11:15-17
Peter then tells of how the Holy Spirit came on the gathering as he was preaching the gospel. At this point Peer reminds them of words around John the Baptist, that while John baptised with water, Jesus would baptise with the Holy Spirit. He then draws the conclusion that if God had given the Spirit to the Gentiles, then they were in no position to stand in the way of God.
11:18
This put an end to the objections, and they praised God instead. Now it is interesting that the arguments here focus on what happened, on experience. Today we are often suspicious of experience, this is not a Biblical approach! Of course, experiences that go against the word of God are to be rejected, but experience matters, and the active working of the Holy Spirit matters. We should also note that later in the New Testament, especially in Paul’s letters, detailed theological arguments are given on the matter, and these are important. But experience matters.
The final phrase of this verse is significant, “Even to the Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life”. We tend not to like preaching about repentance, but repentance is a crucial element of the gospel. It is also very good news. For continuing along our old ways means continuing along a destructive road, and that is not good news at all. Repenting and turning to God leads to life, that is definitely good news!
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