Peter begins to explain who Jesus is to Cornelius and everyone with him in the house. Peter tells Cornelius that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. After John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Jesus began to preach the good news that He was the Savior of the world and that He performed miracles, such as healing and casting out demons, to prove He was God. Jesus then was crucified on the cross and died, but God raised Him to life on the third day. God allowed Jesus to appear to the apostles and disciples, whom Jesus was chosen to be His witnesses. Jesus commanded them to preach everywhere and testify that He was appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead and that those who believe in Him will be forgiven of their sins. While Peter was explaining these things to Cornelius and the people with him, they began speaking in tongues and praising God to prove that they received the Holy Spirit. Peter was amazed at what happened to the Gentiles. Peter then ordered them to be water baptized in the name of Jesus. Then Cornelius asked Peter to stay with them for several days. (Acts 10:36-47).
Cornelius and the people with him began to speak different languages when they received the Holy Spirit to prove that they had received the Holy Spirit. Since this was the first time that Peter witnessed this, God allowed them to speak in tongues so that Peter could see the evidence that they received the Holy Spirit. However, it is wrong to say that people must speak in tongues when they become believers today. The main point of this story is that the Gentiles believed in Jesus, their sins were forgiven, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Similarly, we are immediately forgiven of our sins and receive the Holy Spirit the moment when we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are forever with God, no matter what happens in this world. Let us be encouraged today that we are saved from sin and spiritual death. We have eternal hope and life in our Lord Jesus.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully and meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you). Have I believed in Jesus as my Lord and Savior? What does it mean to believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior? What happened when I believed in Jesus as my Lord and Savior?
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I praise you for saving me through faith in my Lord Jesus. I am forgiven of my sin and received the Holy Spirit because of Jesus' death and resurrection. Please continue to teach me to live as a true believer in my Lord Jesus. Give me the courage to do what is right today, and keep me safe in your presence. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.