Gentiles Believe Part 2 | Acts 10:44-11:18 | Pastor Josh Wootton

In Acts 10:44–11:18, God confirms that His salvation has extended to the Gentiles by pouring out the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household as they hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. This moment, often called the “Gentile Pentecost,” demonstrates that salvation is God’s work, not something accomplished through human effort, religious background, or cultural identity. Although speaking in tongues served as a sign confirming God’s work in this particular moment, the lasting evidence of genuine salvation is the presence of the Holy Spirit, who transforms people and leads them to follow Christ.

When Peter returns to Jerusalem, some Jewish believers initially respond with criticism rather than rejoicing because they struggle to accept that God has saved people so different from themselves. Yet as Peter explains what God has done, they recognize that God has granted repentance leading to life even to the Gentiles, and they glorify Him.

In this sermon, “Gentiles Believe, Part 2,” we’ll see how to recognize the signs of salvation, praise God when we see His saving work in others, and ponder the marvelous depths of His grace. Ultimately, we are called to remember that salvation belongs to the Lord, rejoice that He continues to save all kinds of people through faith in Jesus Christ, and abandon the prejudices and assumptions that keep us from celebrating His work in the lives of others.