Acts 10:44-48 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

The first Gentile Church.

1. Importance of the event as removing all doubt and opening the new future. The Holy Ghost his own witness. To resist such evidence would be blasphemy against the Holy Ghost.

2. The immediate consecration and public sealing of the work by baptism a striking example of obedience to the Spirit, and shows us that we should bear in mind always how much profession and consecration bear on the interests of Christ's kingdom.

3. Apostolic authority is great, but is itself subject to the Spirit. Inspiration in the people of God blends with inspiration in his specially anointed messengers. Wherever he shows us that his Spirit has already been poured out, let us hasten to bear witness to it. So shall we strengthen our own faith and enlarge the Church. The whole history, thus concluded, a lesson on the blessing attending a simple following the guidance of the Spirit. Peter an example of a heart enlarged by simplicity.—R.