October 9, 2026 - Acts 10

The episode with Cornelius, a God-fearing Roman centurion, and Peter, a devout Jew and follower of Christ.  You know the story.  And angel of the Lord instructed Cornelius to send for Peter.  Peter was hesitant for he believed that to associate with a Gentile, especially to enter his house, was unlawful for him as a Jew.  God gave Peter the vision of a sheet with many animals in it, Peter was told to eat, then Peter protested that he could not eat that which is unclean.  A voice then came to Peter:  “What God has made clean, do not call common” (10:15).  So, Peter went to Cornelius, preached the gospel to him, and many believed and were baptized.  Peter learned some lessons, lessons that are encapsulated in these verses.  Peter said those gathered with Cornelius, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean” (10:28).  Peter acknowledged his error; “Peter opened his mouth and 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’” (10:34-35).  To all those before him, Peter declared his newfound understanding:  “To [Jesus] all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (10:43).  Could the hymn writer have had Peter in mind when he penned these words?

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy

like the wideness of the sea;

there’s a kindness in His justice

which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner,

and more graces for the good;

there is mercy with the Savior;

there is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader

than the measure of our mind;

and the heart of the Eternal

is most wonderfully kind.   --Frederick William Faber (1862)