Unexpected Baptism

Written By Betty Predmore

Acts 10: 24-48 (June 16)

Cornelius was very excited that Peter was coming, and he invited many of his friends and family. When Peter got there, Cornelius fell at his feet. Peter asked him to stand up because he was only human and didn't want any special treatment.

Ordinarily, Peter would never have entered the home of a Gentile. It was against Jewish law. But Peter was living with the new knowledge he had gained from his vision, realizing that God did not judge anyone based on their nationality.

Peter did wonder why he had been asked to Cornelius' home, so he asked. Cornelius told him all about the vision he had the day before. He was certain that God was sending Peter to give him a message and he was eager to hear it.

Peter responded, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel - that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."

He continued on, speaking of how the apostles had been able to witness all Jesus had done, and telling of his crucifixion and resurrection. While he was speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon those who were listening. You can imagine how surprised the Jewish believers were to see the Holy Spirit poured out on GENTILES!! (Remember, they had not seen the vision Peter had seen, so they were still skeptical.)

And here is where the Unexpected Baptism occurs. Peter asks, "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"

There were no objections, and Peter baptized many that day, and stayed with Cornelius for several days afterward.

This is a pivotal point in Christianity... where those considered unworthy to associate with, and unable to believe... were offered respect, friendship, and the Holy Spirit, to be considered equal to the Jews. This changed the entire landscape of the area and allowed the Good News to go be spread farther than they could imagine.

To me, it is also a message of love. Love those who are different. Love those who are oppressed. Love those who society says you shouldn't love. Show no favoritism. Love like Jesus.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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