Acts 10:44-48 (NRSV)
Read Acts 10:44-48 on biblegateway.com
Verse 44While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. Verse 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, Verse 46for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, Verse 47"Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" Verse 48So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.
Devotion
When Peter was still saying this: that is, when Peter was speaking about a God who no longer was showing partiality, it was evident that now we are hearing and feeling the beat of a different drummer. Peter was revealing to Cornelius, the centurion and to all the rest of us that God accepts everyone into his love, embracing the Jew and the Gentile, the male and the female, whatever sexual orientation, economic status, career focus, etc. No one now has elevated privilege, for we are all privileged. We are indeed one body. The Holy Spirit has gathered us all into community. By virtue of faith, we are ushered into the fellowship of those who can thankfully claim the promises of God and share his redeeming word with the entire world.
Prayer
Mercifully grant us grace, O God, to share with others a life of love, hope and peace this day and always. Amen.