In one of the most significant texts of Acts, Luke continues to track the ongoing advance of the gospel, to Lydda, Joppa and Caesarea. Luke first records two miracles in Lydda and Joppa and then transitions to Cornelius and Caesarea. Cornelius is a God-fearing Gentile, a centurion in the Roman army. While praying, God tells Cornelius to send messengers to Peter and ask him to come to Caesarea. He does. While they are enroute, Peter also has a vision, a vision about food, unclean and clean. Peter does not initially understand this vision and struggles to comprehend its meaning and significance. The messengers arrive and explain why they've come and Peter returns with them. Over those next two days, Peter understands the point of his vision - "God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean." (10:28) Cornelius tells Peter again of his own experience and vision and then asks Peter to tell him, his family, household and friends "all that you have been commanded by the Lord." (10:33) Everyone has bias to some degree or another, but here in Acts 10, we see the breakdown of the bias that had existed between Jews and Gentiles. The inclusion in the ongoing redemptive plan of God is a gift for all humanity! As Luke has already stated, Jesus came to seek and save the lost, including Gentiles of all types and nationalities. No matter who you are today, Jesus can save you. Do you know him? Have you accepted this gift of salvation (rescue) from your sins? You can today!

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and God. There is absolutely no question that Acts is the continuing account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach as presented in the gospel of Luke. The outline of Acts is very straightforward: Witnesses in Jerusalem (1-7), Witnesses in Judaea & Samaria (8-12), and Witnesses to the ends of the earth (13-28). Luke focuses throughout on this truth: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. May God strengthen us to be effective witnesses for Jesus.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!