Overcoming Prejudice

So many great lessons in this short story – Peter, the impulsive and often stubborn Jew while Cornelius is a reasonable and seeking Gentile reaching out to Peter. Many questions to answer this week! For instance, since God sent an angel to Cornelius, why didn't the angel preach the gospel to Cornelius and instruct him what to do? Why go to all the trouble and inconvenience of sending men to Joppa to fetch Peter? God gave the great commission to mortal men so it is clear how God expects the Gospel to be carried to men. Another question might be why wait for Peter? Recall that the fearful disciples had sent Saul (Paul) to Caesarea earlier – why not let Saul take him on? Saul seemed eager to share and willing to tell anyone – yet God’s wisdom is to preserve Saul in Tarsus and send Peter to this Gentile so both can learn an important lesson. Join me this week for these and many more observations about the early Church and the spread of faith in the Roman Empire.
See you Sunday!

Pastor Mike