Grasping grace

Peter's battles have only begun: the fact of his fellowship with the Gentiles spreads quickly, and Peter faces opposition from those who have thought as he once did. Acts 11:1–18 first records the strife, the contention from those of the circumcision against Peter for his fellowship with the uncircumcised. In response, Peter rehearses the story of God's grace toward Cornelius and his household, emphasising the shared salvation which they enjoy together. That leads to the silence of the opposers and the song of the persuaded, as they recognise that this is God's doing, and none should stand against it. While we may not face precisely the same issues, we might still battle with the same spirit. We, too, need to grasp God's grace, and to rejoice in the gospel of Christ which advances without regard for human boundaries and borders.