Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
Acts 11:18 (ESV)
When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
As a Gentile, I really appreciate the above verses. God has provided, through the Jewish system, a Savior for the Gentiles. Paul will be more bold with is unfolding of this truth:
Romans 11:11 (ESV)
So I ask, did they (Israel) stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous.
Romans 11:25 (ESV)
The Mystery of Israel’s Salvation
Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
Gentiles today are not very appreciative of the above truths. In fact it is probably not a truth most know or reflect upon much in their walk with Christ. But the truth is that Israel’s rejection of their Messiah amounted to the gain of Gentiles. Paul warns us not to forget why we are able to partake in that very Messiah:
Romans 11:17-18 (ESV)
But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.
The reaction of the early church toward Gentiles coming to faith was to challenge the very thought. Remember, Jews were instructed to have no company with the Gentiles. This story in Acts is a major pivot for Christianity. We can rejoice that the Jew’s unbelief was the avenue for ours.
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