Wednesday 10 May 2023
- Bible Book:
- Acts
Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.' (vs 34-35)
Background
Here we have one of the clear presentations of Jesus' life and message. Peter follows a familiar pattern whereby he builds up his argument, showing that Jesus was foretold in the Hebrew Scripture, and he tells something of his life and ministry including his death and resurrection of which there are witnesses. And then he speaks of the offer of salvation and wholeness which is available to all.
It’s the stress on ‘all’ that comes through most clearly to me. Peter is speaking from a background in which it was assumed the Jewish messiah was an internal Jewish concern. But Peter is saying that is not to be the case. There is the offer of salvation given to all in verse 43, with the reminder that this is consistent with the prophets of the past, even though the role of Israel as 'a light to the nations' wasn’t understood as prominently in previous eras as is now being declared.
The inclusiveness of ‘all’ is drawn out particularly in verses 34-35. Peter rejects the idea that God was God to the Jewish people only, saying rather God is universal and accepts people from across the world. The story of Namaan discovering faith in 2 Kings chapter 5 is a pointer to this universality. Peter declares that anyone who meets two criteria is acceptable: the two being ‘fearing God’ and ‘doing what is right’. That’s broad. Does this mean faith in Christ is not needed? Taken in isolation this is one interpretation, which is one reason why we don’t take isolated verses and passages and make them into the whole gospel. Rather Christians compare scripture with scripture and build up a complete and whole understanding of how God is at work and relates to humanity. This passage teaches us that God is broad and generous, but it doesn’t teach universal salvation. There are clear criteria given to those who have not necessarily heard of Jesus Christ.
To Ponder:
- How is God at work in people of other faiths?
- What is the position of those who have never heard the good news of Jesus?
- What is your take on the many very good people who believe in God and have heard all about Jesus but choose not to follow him?
Prayer
Gracious God, may I have the courage to share you with all and the insight to recognise you in the lives of so many.