Scripture Study for

The passage from Isaiah, known as one of the Servant Songs, describes a mysterious figure who acts as a pious agent of God’s compassionate care. The servant in this song has received the spirit of the Lord in order to bring forth justice to the nations. This justice is not harsh and exacting, but gentle and understanding,  a source of consolation. The servant is also called by God to be a light to the nations. This passage describes the deliverance of the whole world, not simply the rescue of Israel from its particular bondage. The universalism here cannot be denied. 

Cornelius was a recently converted Roman centurion. Normally, an observant Jew like Peter would not enter the home of a Gentile. It was a newly gained insight from God that changed Peter’s view of those who did not have Jewish ancestry.  He realized that “God shows no partiality.” All are acceptable to God, Jew and  Gentile alike. Peter, who knew the historical Jesus intimately and should have understood the implications of the message that he preached and the example that he gave, did not at first understand the radical nature of this gospel. But now  he could testify that it is truly “good news of peace.”  

Lest the people mistake him for the Christ, John contrasts his ministry with that of Jesus. John’s baptism with water was a ritual of repentance and cleansing; the Christ’s baptism of the Spirit and fire will transform and purge. John further admits that the Christ is far superior to him. He insists that he is not worthy to undo the sandals of that long-awaited one. Still Jesus submitted himself to John’s baptism. The voice from heaven and the descent of the Spirit confirm Jesus’ unique identity. This episode has been considered by many as the event of divine commissioning of Jesus. As God’s beloved Son he will baptize with the Spirit, thus bringing about the regeneration of the world.