Acts 10:34–48: The Indwelling Holy Spirit
Introduction
At long last, the great turning point in the history of missions in the church of Jesus Christ has come. Finally, the Holy Spirit extends the proclamation of God beyond Israel—and even beyond Samaria—to Gentiles. Through Cornelius and his family, the Lord accomplishes something stunning in the context of the Scriptures up to this point: God’s Holy Spirit indwells (ceremonially) unclean and uncircumcised Gentiles. What took place under the ministry of the Apostle Peter, however, did not fizzle out as some strange accident. In God’s mercy and grace, he continues to indwell believers from every tribe, language, people, and nation by his Spirit. Today, through the Holy Spirit, enjoy your immediate relationship with God.
Discussion Questions
1. What does “partiality” mean (v. 34)? What does it mean that “God shows no partiality” (v. 34)? What is the difference between partiality and election? How does God’s lack of partiality provide comfort to believers? How does God’s election challenge believers in their faith and obedience? What is the nature of the relationship between faith (“anyone who fears him”) and obedience (“and does what is right”; v. 35)?
2. What does Peter preach to these Gentiles about the earthly life and ministry of Jesus (vv. 36–38)? Why does Peter emphasize that Jesus is “Lord of all” (v. 36)? Where does John the Baptist fit into the ministry of Jesus (v. 37)? In light of the vv. 44–48, why is it significant to read about how the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus (v. 38)? Why does the Spirit empower Jesus to heal those oppressed by demons (v. 38)? What does Peter preach about the death and resurrection of Jesus (v. 39–40)?
3. How does the Holy Spirit’s action in vv. 44–46 compare to the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2? Why does the Holy Spirit now need to fall upon Gentiles? What God-given barriers had separated Jews from Gentiles throughout the period of the Old Testament? How does the giving of the Holy Spirit override all of those previous ceremonial barriers? What blessings come because of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives today?
4. Do you take for granted the privilege of direct and immediate access to God through the Holy Spirit who dwells in you? How does the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life inform the way that you listen for his voice when you read the Bible? How does the Holy Spirit’s presence shape the way that you pray to God? What is one way you would seek to grow in your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s ministry through his indwelling presence?
