Reading at the May 5, 2024 baptism service


From the Acts of the Apostles 10:34-48

“34  Now Peter began to speak and said:
“I absolutely perceive that The God does not show partiality, 35 but in every nation the person fearing Him and who continues to work righteousness is acceptable to Him.
36 You are aware of the message that He sent to the sons of Israel proclaiming peace by means of Jesus Christ, that this One is Master of all.
37 [You are aware] of the events that occurred throughout all of Judea–beginning first in Galilee and the baptism preached by John– 38 how The God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with holy Pneuma and with Power. He then went traveling everywhere, doing good and healing all those who were oppressed by the Devil, because The God was with him.
39 Now we are witnesses of everything he did, both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. [The Jews] killed him by hanging him on a tree.
40 The God raised up this person on the third day and granted him to become visible.
41 Not to all the people but rather to witnesses who had been chosen by our God beforehand. To us, who ate and drank together with him after he was resurrected from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to give our testimony that this is the One appointed by The God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 On this matter all the prophets bear witness–everyone believing in him receives forgiveness of sins on the basis of his name.”

44  As Peter was speaking these words the holy Pneuma fell upon all those hearing the Word. 45 Now Peter and those of the Circumcision with him were amazed that the gift of the holy Pneuma was poured out on non-Jews. 46 For they were now hearing all of them speaking in tongues and exalting The God.
Then Peter responded:
47 “Surely no one will refuse the water of baptism to these who have received the holy Pneuma just as we have?”
48 And so Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Afterwards they asked Peter to remain for several days.” (Acts 10:34-48 MHM)

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