Acts 11:17-18 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
The early church dealt with questions of where they should go preach the Gospel, to whom they should go and just how this new mission would develop. Different groups within the church had some differing ideas and the passage we read today, Acts 11:1-18 is an account of one such encounter. There are a few points that stand out to me:
- When Peter encountered criticism for going to the Gentiles, instead of getting angry, he began and “explained it to them in order:” (verse 4) and when he was done with his explanation, verse 18 states “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” I am challenged to respond to criticism with patience, and to take time to explain clearly what I see God is doing.
- Second, Peter says that GOD gave the same gift to them as to us, so why should he stand in God’s way? Oh, how crucial this is to modern day missions. We need to remember that it is GOD who gives the gift of faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We do not want to stand in God’s way by any word or action that would impede the Gospel going forth! And how exciting to be part of a team who is going to an unreached people group and bringing the message of salvation for the first time! Oh may God grant repentance that leads to life!
If you would like to be a part of a unique Gospel-spreading effort, investigate Vernacular Video Mission International, VVMI. You can click here to go to the VVMI website, vvmi.org
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 