Acts of the Holy Spirit: A Study in ActsSample

What does it say?

God gave Peter a vision and sent him to a centurion named Cornelius. Those gathered in Cornelius’ house listened to Peter, received the Holy Spirit, and were baptized.

What does it mean?

According to Jewish law, certain animals, people, and situations were considered unclean (Lev. 11), but the blood of Jesus on the cross made it possible for both Jews and Gentiles to be clean before the Lord. This God-given revelation was possible because Peter set time aside to be alone with the Lord. Since Scripture was incomplete in Peter’s day, God used a vision to speak to Peter and confirmed its message by sending men to get him immediately. Answers to Peter’s questions were already on the way while God was still speaking to him. The leading of the Holy Spirit also confirmed what God told him in the vision (Acts 11:12).

How should I respond?

How do you discern God’s will when the path seems unclear? First, find a place free from distractions to be alone with the Lord. Don’t stop with a cursory reading of the Bible; study a passage deeply enough to understand its full meaning. Then look for circumstances that align with the guidance you’ve gained from God’s Word. He may already be working in the background to provide a solution. Be careful about proceeding if you still feel troubled. The Holy Spirit confirms God’s will by giving you peace or uneasiness. Will you earnestly seek God’s will today?