Peter met with the newly converted Christian Gentiles (uncircumcised) in Jerusalem, but the Christians of Jewish descent, that is, the circumcised believers among the followers of Christ, confronted Peter because of Peter’s bold move. They questioned Peter: “You entered the house of the uncircumcised people and ate with them.” Jesus, the Master, was also accused of going out and eating with sinners by the Pharisees and Scribes.
Peter did not hesitate to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who never missed any opportunity to teach and proclaim the word of God. So, to the accusers, Peter recounted his visions and how he came to understand that he did not need to discriminate against the new convert who were of Gentile origin.
Peter says, “The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating.”
After preaching and narrating his vision, the circumcised believers, the accusers, stopped objecting, rather, they glorified God, saying:
“God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too.”
Yes, sure, He did indeed.
As Christians, we should guide against discrimination of all types. Let us never be caught up with the discrimination and rejection of the world in which we live. Rather let us be like our Master Jesus, who welcomes all and leads all to the Father.
The mission of Jesus is inclusive and not exclusive. The church of Christ is neither a social club, nor a men’s or women’s club, but rather, the body of Christ, a people called to seek out those who are lost.
Jesus’s mission statement:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)
This too, is our mission statement. Peter would later tell us:
“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” (1 Peter 3:15)
In the Gospel (John 10:1-10), we are reminded that Jesus is the “Gate” of the sheepfold. Without following in the footsteps, we cannot do anything.
Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” May we heed to this call of Jesus, to be kind and compassionate to one another. Have a blessed week.
