Acts 15:8-9 NKJV
“So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”
Felt in his choice of words, the calmness with which Peter spoke, and his depth of insight at the council meeting in Jerusalem are admirable (Act 15). The high-delegation meeting had been convened to settle a doctrinal issue: whether the custom of Moses was a necessary requirement for salvation (Act 15:2). It is important to appreciate that these were first-century followers of Christ, amongst whom the teachings of Moses had been practiced for all of their history of existence! Indeed, anything that had to do with embracing Gentiles or not observing the custom of Moses was truly a radical departure from the status quo, which was no mean matter in that setting.
Possibly a few years earlier, as a result of Peter’s deep roots in the custom of Moses, God had to specially prepare him to just visit a Gentile’s house (Act 10). Though he dared to obey God against the ‘religious odds’, Peter would be amazed that the same Holy Spirit who came on them (as Jews) at Pentecost would also fill the Gentiles! Referring to that experience, Peter made a crucial submission at the council meeting, “God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith”, as in our text of reference.
Taking from Peter’s submission, the outpouring of the Spirit upon the Gentiles was partly because God knew their hearts—which must have been honest and sincere. Yes, they never knew better than their Jewish brethren, but they were sincere in their desire for God, which He honoured. Secondly, the gift of the Spirit to the Gentiles was also an indication that God “acknowledged them” and had made “no distinction between us [Jews] and them [Gentiles]” concerning His mission of salvation. Hallelujah! That experience was also a testament that God chose to purify “their hearts by faith” but not by the custom of Moses. Blessed be God that He still knows the heart; He still acknowledges ALL who believe in Him and makes no distinctions regarding salvation; and He still purifies hearts by faith—but not by works (Eph 2:8-9).
Pst. Emmanuel