In Acts 11:27–30, we see a powerful example of the early Church’s commitment to unity and mutual care. During that time, prophets came down from Jerusalem, confirming that God’s Spirit was at work even amidst impending hardship. These divine messengers brought a forewarning of a famine, a crisis that would impact not only Jerusalem but also…

In Acts 11:19–26, we encounter a pivotal turning point in the early Church as the scattered disciples, driven by persecution, spread the Good News far beyond their original boundaries. In verse 19, Luke explains that those believers who were dispersed following the affliction surrounding Stephen’s martyrdom carried the message to various regions including Phoenicia,…

In Acts 11:11–18, Peter recounts a series of divinely orchestrated events that affirm God’s mission to all men. While Peter was discerning the meaning of his earlier vision, the Spirit declared, “Look, three men are looking for you.” Their timely arrival, immediately following his vision, was no mere coincidence…

In Acts 11:1–10, Peter addresses serious concerns raised by the Jerusalem believers regarding his fellowship with uncircumcised Gentiles. The early church, deeply rooted in strict observance of Jewish purity laws, was alarmed to hear that Peter had entered the homes of Gentiles and shared meals with them. Their objection, summarized…

In Acts 10:44–48, we witness a decisive moment when the Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius’s household. As soon as Peter begins speaking, the Spirit comes upon the Gentiles—just as it did on the Jewish believers at Pentecost—with the unmistakable sign of speaking in tongues. This dramatic outpouring confirms that these uncircumcised Gentiles …

In Acts 10:34–43, Peter delivers a concise yet profound summary of the Gospel—a message that encapsulates the essence of Jesus’s ministry and establishes the foundation for the Church’s universal mission. Peter begins by declaring, “Of a truth, God shows no partiality,” a statement that dismantles long-held Jewish barriers by …

Acts 10:30–33 offers a succinct yet profound summary that encapsulates God’s gracious initiative toward those who earnestly seek Him. In this passage, Cornelius, a devout and God-fearing Gentile, recounts how his prayers and almsgiving were "remembered by God." His testimony, though brief, weaves together earlier revelations into a powerful …

Today’s reflection focuses on Acts 10:23–29—a key passage where divine preparation, hospitality, and the breaking down of long-held cultural barriers come vividly to life. 

Today, we turn our attention to Acts 10:17–23—a pivotal section in which Peter encounters messengers from Cornelius that point to a new horizon in God’s mission. 

Acts 10:9–16 recounts Peter’s transformative vision on the rooftop during prayer. As a devout Jew, Peter’s location is significant: the rooftop symbolizes openness to divine revelation and serves as a public space, highlighting the vision’s legitimacy. His hunger grounds the narrative in human experience, framing the vision not as abstract mysticism but as a practical reorientation of faith.

Acts 10:1-8 demonstrates God's heart for all people and His divine orchestration in expanding His kingdom. In this passage, we meet Cornelius, a Roman centurion whose story illustrates how God works beyond human boundaries. Although he was a Gentile, Cornelius was a "devout man" who feared God, demonstrating that His Spirit draws people from all backgrounds.

The passage introduces us to Tabitha, a disciple in Joppa whose life exemplified Christian service. Her name is given in both Aramaic (Tabitha) and Greek (Dorcas), reflecting the multicultural nature of the early church. She was known for her good works and acts of charity, particularly her work making clothes for widows, a vulnerable group in ancient society.

Peter's ministry demonstrates how God works powerfully through His servants. When Peter encountered Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years, he declared, “Jesus Christ heals you.” Remember the point we have made a few times now – it’s not our ministry but Christ’s that we are continuing. We see this point reiterated in these verses. 

Acts 9:26–31 captures a pivotal moment in the early church as Paul (formerly known as Saul) arrives in Jerusalem following his dramatic conversion. The irony of the situation is striking: the man who once zealously persecuted Christians now seeks fellowship with the very community he aimed to destroy. Moreover, the very group that once supported him—the Hellenistic Jews—is now trying to kill him.

After his dramatic conversion, Saul’s early ministry in Damascus is marked by significant events that highlight his transformation and commitment to the Gospel. Following his physical recovery, Saul spent time with the disciples in Damascus, integrating into the Christian community. He immediately began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, boldly declaring that Jesus is the Son of God.

Acts 9:17–19 highlights the pivotal role of Ananias, a disciple who courageously obeys Jesus’s command to visit Saul despite his initial fear. Ananias’s mission is twofold: to restore Saul’s physical sight and to affirm his divine calling. His obedience demonstrates profound trust in God’s plan, even when it involves personal risk.

Acts 9:10–16 recounts complementary visions given to Ananias and Saul (Paul), highlighting God’s sovereign orchestration of Saul’s conversion and calling. These dual revelations reflect biblical precedents (e.g., Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10:3–16) and serve as divine validation of Saul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle.

Chapter 9 of Acts starts another shift in the narrative. We are introduced to Saul, later known as Paul. From here, we can see that the Gentile mission will rapidly accelerate. Saul, equipped with authority from the high priest, journeys to Damascus to persecute followers of “the Way.”

The Ethiopian eunuch’s question, “Who is the prophet talking about?” reflects a heart prepared by divine intervention. Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (53:7–8) serves as the bridge for Philip to “preach Jesus,” reversing centuries of exclusion that eunuchs faced under Old Covenant law. By grounding his evangelism in Scripture, Philip exemplifies Jesus’ method (Luke 24:27), affirming that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection fulfill prophetic promises.

In Acts 8:29–33, the Spirit directs Philip to approach the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot, initiating a providential encounter. This divine instruction challenges cultural norms, as Jews typically steered clear of close associations with foreigners. Philip’s immediate obedience (“he ran,” 8:30) reflects the urgency of the Good News, demonstrating that the advancement of the Gospel relies on responsiveness to the Spirit’s guidance.