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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 142

"That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel."

Text: Ephesians 3:6

CONVINCING THE LEADERSHIP OF THE JERUSALEM CHURCH

Peter’s experience in the home of the centurion Cornelius convinced him that God’s plan of salvation included Gentiles. The next challenge was to convince the leaders of the Jerusalem Church of this wonderful truth. The opportunity soon presented itself. When Peter was in Jerusalem, he was requested to explain his ministry to the Gentiles. Peter shared openly what he experienced at the home of the centurion Cornelius.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them,
as upon us at the beginning.
Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said,
‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall
be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us
when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ,
who was I that I could withstand God?
ACTS 11:15-17

“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them”

The action of the Spirit of God was independent of the ministry of Peter! The apostle did not bring about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

“Then I remembered the word of the Lord…”

Peter’s recall of the words of the Lord Jesus was not insignificant. He was essentially saying that this outpouring of the Spirit is the fulfillment of what Jesus Himself said. This outpouring was in fact the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

“God gave them the same gift”

It is the prerogative of God to give His gifts to whomsoever He wished. He could withhold His gifts, or He could bestow them. He could choose to give the Spirit of God to both Jews and Gentiles. That is God’s sovereign right.

“Who was I that I could withstand God”

Peter may be hailed as the leading apostle to the Jews, but before God, he was “nothing”. Could a mere mortal resist or withstand God? Peter would be the first to admit that he was absolutely powerless before the Lord.

ACCEPTANCE OF PETER’S EXPLANATION

The leaders of the Jerusalem Church included “apostles” (Cf. Acts 11:1). As they listened to Peter’s explanation, they could conclude that Peter was right. Their part was to accept and rejoice in God’s magnanimous compassion and mercy.

When they heard these things they became silent;
and they glorified God, saying,
‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.’
ACTS 11:18