Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave commandment to His
disciples to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until they be endued with power
from on high.
Jesus spoke to them of the gospel, saying that repentance
and remission of sins would be for all nations, which means the Gentiles, and
would begin in Jerusalem with the Jews. (Luke 24:44-49)
He said they would receive power, after that the Holy Ghost
came upon them: and they would be witnesses unto Him both in Jerusalem, and in
all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts
1:8)
Here again, Jesus came to save the whole world, not just the
Jews. However, the Holy Ghost would be poured out first on the Jews in
Jerusalem, and the gospel with repentance and remission of sins in Jesus name
would be preached to the Jews first.
Peter didn’t realize it at the time, but on the Day of
Pentecost, Peter preached that the promise of the Holy Ghost is also for the
Gentiles. When he said the promise of the Holy Ghost is also “to all that are
afar off,” he was speaking of the Gentiles. (Acts 2:39, Ephesians 2:11-22)
For Peter, it took a vision and the voice of God, an angelic
visitation to the Gentile Cornelius, messengers, witnesses, and a powerful
outpouring of the Holy Ghost, to make Peter realize that God’s gift of the Holy
Ghost is for the Gentiles also. (Acts 10)
"And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an
unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of
another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or
unclean." - Acts 10:28 KJV
When Peter and the six Jewish brethren that came with him
went into Cornelius’ house, they found many that were come together prepared to
hear Peter’s message. (Acts 10:27, Acts 11:12)
“Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear
all things that are commanded thee of God.” (Act 10:33)
Peter then preached the gospel of Jesus.
"And we are witnesses of all things which he did both
in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people,
but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with
him after he rose from the dead.
“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to
testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and
dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever
believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on
all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were
astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was
poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues,
and magnify God.
“Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these
should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And
he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him
to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:39-48 KJV
It was when Peter and the six Jewish brethren that came with
him heard the Gentiles speak in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance that
they knew for sure that the Gentiles also received the Holy Ghost.
Peter later testified to the other apostles in Jerusalem
what had happened.
"And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them,
as on us at the beginning...
“Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did
unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could
withstand God?
“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and
glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance
unto life." - Acts 11:15, 17-18 KJV
The Gospel message preached by Peter on the Day of Pentecost
is for Jews and Gentiles alike!
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to
your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God
shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV
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