Wait! What?

Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” [Acts 10.44-47]

Wait! What? Isn't that just about the way it goes? Just about the time we think we have God figured out, something happens that proves we don't!

It was none other than Peter who made the following declaration:

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [Acts 2.37-38]

Notice the progression of what Peter said in Acts 2... repent and turn to God, be baptized in Jesus' name, and then the Holy Spirit will be given. Now, compare this to what happened in Acts 10. Peter preached, the Holy Spirit was poured out, then they were baptized afterwards.

It appears in Acts 10 that the believers maybe 'repented' as they were listening to Peter. Perhaps? They were baptized in water in Jesus' name afterwards.

What does this mean? I think it means the order doesn't matter. Obviously, even though is is not recorded, repentance is in there somewhere in Acts 10, right?

Imagine Peter's and the Jewish believers' challenge to just shut up and let the Holy Spirit do what He wanted to do. They had never done it that way.

Today, I am challenged to simply look and listen as I continue to read the story of the early Church and Christianity.

Father, help me to yield to Your Holy Spirit in all things.