To the Gentiles Also

by Edwin Crozier

When Peter returned to Jerusalem after baptizing Cornelius and his family in Caesarea, some Jewish Christians were furious. How could Peter, a faithful Jew, eat with uncircumcised men? So Peter explained the whole story.

He told about the vision of unclean animals. He told about the message Cornelius received from the angel. He told about the incredible events when he started preaching to the Gentiles.

And for all the negative things we often say about “the circumcision party,” in this case, they did exactly what they should have done. “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'” (Acts 11:18 ESV).

That statement gives me goosebumps. “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted the repentance that leads to life.” Praise the Lord! I’m a Gentile. He has granted me the ability to repent and find life.

Recall that in Luke 24:47, Jesus had said: “repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (ESV). Jesus really meant that. He didn’t just mean go find the Jews in every nation and teach them to repent. He meant tell people of every nationality. We are all free to repent and find salvation in King Jesus.

Since I think most of the people reading this article are Gentiles, I thought today would be a good day to remind us of this great news. Today would be a good day to thank God for giving His promises not only to the seed of Abraham, but also to us.

Praise the Lord!