God Welcomes the Nations — Acts 9:32–11:30 | Video Devotion with Dave Miers
Oct 19, 2026 26828
Who belongs at the table with Jesus? In Acts 9:32–11:30, God shows Peter that the good news is for people from every nation. We’ll follow four parts of the story: the Christ, the Call, the Church, and the Crown.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Part 1: The Christ
In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. In this passage, the gospel takes another decisive step towards the nations.
Peter heals Aeneas, who had been paralysed for eight years, and raises Tabitha, a much-loved disciple in Joppa. These miracles point beyond Peter to the risen Jesus.
Acts 9:34
[34] And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. (ESV)
Peter makes it clear who is behind this miracle. It’s all about Jesus Christ. The Christ is alive and at work. Many people hear and believe.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Part 2: The Call
The gospel calls people from every nation to turn to Christ.
Then God sends Peter to Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Peter has to leave behind long-held assumptions about who is clean and who belongs. Through a vision, God shows Peter that people from every nation can come to the table through Jesus.
Peter tells Cornelius and his household about Jesus: his life, his death, and his resurrection. Jesus is Lord of all. Peter announces the heart of the call:
Acts 10:43
[43] To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (ESV)
While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit comes upon the Gentiles who hear the word. The Jewish believers with Peter are amazed. These Gentiles receive the same gift, and Peter commands that they be baptised in Jesus’ name.
Part 3: The Church
When Peter returns to the church in Jerusalem, some believers criticise him for eating with Gentiles. Peter explains what God has done, and the church recognises that this is of God:
Acts 11:18
[18] When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (ESV)
The Gentiles are not accepted because of their background or goodness. God graciously opens the way for them to hear about Jesus, turn to him, and receive life.
The church must learn to welcome those whom God welcomes. For us, the old Jew and Gentile boundary may feel distant. But we still meet people who seem very different from us, or far from Jesus. The church must make room at the table for those whom God welcomes.
Part 4: The Crown
In Antioch, scattered believers speak about Jesus. Many turn to the Lord. Barnabas encourages them, then brings Saul to help teach them. The disciples are first called Christians there. Later, when famine threatens believers in Judea, the church in Antioch sends relief.
Luke describes the growing church this way:
Acts 11:21
[21] And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (ESV)
I love that language: the hand of the Lord was with them. The Crown is King Jesus’ rule, advancing as the gospel goes out. God is at work, gathering people from different backgrounds under his rule, as they learn his word and care for one another.
The Good News is…
The Christ is still alive.
The Call is still clear: forgiveness of sins is found in Jesus.
The Church is still welcoming those whom God welcomes.
The Crown is still being proclaimed as the gospel of Jesus goes to the nations.
So who belongs at the table with Jesus? Everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts in his good news is welcome at his table.
Let’s keep making room and taking that good news to everyone, trusting Jesus to build his church.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 9:32–11:30
Reflection
Who might God be inviting you to welcome or speak with about Jesus?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited