Acts 12:24-25 ESV

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

GOSPEL GROWTH

When Herod, the murderer died, the church prospered. His horrible death of being eaten by worms must had initiated fear among the people for Herod’s plight for blaspheming God.

Resultingly, the word of God increased and multiplied. For the believers, Jesus is "The Word," and in the same sense, so is the scriptures, although at this point in time it was not completed yet. Hence, "word" means the idea, doctrine, and message of Jesus. It is the gospel message that Jesus is God and that He was born into a human form, crucified for our sins, and rose again on the third day for our salvation.

‘Increased’ meant the word spread geographically or grew in the hearts of each believer as they came to know God better and allowed the Holy Spirit to work in them. We term this as "sanctification”, the lifelong journey of growing in spiritual maturity.

While "multiplied" referred to the spread of something to others, rather than an internal growth. That is, the understanding of salvation through Jesus grew in His followers and spread to other people groups.

Based on historical account, Barnabas and Paul didn't go to Jerusalem until King Agrippa I was dead. Barnabas and Saul went back from Jerusalem with John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin. John Mark lived in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12) They returned from Jerusalem to Antioch after they ‘completed their ministry’, that was probably, delivering the relief to the brethren affected by the famine.

Paul later expressed the dynamics of gospel ministry progress. He wrote to the church at Corinth, “as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”[1 Cor 3:6b,7] Let’s function faithfully where God has placed us. Each of us has different gifts in the gospel ministry, as was Paul, Apollos, Barnabas and John Mark. Paul was not to compete but to compliment Apollos work. Apollos has a church to water because Paul planted it. Paul should have been dismayed if the church has not grown, even dying, because no one is watering them like Apollos after him. Like both of them, we must play our distinct roles faithfully. And, God gave the increase.

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Acts 12:18-24 ESV

18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

PRIDE DESTROYS

The soldiers were disturbed to realize Peter’s escape. Their fear was founded. King Herod had anticipated the day of Peter’s execution for this would please the Jews. Herod became mad when Peter could not be found so that he executed the sentries or guards.

Herod went down from Judea to settle at Caesaria Maritima, the capital of the Roman government in the region. There was a conflict between Agrippa and Tyre and Sidon, but the language suggests that they argued violently. Tyre and Sidon are two city-states in Phoenicia, north of Galilee. One day, they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain[a trusted personal assistant], they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.

King Herod Agrippa I epitomized pride. One appointed day, Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” It was pure madness. His eccentricism had cause him to rob God the glory due only to His name. the people equated him to God and he loved it.

Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. Surely, it was a horrible sight for a king to be eaten by worms alive. This is far more tragic to the humiliation of King Nebuchadnezzar, who also extolled himself as God. He was put down by God so that he crawled as an animal alone in the fields eating grass.

What does this mean for us today?

Let’s remember that God deserves all the glory. Isaiah says, “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other.”[Isa 42:8a] The blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords [1 Tim 6:14] Thus, for each one of us, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [1 Cor 10:31] Like John the Baptist, let us seek that Jesus should increase and we should decrease. Nothing less. Nothing else.

Sola Deo gloria.

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Acts 12:12-17 ESV

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

SURPRISES

The account of Peter having been imprisoned and freed has brought a few surprises. Peter, when he fast asleep, was ‘struck at the side and woke up’ by the angel. His chains fell off. He dressed up and followed the angel walking past the two set of guards. After passing through the opened iron gate, he reached outside to the street where the angel left him. At first he thought he saw a vision until he realized it was real when he was already outside.

A few minutes later, at the house of Mary, John Mark’s mother, Peter knocked the door while the believers were praying. Tradition says Mary owned the upper room where Jesus held the Last Supper and the disciples had their headquarters (Acts 2:1). The fact that Peter knew to go to her upon his release indicates her importance in the Jerusalem church.

A servant girl named Rhoda heard and recognized Peter’s voice. She was too excited or joyful to not open the gate and intervened their praying and saying that Peter was at the gate.

What were their reactions?

They accused Rhoda for being mad. That, Rhoda was out of her mind. Who truly was out of their mind? What can we say to a person who is praying for rain and is not bringing his umbrella? How many times we display our inconsistencies in prayer. We pray that God can do the impossible but we won’t believe or doubt if He did. Perhaps, they were expecting God to answer m thein a different manner. A similar predicament with Martha and Mary, who did not expect Lazarus to rise from death at that day but much later during the day of the resurrection.

But, Rhoda was insisting and Peter kept knocking, even shouting outside. But, they said, ‘It’s his angel.” Jews believed one's guardian angel. It's surprising too why they wouldn't be eager to go and speak with the angel. In short, they explained it away for their unbelief that God would answer their prayer immediately and miraculously.

When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. Our God is an awesome God, is he not? Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” [Eph 3:20] Several times the Bible states that faith is an essential step in receiving a positive answer to prayer. Jesus told the disciples, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith" (Mat 21:22). This doesn't mean we can receive anything we want if only we have enough faith. We must also pray according to God's will according to John, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14). 

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Acts 12:5-11 ESV

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

THE SLEEP OF PETER

King Herod Agrippa I had beheaded James and was determined to deliver Peter to the Jews after the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. Peter’s life was at stake. Yet, we found Peter sleeping in between two soldiers. Sleep is a gift from God.[Psa 127:2]

A few weeks back, we saw Peter sleeping in the garden of Gethsemane with the other disciples. It was a sleep marked by weakness for they supposed to be awake and had prayed with Jesus. When Jesus tenderly warned them, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”[Matt 26:41]

Contrariwise, Peter’s sleep here wasn’t a sign of weakness. It was a mark of peace and security. What made the difference her? Peter became a different man, that is, a Spirit-filled apostle. The Holy Spirit was in control and not his feeble self. Isn’t peace the fruit of the Spirit? [Gal 5:22,23] “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”[2 Cor 3:17] Fear brings bondage but our submission to the Spirit could free us from any form of bondage.

Moreover, the church was praying for him. There is a comfort when we know that the brethren are praying us during our time of crisis. God promises to hear, with a mind to act on the prayers of those who are righteous. Solomon writes, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”(Prov 15:29)

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Acts 12:1-4 ESV

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.

BE NOT A PEOPLE PLEASER

The believers grew in number and becoming more prominent. It caught the attention of King Herod. He, then, started a protracted persecution and violence against the believers. He killed, James, the brother of John by beheading him. There was no apparent reason. But, what he did pleased the ‘Jews’. "The Jews" may mean the citizens, but it was also a commonly used in reference for the Sanhedrin, a term John always alluded unto. Most likely, he had gained the trust with the Sanhedrin, because he protected the temple from the installation of the Roman Emperor Caligula's statue in Jerusalem. Moreover, he must be sympathetic to Judaism because he also read parts of the Mosaic law in public.

Thus, he proceeded to arrest the leader of the church, apostle Peter during the Feast of the Unleaven Bread. Herod imprisoned him, having in mind to present and execute him before the people after the feast. The feast of Unleaven bread is a week after the Passover.

Herod Agrippa I gained rulership of Judea and Samaria in AD 41 and died in AD 44. Josephus explains that Herod Agrippa I is the grandson of Herod the Great and the son of Aristobulus. He had no regards for what is moral, but to only please the crowd for his selfish ends. Persecuting the believers would strengthen the loyalty of the Sanhedriin unto him. While Barnabas and Saul spread Jesus' story in Syrian Antioch, the church in Jerusalem is facing perhaps Herod’s persecution as the greatest threat since Saul (Acts 9).

Earlier, Jesus had warned the disciples they would be imprisoned and brought before kings (Luke 21:12). In the case of Peter, Peter expressed his willingness for Jesus' sake before he denied Him (Luke 22:31–34). He has been arrested and released twice already (Acts 4:1–22; 5:17–40). But these arrests were by the guards of the Sanhedrin, not by the Roman soldiers. And, considering Jesus words he would die of crucifixion when he is old in John 21:18–19, Peter must had thought, “James has been killed, am I next?”

King Solomon says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”[Prov 29:25] Herod was trapped by his love to stay in power so that he has to please the Jews. He was dictated by what people desires not on what is right. He was a people pleaser. Like him, anyone who is ‘snared’ by man would be equivocal. What is right is relative, that which promote his self interests.

On the other hand, a God-fearing man like Peter would feel the peace of God. Peter had slept well between two soldiers inside the prison. [ Acts 12:6]. In other words, what we fear defines our dispositions and actions. While Herod feared the Jews, Peter feared God.

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Acts 11:27-30 ESV

27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

HELPING THE NEEDY

In the beginning years of the church, the Holy Spirit moves mightily to give insight and truth to church leaders, so that many have the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 12:28). We may still feel the Spirit's leading today, perhaps to support a church in need, but with the completion of the Bible the gift of prophecy is no longer needed (1 Cor 13:8).

As infrastructures and roads improved, more believers travelled, even prophets to different places. At the time Luke wrote and described the time, the church wasn't even fifteen years old, yet it had already spread 300 miles! The gospel became viral.

There was one prophet named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). Historian Josephus had affirmed this famine, saying it hit Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Judea from AD 45–48. This matches the timeline as the death of Herod Agrippa I, which occurred in AD 44,. This is recorded in Acts 12:20–23.

When the believers knew, the disciples were determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. There was an affinity among believers felt even when they were separated hundreds of miles apart. Mutual love is the trademark of Christ’s followers [John 13:35, Gal 6:10] People don’t care to know unless they know we care.

And they gathered the financial help, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Barnabas would be very comfortable with the plan. He was one of the first converts in Jerusalem who sold his property in order to provide for the travelers who stayed to learn from the apostles (Acts 4:36–37). On the other hand, Saul, also, took this idea to heart. Throughout his ministry, Paul, whether there was a famine or not, has been exhorting the new churches in Europe to remember the legitimate needs of leaders in Jerusalem by supporting them financially. (see Rom 15:25–26; 1 Cor 16:1–3; 2 Cor 9:1–5).

Let’s learn that Information is inspiration. Having been informed of the need, they were inspired to help. This is true love in action. Our slogan is ‘it is better to give than to receive.’ Giving to help the needy implies that we are really blessed. The apostle John wrote, “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” [1 John 3:17,18]

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Acts 11:19-26 ESV

19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

THE DISCIPLES WERE FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS

As the believers were dispersed, they proclaimed the gospel where God had brought them. They crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. At first, they proclaimed to the Jews. But, some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and preach Jesus to the Hellenists Jews . They spoke Greeks like the Gentile Hellenists or actual Greeks. Or, they may have been from modern-day Asia Minor, Arabia, or Syria.

And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. Indeed, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The news spread around so that the church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch.

It was understandable that they chose Barnabas. He was a Cypriot, a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. He has had proven in the past to have the gift of exhortation. He even sold his property to help the needy. He encouraged the young believer Paul and introduced him to be received by the church at Jerusalem. Here, he came to Antioch and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. Resultingly, a great many people were added to the Lord.

But, one interesting note. Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Paul. Why? He brought him to Antioch inorder to seve together with him. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. In other words, Barnabas mentored Paul through having firsthand experience in ministry. Paul shouldn’t have matured and equipped if not for Barnabas who spent time with him.

The tandem of Paul and Barnabas’ ministry paid off. In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Typically, believers in the New Testament use words like followers of the Way, disciples, saints, and brothers. It was certainly coined by non-Christian Gentiles. Although "Christ" is Greek, the suffix "ian" is a Latin addition, as in Phoenician or Herodian. This suffix means "of the party” and was used to mean those who imitated or supported some charismatic leader or figure. To some extent, this made the term "Christian" as an expression of sarcasm or derision. Peter hints at this in his writings (1 Pet 4:16).

Today, let’s not be ashamed to bear the name of Christ. He was not ashamed to die for us, was He? He is warning us not to be ashamed of Him, saying, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”[ Mark 8:38]

Acts 11:1-18 ESV

Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, 3 “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began and explained it to them in order: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. 6 Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ 10 This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter; 14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” 18 When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

WHO WAS I THAT I COULD STAND IN GOD'S WAY?

The Jewish believers in Jerusalem knew that the Gentiles received the the gospel eventually. These Gentiles refers to Cornelius and many others in Caesaria who believed Jesus and were baptized. Their reaction was from skepticism to being critical to Peter. In particular, the ‘circumcision party’ criticised Peter saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

Paul, later, had labeled this ‘circumcision party’ as troublemakers to beware. He wrote to warn Titus, “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.” [Titus 1:10] And another instance, he wrote about Peter fearing the circumcision party to warn the church in Galatia, “For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” [Gal 2:12]

But Peter began and explained it to them in order. That is, he related to them exactly what happened in details. He concluded, “If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?”[v.17]

When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Their prejudice, skepticism and doubt were removed. They accepted the reality that the Gentiles are included in God’s plan of redemption.

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Acts 10:44-48 ESV

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

THE HOLY SPIRIT FELL ON ALL

It’s interesting to note that the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and all who heard the word from Peter, who was still preaching. Resultingly, the believing Jews with Peter were amazed. They had witnessed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured even on the Gentiles. What was the evidence? For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.

Paul later explained that the baptism of the Spirit incorporates us into one body, the church. He wrote, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”[1 Cor 12:12,13] Through the work of the Spirit, everyone who believes in Christ is being ushered and incorporated as one. In fact, Paul emphatically declared, “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”[Rom 8:9]

Upon seeing these things, Peter, without hesitation, proposed for them to be baptized with water, saying, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” The baptism of water was their public testimony or symbol that they belong to Christ. It follows that a person must have a genuine personal relationship with Christ through faith, baptized with the Spirit before he would undergo the baptism with water. Undoubtedly, Cornelius and the others were genuine believers of Christ.

This particular event in history marked the start of gospel ministry towards the Gentiles. This is the fulfilment that the apostles and all believers would become witnesses of Christ not only in Jerusalem and provinces of Samaria and Judea, but unto the whole world. [Acts 1:8] In what way this would be doable and possible? It’s through the power of the Spirit. As Zechariah 4:6 says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

Salvation is the work of the Spirit. Thus, let us continue to depend upon the working of the Spirit. Otherwise, we’re doing futile things out of the flesh.

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Acts 10:34-43 ESV

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

THE GOOD NEWS

In a profound and simple way, Peter preached the good news to Cornelius and the crowd. He described it as the ‘good news of peace through Jesus Christ.”[v.36] The gospel is about reconciling God and man is through Christ alone. Paul said, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [Rom 5:1]

What is the good news? T

The good news is the news [a historical event in the past] that Jesus of Nazareth, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. He was crucified, buried and in three days, He rose from the grave.

Peter claimed that he was a true witness of the risen Christ. He said, “but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.” [v.40,41] Paul attested this when he wrote, “that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”[1 Cor 15:4-7]

Jesus conquered sin, death and hell. And because Jesus is the victorious Messiah, Peter and the rest of us should preach that ‘he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.’ Yet, to all who believe in Him, they will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Although Cornelius was exceptionally a devout Gentile, he won’t be saved by his good works. [ see Eph :8,9, Titus 3:5,6] Peter explained that God had offered salvation to anybody, regardless of race or ethnicity. Peter said, “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.”[v.34,35] By this statement, Peter meant that real faith in Christ is expressed in fear [worship] and good deeds. Any good works outside of our relationship with Jesus are just filthy rags before God, that is, abominable and unacceptable. [see Isa 64:6]

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