Pentecost and the Gentiles

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, but 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 first be preached to the Jews.

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 for all “that are afar off”, he was speaking of the Gentiles. (Acts 2:39, Ephesians 2:13-22)

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)

When Peter and the six Jewish brethren that came with him talked with Cornelius, they went in his house and found many that were come together 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)

Acts 10:28 KJV - 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.

God had showed Peter that he is no respecter of persons and to go and preach to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:34, Acts 10:19-20)

Peter then preached the gospel of Jesus to Cornelius and all his family and friends that were gathered in his house.

Acts 10:39-40, 43 KJV - 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…To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 10:44-46 KJV - 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,

Acts 10:47-48 KJV - 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.

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.

Acts 11:15 KJV - And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Acts 11:17 KJV - 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?

Acts 11:18 KJV - When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

The Gospel message preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost is for Jews and Gentiles alike!

Acts 2:38 KJV - 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.

Acts 2:39 KJV - 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.