Acts 10
Acts 10 is the account of Peter’s vision whereby God teaches him that Gentiles are acceptable candidates for the gospel and the first transparently Gentile convert in the book of Acts – the centurion Cornelius. The chapter takes us into Jewish attitudes toward Gentiles and the theological question of whether unbelievers can ever please God.
Here is the paper referenced in the show:
Proselytism and Godfearers
Transcript 47 Acts 10
In Episode 47 of the Naked Bible Podcast, Dr. Michael Heiser and Trey Stricklin take listeners deep into the pivotal chapter of Acts 10—a momentous turning point in the early church where Gentile inclusion becomes explicit and divinely endorsed. The episode centers on Peter's vision and his encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion described as a “God-fearer”—a non-Jew who worships the God of Israel.
Dr. Heiser unpacks the complex matrix of Jewish attitudes toward Gentiles in the first century, referencing historical scholarship (notably by Scot McKnight) to frame Cornelius within a broader spectrum of Jewish-Gentile interaction. Heiser then draws a powerful theological connection between Peter’s trance (the Greek word ekstasis) and similar visionary states in Genesis, including the covenantal moments of Adam and Abraham. These linguistic and thematic links underscore how the inclusion of Gentiles is not a rupture in God's plan, but rather a continuation of the divine covenant.
A standout moment comes when Heiser challenges a common theological assertion—often found in Reformed circles—that unbelievers cannot ever do anything that pleases God. He appeals to Acts 10:34–35, where Peter acknowledges that “in every nation anyone who fears [God] and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Heiser distinguishes this from salvation and critiques the theological overreach of assuming that all actions by unbelievers are inherently displeasing to God.
The episode closes with a discussion of baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit, tracing the development of these concepts throughout Acts. As Peter witnesses the Spirit fall on Cornelius and his household, the message is clear: full Gentiles are now part of God's people.
This is a theologically rich and pastorally provocative episode that challenges assumptions and shines light on the expanding scope of the gospel in the book of Acts.
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