Peter, Cornelius, and Antioch
One of the great things about the Bible is the great life lessons that are wrapped up in the shroud of faith. Peter, for all his faults, was a great man of faithfulness. When confronted in a vision to arise, kill, and eat of the “unclean” animals he saw before him he refused, saying, “I have never eaten any things that is common or unclean” (10:14). Cornelius was a “devout man that feared God…gave alms…and prayed…a just man” (10:2, 22). The church at Antioch, which is a great example of what the church today ought to be, were benevolent to the Christians in Judaea.
In our daily lives, as we strive to serve God and others, we need to pay attention to the works of faith in which we should be involved. Are we impartial in our dealings with others? Are we loving toward God and our fellow man (even our enemies)? Are we faithful? Are we engaged in works of righteousness in order to bring glory and honor to God? Or are well self-serving, self-seeking, selfish? Are we a product of societal influence or are we bearing the image of Jesus?
When we do those things that are pleasing to God, God blesses us. Ask Peter (12:5–19). When don’t, bad things happen. Ask Herod (12:20–23). Be obedient to the Lord. Eternity hangs in the balance and matters. Do something good today and every day in order to bring glory and honor to God. And above all, be faithful!