Peter's Gospel

Last night we looked at the Gentile Pentecost, that is the conversion of Cornelius -- and with him Peter. In that moment a door was opened to those who had not yet been invited into the circle. In Acts 10, Peter lays out in compact form a gospel message. It is his message of salvation. As we ask what it means to be a Christian, what might this portrayal say to us?

Acts 10:34-43

Gentiles Hear the Good News

34 Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’
Take a close look. What do you see? What don't you see? Note first of all who is acceptable to God. Then, take note that there isn't any theology of atonement here. Jesus dies, God raises him from the dead, so that he may judge the living and the dead, and that all who believe in his name will be forgiven. What does this passage say about our message?

Oh, and one might want to take a look at the text that follows this, for even as Peter was still speaking the Spirit fell somewhat indiscriminately on all who were listening.

Comments

Anonymous said…
So Peter talks only about what Jesus said and did while he walked the earth. A pastor of ours once taught about 'Christmas' and 'Easter' Christians. I am a Christmas Christian.

"Easter Christians" focus their faith and their lives around the notion of Easter, Salvation, and everlasting life; while "Christmas Christians" focus their faith around the life and teaching of Jesus while he walked the earth. Both kinds of Christians pay homage to the faith issues of the other as well, its just not the primary focus of their faith lives.

The later focus is more on living a life as recommended to the rich young man, sell everything you own and "follow me." The understanding is that the Christian life is better spent in following Jesus, not so much in awaiting ultimate salvation. And the message of Jesus as reflected by Peter's sermon, was on healing and wholeness, peace and shalom - in this life. Salvation will come at a time of the Father's choosing, in the fullness of time. In the meantime there is work to be done by the workers in the field. Love one another as God loves you, forgive one another as God has forgiven you. Lay down your lives for each other.

John

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