ESOCS Devotional 9 October 2026 – God is No Respecter of Persons
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” Acts 10:34 KJV
TEXT: ACTS 10:34-48
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission[c] of sins.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
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The story here is about the conversion of Cornelius and his family. He was a religious, devoted, generous, respected, and sincere man (vv. 1, 2). He was wealthy, a Gentile, and a top-ranking military man, and well respected in society. But he did not know God. In his vision, he saw God extending a conversion invitation to him. In the same vein, Peter had a vision of a basket containing “all kinds of four-footed beasts of the earth, wild beasts and creeping things, and birds of the air.” (v 12). He called these “unclean.” As instructed by God, Cornelius invited Peter to his house in Joppa for ministration.
The major concerns for Peter here were that Cornelius was a Gentile, wealthy, and a very top military man; yet, God asked him to go to his house and preach to him.
Following from his vision, Peter began his message to the assembled group of Gentiles – an evangelism to the Gentiles, by letting them know God does not show special consideration to any race, tribe, or class of people in society, church, or anywhere at all. He accepts any person of any race who will reverently move to obey His commandments and do good works towards one’s fellow man.
One basic lesson from the above is that it is only God who determines who/what is either clean (who/what is for Him) or unclean (the unbeliever/anything not for Him). Also, nobody can question God’s instructions. Furthermore, the Good News of Christ is for everyone. We should not allow any barrier – language, culture, race, status, geography, economic level, educational level, etc. – to keep us from telling others about God. He does not respect persons.
Reflections
- The Gospel of the Kingdom is for all mankind, regardless of status.
Prayer
- Father, give our ministers the boldness to take the gospel to all and sundry.
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 10:17; Matthew 28:19; Romans 2:11
ESOCS Devotional 9 October 2026
