▶ Listen to Today's Reading
Today's reading, then a short explanation, then a closing prayer — all one recording.
💭 What This Means
Today, God dramatically expands His family. Peter, a devout Jew, has a vision of unclean animals, with God declaring, "What God has cleansed, that call not common." Simultaneously, a Roman centurion named Cornelius, a God-fearing Gentile, receives an angelic message to send for Peter. Peter, overcoming his Jewish traditions, goes to Cornelius's house. As he preaches the good news of Jesus, the Holy Spirit falls on all the Gentiles present, just as it had on the Jewish believers at Pentecost. This groundbreaking event leads Peter to baptize them. Back in Jerusalem, Peter defends his actions to the skeptical apostles, who then glorify God for granting repentance to Gentiles. The movement then spreads to Antioch, where believers are first called Christians. Finally, we see Herod persecuting the church, killing James, and imprisoning Peter, but the church responds with fervent prayer.
🙏 Let's Pray
Lord, thank You for showing us today that Your love and salvation are for everyone. Break down any walls in my heart that keep me from loving and serving all people. Help me to be open to Your leading, even when it challenges my traditions. And when I face trials, strengthen my faith and help me pray with the same persistence as Your church. In Jesus' name, Amen.