Subject: what is baptism |
Bible Note: E. AS PETER BEGINS TO SPEAK, THE SPIRIT FALLS UPON THE LISTENERS... 1. At this point, we need to carefully note the actual sequence of events 2. Luke's record gives attention to the sermon first, and then the Spirit coming upon the Gentiles - cf. Ac 10:34-44 a. But Luke also says that "while Peter was still speaking... the Holy Spirit fell" b. From this we do not exactly when the Spirit fell c. It could have been at the beginning, in the middle, toward the end, of his sermon 3. Peter, however, explained what happened "in order from the beginning" - Ac 11:4 a. He describes the events as they happened b. He says "as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them" - Ac 11:15 4. So we learn from Peter that the Spirit actually came upon the Gentiles at the BEGINNING of the sermon! 5. With the Spirit falling upon the Gentiles, they began speaking with tongues, which amazed Peter and his Jewish companions - Ac 10:45-46; cf. Ac 2:4,6,8,11 F. PETER'S SERMON TO THE HOUSEHOLD OF CORNELIUS... 1. He begins with a full perception that God shows no partiality - Ac 10:34-35 a. A perception started with the vision of the sheet and unclean beasts b. A perception continued with the Spirit's instruction to go with the messengers c. A perception made clear with the Spirit falling upon the Gentiles - Ac 11:15-17 2. Peter then proceeds to proclaim Jesus Christ - Ac 10:36-43 a. As Lord who was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power - Ac 10:36-38 b. Who was killed, but then raised from the dead and seen by eyewitnesses who knew Him well - Ac 10:39-41 c. Who has commanded the apostles to proclaim Him as ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and dead - Ac 10:42 d. Through Whom remission of sins is offered to those who believe - Ac 10:43 G. PETER COMMANDS THEM TO BE BAPTIZED... 1. How could anyone forbid water to those who had received the Spirit just as the apostles did? - Ac 10:47; cf. 11:17-18 2. So Cornelius and his household were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord - Ac 10:48 [The events surrounding this conversion are certainly remarkable. They evidently were intended to convey important truths. As we endeavor to glean what those truths were, here are some...] |