With what took place in the home of Cornelius, Gentiles were admitted as full members of the new and rapidly developing Jesus family without having to become Jews in the process. In his otherwise fast-paced narrative, Luke gives the story several repetitions. We can only conclude that for Luke
If the death and resurrection of Jesus was the hinge that finally opened the great door of history, then the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to God was the moment when all the ancient promises of God came together, rolled into a ball, and rushed through that open door out into the wide world
Looking back to Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) and forward to the promise for sending the Holy Spirit in Christ’s last words on earth before His ascention (Acts 1:8), Pentecost signals the beginning of the Church era. Sermon by pastor Tim Awtrey. June 4th, 2023, 11 am 13 Bratia