Friday 15 May 2020

Psalm: Psalm 38:1-8

Background

Our passage concludes the account of the conversion of Cornelius in chapter 10. Peter has just spoken about Jesus as the one sent from God, about his death and resurrection, and about the promise of forgiveness for all who believe in him. Peter has learned that the promise is for Gentiles like Cornelius and his friends as much as for Jews. That is now confirmed for the Jewish Christians who have accompanied him as the Gentile audience experience the Holy Spirit in a way similar to the experience of the apostles at Pentecost (see Acts 2:1-4).

To Ponder:

• What do you understand by "speaking in tongues"? Is it an essential characteristic of every true Christian? On what do you base your answer?
• Think about occasions when you have been surprised by the faith another person has shown. What does that say about your expectations of others?