How God dealt with bigotry and Racism

Read Acts 10.

From the time God chose to work through Abraham and his descendants, Gentiles were included in the promise.  "...and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3c).  The promise in Acts 1:8, foretold that the good news of Jesus would spread "to the ends of the earth."

The initial spreading of the message came as a result of persecution of believers in Jerusalem and Judea.  Philip officially took the message to Samaria.  In Acts 9:17, the Lord Himself announced that Saul of Tarsus would be especially appointed to minister to the Gentiles.  With each step in the expansion of the Gospel, the Apostles were involved.  Peter and John were sent to Samaria to confirm the ministry there.  Here in chapter 10, Peter was sent by the Lord to officially begin the Gentile inclusion in the church.

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, did not know everything about Jesus, but he acted on the knowledge he had in worshiping the Lord.  His godly behavior was well-known and characterized by two elements: prayer and financial generosity.  This confirms what the Apostle Paul taught in Romans 1.  When someone does seek to know the true and living God, He will insure that they receive the knowledge that they need.

If the ministry in chapter 8 was considered a racial and cultural breakthrough, this chapter broke the sound barrier!  Peter's statement in verse 28 was, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation."  This was a taboo.  It just was not done.  God had to dramatically and graphically prepare Peter to cross this line, to erase the bigotry, and change his view of other human beings.  As a result, Peter invited the three Gentile visitors to stay with him overnight and then he entered Cornelius' home.  He even stayed with them "for same days" (v.48).

Note in verse 26, bowing down to an Apostle was forbidden by Peter.  "I too am a man."

Cornelius assembled all his family and friends.  His message underscored the Great Commission.  "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."  He preached forgiveness of sin by faith in the crucified and resurrected Jesus.  The Holy Spirit demonstrably confirmed that Gentiles could enjoy the same faith and experience as others.  Then, in accordance with the Great Commission, the believers were baptized.