Upon actually meeting Cornelius face to face and knowing - beyond a shadow of a doubt - that this appointment came straight from God, Peter said out loud in amazement: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." (Acts 10:34-35)
As it is translated in the NIV, that phrase - "how true it is" - makes it sound as if Peter thinks Truth has degrees: "This is VERY true!"
Of course, it is not Truth itself that has degrees - it is Peter's comprehension which expands.
In Greek, it is all one word: katalambanomai. "I now truly understand." The root has the connotation of seizing something firmly to possess it.
If you had asked Peter the day before, "Does God show favoritism? Or does He accept men from all over as long as they fear Him and do right?", he would have said, "Of course God doesn't show favoritism."
He "knew" that.
After meeting Cornelius, though, what was previously Peter's belief now becomes his conviction!
In Christian experience, there is nothing more exciting or fulfilling.
No comments:
Post a Comment