Reflection

The story of the conversion of Cornelius is the longest narrative in the book of Acts. It is a very significant moment in the church’s progress because it shows that the gospel is for all people, not just the Jews (cf. Acts 1:8). In the gospel, God fulfills his plan for his people to be a “light for the nations” (Isa. 49:6). This happens as Jesus, the true Israel and the Light of the World, is made known to the world through the preaching of the gospel. He is the Light who shines in the darkness of this sinful world and creates new men and women from all nations who will carry this light through the gospel by the power of the Spirit to the ends of the earth.

Reflection

Once again John’s concern for the truth of the gospel (explained in his previous letters; e.g., 1 John 1:1–3; 2:21–22; 2 John 3) emerges with clarity and force in the opening verses of his letter. The word “truth” appears four times in the first four verses, highlighting the importance of faithfully preserving the gospel message in maintaining the health of Christianity (cf. 3 John 6, 9). This is why John is so passionately opposed to teaching that is false (e.g., 2 John 10–11), and why he rejoices in his spiritual “children” who are “walking in the truth” (3 John 4; cf. 2 John 4).

There is no tension between truth and grace. After all, Jesus himself came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). In cherishing truth and earnestly loving others, we follow in the footsteps of the Savior.