Acts 10:34–35 (ESV) … “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “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.”
Peter’s words marked a great change in the life of the church—the door of the gospel was swinging wide open to the Gentiles. Look at Peter’s wording: no partiality, every nation, anyone. These terms express Peter’s clear understanding of the universal application of Christ’s work on the cross and the subsequent universal offer of the gospel. For more on God’s acceptance of all kinds of people, see Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1, 9; 1 Peter 1:17. Because God doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, economics, or sex, neither should any believers.
Cornelius demonstrated an amazing eagerness to know and obey God. He responded “immediately” to the vision given to him by God and expressed gratefulness to Peter for coming to tell him about God. He sensed God’s presence in the moment and demonstrated a receptive, teachable heart. Are you eager to hear from God and to do his will? Ask the Spirit of God to give you a thirst for himself. He must implant these holy desires within you. You cannot produce them in your own efforts or strength.[1]
