Acts 10-12 - Chains Fell Off

Cornelius’ and Peter’s Visions

Act 10:15 LSB - [15] Again a voice [came] to him a second time, "What God has cleansed, no [longer] consider defiled."

Act 10:28 LSB - [28] And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and [yet] God has shown me that I should not call any man defiled or unclean.

The Holy Spirit Poured Out on the Gentiles

Act 10:34-35 LSB - [34] And opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most truly comprehend [now] that God is not one to show partiality, [35] but in every nation the one who fears Him and does righteousness is welcome to Him.

Act 10:42-43 LSB - [42] "And He commanded us to preach to the people, and solemnly to bear witness that this is the One who has been designated by God as Judge of the living and the dead. [43] "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

Act 10:44-46 LSB - [44] While Peter was still speaking these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the word. [45] And all the circumcised believers who came with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. [46] For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered,

Peter’s Report in Jerusalem

Act 11:16-18 LSB - [16] "And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' [17] "Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as [He gave] to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could prevent God's way?" [18] And when they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance [that leads] to life."

The Church in Antioch

Act 11:25-26 LSB - [25] And he left for Tarsus to search for Saul; [26] and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a considerable crowd. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

An Angel Frees Peter from Prison

Act 12:5 LSB - [5] So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.

Act 12:7 LSB - [7] And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and woke him up, saying, "Rise up quickly." And his chains fell off his hands.

And Can It Be, That I Should Gain?

4 Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature's night;

Thine eye diffused a quick'ning ray,

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free;

I rose, went forth and followed Thee. [Refrain]

 

The Death of Herod

Act 12:23 LSB - [23] And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.