Read: Acts 10:1-48
Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (vv. 34-35)
Today’s passage takes us precisely to the epicenter of a great gospel-quake with aftershocks that have rumbled through the centuries and are still felt today. Although always intended for all the nations, up to this point the gospel was reserved exclusively for Israel. We were given a hint of what is coming with the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, but now the gospel doors are flung wide open so all may enter. It leaves Peter to exclaim today’s key verse.
Allow yourself to acknowledge, “I am acceptable to him.” And then go on—if they fear God and do what is right, your neighbor is “acceptable to him.” Likewise the person with whom you disagree politically is “acceptable to him.” The homeless person you encounter is “acceptable to him.” The person who wronged you is “acceptable to him.” I find this little exercise difficult to do. And at the point of our difficulty, we approach the struggle that Peter was having.
Now to be sure, everyone must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus—the strident claim of the gospel is not being overturned here, but a real invitation for all to come to Jesus is being wildly and indiscriminately offered. It reminds me of the way one of my favorite childhood games ended—“Allie, allie, all come free!” Which is precisely what Peter is coming to grips with as he sees the nations coming to Jesus.
As you pray, ask God to give you the grace to show no partiality.
Dr. Timothy Brown is the Henry Bast Professor of Preaching and President Emeritus at Western Theological Seminary where he served from 1995-2021. Tim continues to actively coach and encourage former students and pastors who seek help in their preaching life and he has become a certified public school substitute teacher so that he can continue investing in the lives of young people. He is married to Nancy and together they have three children and ten grandchildren.
