Holy Week • Guided Prayer Retreat (1 April)

What is the good news (gospel) that we believe in? Is it merely “Jesus died for my sins”? Or is there more to it?

This week's readings shows us 4 different accounts of this good news (gospel).

reading for: 1 April

Acts 10:34-43

The Good News According to Peter

  • READ

Yesterday we heard about John’s account on the first day when Jesus was raised, but today, we hear Peter’s testimony when he saw and heard Jesus. Earlier in Acts 10, Peter saw a vision and heard Jesus speak. We can deduce this from his response, “No Lord.” (v. 14) and also when Cornelius says to Peter “Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” (v. 33)

Peter now sees clearly that there is no favouritism! Anyone who fears God and does what is right, is accepted by God (v. 34-35). This is the message of the good news to Israel - there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is LORD OF ALL (v. 36). To really appreciate what Peter means, we have to understand that Israel always thought they were special. And in many ways, they were! They were chosen by God and set apart for Himself (Deuteronomy 14:2).

But God chose and set apart Israel, not for their own sake, but for God’s sake and His purposes. And His purpose is that everyone who believes in him (Jesus) will have their sins forgiven through his name (v. 43). And to ease any niggling doubt, the Holy Spirit, God’s guarantee and deposit falls upon the people that Israelites thought had no right to God, the Gentiles (v. 44-45). Thus confirming God’s purpose to save everyone.

Peter’s account of the good news however, starts with John preaching the message of baptism (v. 37).

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power to do good, bring healing and cast demons out (v. 38).

And as apostles, they were witnesses of everything Jesus did in his life time, in Judea and Jerusalem (v. 39).

Including his death on the cross, and being raised from the dead 3 days later (v. 40).

And times when they even ate and drank with him! (v. 41)

But, it didn’t stop there, they were also ordered to preach and testify that Jesus has been appointed by God to judge everyone, both living and the dead (v. 42). Fulfilling all the prophecies and forgiving the sins of anyone who believes in Him (v. 43).

  • REFLECT

    The entirety of verses 34-43, every single verse, is the good news according to Peter. We’re used to only hearing verse 42 and 43, or 36. BUT without all the other verses, without John preaching baptism, without Jesus miracles and anointing of the Holy Spirit, the good news isn’t complete. All these things added validity to the good news, it further affirmed the message of Peter.

    In our own telling of the good news to others? Do we sometimes miss out on parts that we think is not important or significant?

    Seeing the example of Peter, would we now tweak our message of the good news?

Wake up Strong

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Pause in your day to Pray

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Don’t go to bed wrong

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