Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism: but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34-35 WEB
When he makes this statement, Peter is in the city of Caesarea Maritima, the Roman capital of Samaria and Judea. The apostle is speaking in the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. The message that “God doesn’t show favoritism” is in line with the ministry of Christ and the Great Commission the Lord gave his followers to spread the gospel worldwide. As we read in Mark 16:15, “He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. WEB’
During the ministry of Jesus, there are several instances where Christ assists people who were not part of the nation of Israel. For example,the Lord set a Greek woman’s daughter free from demon possession. Although Jesus addressed the children of Israel first, he also blessed others. When the Syrian Phonecian born woman said to Christ in Mark 7:28, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs, NIV” Jesus responded to her in Mark 7:29, “For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter. NIV”
Faith and Mercy
To be clear, Christ came to the Jewish people with his message of repentance and salvation. The Samaritans, who were part Jewish, and the Jews themselves were the focus of his ministry. However, some responded with belief while others rejected the message. But Jesus demonstrated God’s mercy and grace to all people who practiced righteousness. The Lord blessed everyone who placed their faith in him and the truth of his message.
Further proof that God doesn’t show favoritism comes from an interaction Jesus had with another Roman centurion like Cornelius. When the centurion approached Christ asking for help for a paralyzed servant of his, Jesus praised the man’s faith and healed the servant. Teaching that salvation was for the faithful and not just the Jews, Jesus said of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8:10-11, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a faith, not even in Israel. I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for making a place for me in your heavenly kingdom. Increase my faith as I study your word. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Keep My Commandments
