Acts 11:1-20

“And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'” (v16).  Baptism with water was something that the apostles themselves could control. They could recognize that a person had put faith in Jesus, and they could offer baptism. But Spirit baptism was completely God’s prerogative, and therefore, when foreigners unexpectedly received “the same gift,” Peter recognized, “Who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (v17).

“And they glorified God ….” (v18). God’s grace is bigger than we imagine, far outside our control. Like the Jerusalem leaders, we are called to put aside our own traditions and comfort and joyfully follow where He leads.