PROCLAMATION
“When they heard this, they had no further
objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God granted
repentance that leads to life.’ ” Acts 11:18 (NIV)
EXPLANATIONS
These words were written by Luke, the
physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God. Luke records
that the apostles and believers criticized Peter for taking The Word of God to
the Gentiles and for going into the house of, and eating with, “uncircumcised
men.” (Acts 11:1-3) Peter told them the hold story starting from the
beginning. (Acts 11:4-16) When he had finished he asked them, “So if God
gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in The Lord Jesus Christ, who
was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17) When they heard this, they had no further
objections.
APPLICATIONS
Sometimes we can be criticized, even by
believers, for doing what The Lord God has told us to do. Some people
will not like it when we tell the truth. When our critics are believers,
the truth will silence them. (Acts 11:18) However, if our critics are non-believers,
the truth can upset them and even enrage them to the point of violence.
That was what happen to Peter and John (Acts 5:40) and to Stephen. (Acts
7:54-58) Jesus, The Christ said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted
for righteousness sake … Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your
reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
(Matthew 5:10-12) We are encouraged to always tell the truth. However, we should always think before we
speak to make sure that what we say is “Truthful, Helpful, Insightful, Necessary,
and Kind.”
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