The physician Luke wrote how two servants and a soldier of Cornelius went to Joppa to find Peter. After arriving at Simon's house where Peter was staying, they met Peter and convinced him to go see their master Cornelius. After entering Cornelius house, Peter found many people gathered there, and Cornelius told Peter, “we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons”, and in chapter ten and verse thirty-five of the book of Acts Luke shared how Peter told Cornelius, “but in every nation he that fears him … is accepted with him” where we read:
But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.
The verse begins, “But in every nation he that fears him, ...” Luke began with the words, “but in every nation” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover within each, all, the whole and everyone of the people groups of the same nature and genus” “he that fears him” or “the person whether male or female who reverences, is in awe and respect toward God”. Luke shared how “Peter” referred to “each and every” group of people who “reverences and is in awe” of God.
The verse continues, “... and works righteousness, is accepted with him.” Luke added the words, “and works righteousness” which means “and labors, exercises, performs and commits integrity, virtue, purity of life, correctness of thinking, feeling and acting”, “is accepted with him” or “is acceptable, approved and propitious with God”. Luke shared how “Peter” also referred to people who perform “purity of life and correct thinking” as being “approved and acceptable” to God.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Peter” proclaimed “every people group” who “is in awe of God and performs right acts are acceptable to Him”. In other words, everyone has an opportunity to know God's Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”, and no one is exempt. God loves everybody, and when they have faith in and trust Jesus, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. God acknowledges all people who are in awe of Him and have “good works” toward others, and every one of them are candidates to know Him personally through His Son Jesus.
Next time Luke shares how Peter declares he is, “preaching peace by Jesus Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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