Our next text in our survey of “gospel” texts is a long one, but it needs to be read in its entirety. So here is Acts 10:34-48:

Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak to them: ?I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ?he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.?

Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, 47 ?Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?? 48 So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

First, the gospel is universal: it is for all (10:34-35). In fact, Peter says more than this after his encounter with the faith of a Gentile, Cornelius. He says that the faith of Cornelius is evidence that “in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to God” (35).
Second, to Israel God has sent the message/word.
Third, the “word/message” God has sent to Israel “announces” or “declares the good news of” peace (10:36).
Fourth, this gospel of peace is “through” or “by” Jesus Christ: he is the mediator of the gospel of peace.
Fifth, this Jesus is the Lord of all (not just Israel, so also of folks like Cornelius).
I’ll cut it off today at this point. Part two of this text tomorrow.