Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Introductory Thoughts
When the Lord sent Simon Peter to preach unto the Gentiles, he learned a great lesson about the Lord’s nature—“God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). This same truth is conveyed throughout scripture. In 2 Chronicles 19:7, the Bible says, “there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons.” Romans 2:11 states the truth in very simple fashion by saying, “For there is no respect of persons with God.” In various ways, the same truth is conveyed in Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, and 1 Peter 1:17. Although there are times where God respects some while rejecting others, God’s acceptance of one and rejection of another is never a baseless respect. The false doctrines of hyper-Calvinism teach contrary to this scriptural truth.
Devotional Thoughts
• (For children): God is a righteous judge (Deuteronomy 32:4; Revelation 16:7). He will judge us by His word—the Bible (John 12:48), not by favouritism (Leviticus 19:15). God intends salvation for “whosoever” (Isaiah 45:22; John 3:16; Acts 10:43; Romans 10:13; 1 Timothy 2:4).
• (For everyone): Why is this truth such a blessing to mankind? How does this speak to the availability of salvation for all? How does this truth assure us that we will not be rejected by the Lord without a just cause (the rejection of God’s Son)?
• What foundational reason does 2 Chronicles 19:7 give for suggesting that the Lord is not a respecter of persons?
Prayer Thoughts
• Thank God for giving all men the opportunity to trust Christ.
• Ask the Lord to give you His burden for the souls around you.
SONG: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS