Are you sharing your faith in unusual ways?
Have you ever been hesitant sharing your faith with someone who you thought probably wasn’t receptive or that you really didn’t even want to talk to?
What would you do if God told you to go directly to that person and tell them about Jesus and the difference he had made in your life? Would you just automatically go at God’s command or would you try to explain to God why it might not be such a good idea?
I don’t know about you, but when I try to reason with God like that and explain things the way I see them, it never changes what God is telling me to do.
And the beautiful thing is, when God has a specific task for you, He will prepare you in whatever way it takes so you’ll be ready to carry out His will.
This is exactly what happened to Peter at some point after Jesus had ascended and all the disciples had been baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
You can read this whole story in Chapter 10 of Acts.
Peter sharing his faith
Peter was in Joppa staying at the house of Simon the Tanner. He had just gone up to the rooftop to pray. It was about noon and he was hungry.
He saw a vision of a large sheet filled with all sorts of animals coming down from heaven.
Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 10:13-15 NIV
This happened three times and then the sheet disappeared.
If you had recently become a follower of Jesus but had been raised Jewish and were observant of all the dietary laws of what animals you could eat and what you couldn’t, how would you have responded in this situation? Probably just like Peter did.
Letting go of tradition
Peter was no doubt perplexed. Each time the voice commanded him to eat something that was apparently not included in what the Jews were allowed to eat, Peter talked back. He affirmed his religious practice three times, “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
But God was about to blow Peter’s traditionalized view of things out of the water, and in a much bigger way than getting him to eat food he considered to be religiously unclean, or unfit to eat.
What Peter didn’t know was that this rooftop vision was just one part of God’s much bigger plan, which was already in motion.
Because, the day before, an angel had appeared to a Roman Centurion in Caesarea named Cornelius. Cornelius and his whole family believed in God, they prayed regularly, and generously helped people in need. When the angel appeared and called him by name,
Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Acts 10:4 NIV
The angel then proceeded to give him very specific instructions: Send men to Joppa and bring back a man named Peter. He told him whose house Peter was staying in and where to find it.
Pretend you’re Cornelius
Now imagine you’re Cornelius. He visibly saw this angel in a vision. You may have read this story many times and so it seems almost normal for the angel to appear. You know it’s going to happen, because you know the story. But this caught Cornelius totally by surprise. And it scared him.
If you were praying all alone and suddenly someone appeared, even in a vision, called your name, and told you exactly what to do, how would you respond?
Well, Cornelius didn’t waste a minute. As soon as the angel was gone, he sent two of his servants and a soldier under his authority to go find this Peter fellow.
When God gives you instructions, do you respond as quickly as Cornelius did? I have to admit, I don’t always. This is a good reminder for all of us.
These three men arrive in Joppa the next day and are at the gate of the house where Peter is staying, just as Peter’s vision, that I mentioned earlier, has dissipated.
The Holy Spirit told Peter there were three men looking for him and not to hesitate to go with them.
Peter greets them and they explain why Cornelius has sent them.
Now put yourself in Peter’s shoes again. He’s pondering the vision of the unclean animals. He’s trying to make sense of what the Holy Spirit has told him about these three men, and he is undoubtedly intrigued by their story of Cornelius’s vision. He’s trying to put all these puzzle pieces together.
High expectations
The next day he goes with these men back to Caesarea to meet Cornelius. And six fellow Christians go with him. They arrive the day after that and Cornelius is waiting for them with great anticipation. In fact, he’s called his relatives and close friends to be there. Do you see the level of expectation he had. He had no doubts Peter would come right away.
Think of the sense of anticipation in that room before Peter arrived. Think of the wonder in Cornelius’s eyes as he had told everyone about his vision and encouraged them to be with him when Peter got there.
If you were one of Cornelius’s close friends, would you have rolled your eyes at his story, or would you have been in that room waiting for Peter?
Apparently, there was a pretty big crowd there.
And imagine again you were Cornelius. He was probably beside himself with expectation. He was so excited to see Peter that he fell down at his feet in respect.
But Peter wouldn’t accept that kind of personal adulation and told Cornelius to get up.
When Peter saw the crowd he made a point to explain to this Gentile audience,
He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. Acts 10:28 NIV
Somewhere along the way, between the time Peter saw the vision of unclean animals and when he arrived at Cornelius’s home, Peter had realized what God was revealing to him. He must have pondered over and over the voice from heaven saying, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean,” until it dawned on him that his vision was a metaphor to teach him that he should not treat the Gentiles as impure or unclean.
Pretend you’re Peter sharing your faith
Now, put yourself back in Peter’s shoes. Knowing all that Peter knew from his conversations with the three men sent by Cornelius and what God had revealed to him, what would you do if you walked into a room full of people under these circumstances?
Peter simply said,
May I ask why you sent for me? Acts 10:29 NIV
I love Peter’s simple question. He may not have been 100% sure why he was there. But he probably had a pretty good idea at that point. He just went because the Holy Spirit told him to go. He didn’t ask why. He just went, full of trust and obedience.
How often do you and I obey God’s directions without asking questions or for explanations, trying to figure out why? This is a good reminder that sometimes we just need to
walk by faith, not by sight: 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV
Well, Cornelius immediately tells the story of how the angel appeared to him and told him to send for Peter.
Peter had already heard this story from the three men who came to get him. Cornelius has told the story over and over to his family and friends, who now hear it again, at least for the second time if not more.
If you were one of Cornelius’s friends sitting there, and had obviously heard the story about the angel, and now you heard it all over again, with the very man named Peter that Cornelius had told you about from his vision, standing in front of you, what would you be thinking?
As I said, there must have been a very high level of anticipation in that room.
Peter knows exactly what to do
When Cornelius finishes his story of why he sent for Peter, he adds,
Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us. Acts 10:33 NIV
Wow! What an invitation to preach the Gospel! Any possible lingering doubt in Peter’s mind about why he was there was instantly dissolved. He told them about Jesus, how God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit, how he had preached and healed, how he had been crucified, and then been raised from the dead.
He concluded his remarks,
All the prophets testify about him [Jesus] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43 NIV
As he was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit descended on everyone in the room. The Jews who were believers in Jesus and had come with Peter, were absolutely amazed that the Holy Spirit had come to these uncircumcised Gentiles. Cornelius and his friends were even speaking in different languages, just as the disciples had on the day of Pentecost. This was completely beyond anyone’s imagination.
But Peter was crystal clear as to what was happening and he seized the opportunity.
“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 10:47, 48 NIV
As I said, you’re probably pretty familiar with this story. I’ve read it, or parts of it, many times. But once in a while, I think it’s important to try to read this, and any Bible story, as if you’re reading it for the very first time. Try to imagine yourself in the same situation, or as different people in the story, to get a better perspective of what’s really going on.
Sharing your faith can fulfill prophecy
This particular event is the first record of someone who is not Jewish converting to be a follower of Christ and receiving the Holy Spirit.
It’s actually the beginning of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares, referring to Christ,
It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 49:6 NIV
It was God’s plan all along for Christ to open the doors of salvation to the Gentiles, all non-Jewish people, in other words, all mankind.
This thread of God’s salvation for all mankind is woven into the Bible in many places, and my favorite is
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
God so loved the world, the whole world, not just the Jews.
This prophecy from Isaiah is being fulfilled right under Peter’s nose. The followers of Jesus who came with Peter to Cornelius’s house saw everything that happened, and even though they were surprised, they couldn’t pretend things didn’t happen the way they did.
Important questions
We need to ask ourselves, Will I respond like Peter did when God asks me to do something that appears to go against the traditions I hold dear? Will I share my faith, at God’s bidding, with someone I don’t believe is worthy of my time and effort or who I have thought of as an enemy or unredeemable? Will I go without questioning God?
That last question may sound a little unreasonable. If you need clarification from God, you can certainly talk to Him and ask for an explanation.
Remember when Ananias was asked to heal Saul of blindness. He was totally caught off guard by this request.
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man [Saul] and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
And he has come here [to Damascus] with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” Acts 9:13-15 NIV
It’s totally understandable how Ananias felt and why he questioned the task given to him. But once he understood, he was obedient.
So, if it seems like God had given you an impossible or unreasonable assignment, it’s okay to ask questions. When Ananias heard that Saul was a “chosen instrument” that was all he needed.
God prepares you for sharing your faith
God will give you what you need to go forward with whatever He has commissioned you to do. God will prepare you in every way you need to be prepared just as he did with Peter and Ananias. And God will prepare anyone that’s involved with what God is calling you to do, just as he did with Cornelius and Saul.
Now, there’s more to the story of Peter and his experience with Cornelius. How do you think Peter and his companions felt as they were returning home? They probably retold the story to themselves over and over giving God thanks all the way.
And the word spread quickly that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit and were baptized.
Overcoming resistance to sharing your faith
How do you think other believers responded to this news? Not everyone was happy about it.
Peter and his friends ended up going to Jerusalem to explain what had happened.
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” Acts 11:2, 3 NIV
These observant Jews, who now believed in Jesus, were still thinking Jesus came only for them. They had a pretty narrow idea of who Jesus’s message of salvation was intended for.
They were kind of acting like the Pharisees had treated Jesus, not open to new and expansive ideas. Peter gives them a lengthy description of everything that happened. And the six men who went with him to see Cornelius were with him here in Jerusalem.
I think it was really crucial that Peter had several people to corroborate and validate his story. Peter concluded his remarks by saying,
“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.
So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” Acts 11:15, 17 NIV
Unlike the Pharisees, who could not accept Christ’s message, these men in Jerusalem, who had been critical, rejoiced.
When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Acts 11:18 NIV
Sharing your faith with God’s help
When God calls you to share your faith in an unusual way or circumstance, don’t be surprised if a fellow church member thinks you shouldn’t do it or that you’re wasting your time. First and foremost it’s important to follow what God has put on your heart.
Many years ago when I lived in Boston, I had befriended a very troubled woman named Edna. I talked to her a lot about the Bible and how to pray. She had a childlike receptivity that was beautiful. But as I said, she was very troubled and struggled with issues from her past. Sometimes she acted out with fear and desperation. Other times she found peace and was more prayerful.
Someone at work who knew about the situation, and had seen her struggles to let go of the past, told me I shouldn’t waste my time with her because she just wasn’t receptive. Oh, if he could have only seen all the wonderful healing taking place in her heart.
I couldn’t turn away from someone God had put in my path. We were friends for many years and she was always grateful to me for sharing my faith with her. And it made a huge difference in her life.
Sharing your faith with joy
Have you ever felt God calling you to share your faith in an unexpected way, with someone you would never have chosen to talk to? Do you ever feel you wouldn’t be able to do what Peter did? Or do you prayerfully yearn for such an opportunity? Maybe you don’t feel qualified or worthy to do something similar. Or perhaps there may be a little pride that thinks you could do it better than anyone else.
I’ve actually felt every one of those feelings.
I think it’s interesting that the vision came to Peter while he was praying. This is a hint to us. When we humbly pray for God’s will to be done, we are more receptive to hear His voice and accept whatever He may instruct us to do.
You can hear God’s voice calling you to a holy purpose. You can obey God’s call on your life, whatever it might be.
Do you have as deep a desire as Peter did to tell the world about Christ? Never underestimate how God will use you and the good you will do when you have this desire in your heart. Then you’ ll see yourself in this verse from Isaiah,
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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Bible References
Acts 10:13-15 NIV
13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
Acts 10:4 NIV
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”
Acts 10:28 NIV
28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
Acts 10:29 NIV
29 May I ask why you sent for me?
2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
Acts 10:33 NIV
33 Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.
Acts 10:43 NIV
43 All the prophets testify about him [Jesus] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
Acts 10:47, 48 NIV
47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 49:6 NIV
6 It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
John 3:16 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Acts 9:13-15 NIV
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man [Saul] and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
14 And he has come here [to Damascus] with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”
Acts 11:2, 3 NIV
2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him
3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
Acts 11:15, 17 NIV
15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.
17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”
Acts 11:18 NIV
18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Isaiah 6:8 NIV
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
