God Plays No Favorites

When Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, he shared the vision he had and asked Cornelius why he asked for Peter. Cornelius then shared the vision he also had while praying in his house. They told Peter they are prepared to hear all that God has commanded them through him.

And so Peter started his short preaching—that God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone (Acts 10:34-36 MSG). This is the basis for Peter’s belief that the gospel should now be spread to Gentiles. Peter grew up believing that there was no doubt that God had a bias against the Gentiles and in favor of the Jews. Many Jews in Peter’s day believed that while God loved the Gentiles, He hated the Jews. But when the gospel spread, everything changed. Christianity was the first religion to break down racial, cultural, and national barriers.

How comforting it is to know that God does not show favoritism but accepts every nation—anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. May this truth makes us worship God who’s arms are always wide open to receive and embrace all of us.