presence and power to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus.
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God can surprise us – Sometimes He works in ways we don’t expect, and we need to be open to His plan.
Final Thought:
This moment in the early church reminds us that no one is too far, too different, or too unlikely to receive God’s love. Just like Peter learned, we’re called to open our hearts and share the good news with everyone—because Jesus is for all people, everywhere.
Acts 10:24-48 (WEB)
10:24 On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” 27 As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together. 28 He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean. 29 Therefore I also came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?”30 Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.”34 Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; 35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— 37 you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. 40 God raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God.Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.