The Thursday within the Octave of the Feast of Pentecost
Posted on May 28, 2026 by under
Scripture: Acts 10:34-48 (NKJV)
10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who 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 things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Then Peter answered, 47 Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Devotion
Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, feared God and prayed continually. Yet his devotion could not save him. What he needed was not more sincerity, but the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. God sent Peter—not to commend human goodness, but to preach the objective Gospel: “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the Word. The circumcised believers were amazed that the gift of the Spirit was poured out even on Gentiles. Tongues and praise confirmed what God had already declared: the same salvation given to Israel now belongs to all nations without distinction.
This text powerfully confesses that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Baptism is no Jewish ceremony for insiders; it is God’s universal means of grace. It gives the circumcision done without hands.
The same impartial Gospel reaches us today. No race, nation, or moral record qualifies us. Christ died and rose for all. In Baptism the Holy Spirit creates faith, forgives every sin, and makes us heirs of the promise through faith bestowed. Rejoice, then, that God shows no partiality. The crucified and risen Lord is your Lord through faith. The Spirit is your Spirit. The forgiveness is yours—freely, fully, forever by grace.
Collect: O God, Who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
