Peter learned a very hard lesson in Acts 10. Having been raised a Jew, it was difficult for him (even though he was an apostle) to lay aside his Jewish heritage and accept the Gentiles as equals in the eyes of God. He even told Cornelius, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean” (Acts 10:28). Underscore “But God”! God’s way needed to become Peter’s way!
Peter’s heart had truly been changed, and when Peter reported of the events with Cornelius and his household, he made this statement: “If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” (11:17). What a statement! Peter had come to realize that God’s way is the only way, regardless of one’s personal likes, dislikes or feelings.
Peter’s declaration ought to make each of us pause and evaluate where we are. Is there something that I’m doing or something that I believe or something that I am teaching that is withstanding God? If I believe or teach or live something that is contrary to the plain revelation of God, then I need to realize that I am withstanding God!
Some may be withstanding God because they believe that one can be saved before (and even without) being baptized. Scripture clearly teaches that baptism is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16). Therefore, to hold a position contrary to that is to withstand God (Luke 7:29-30).
Some may be withstanding God because they believe that one church is as good as another. Scripture clearly teaches that there is one church (Eph. 4:5), which is to teach one doctrine (Gal. 1:6-9) and to have no divisions (1 Cor. 1:10). Therefore, to hold a position that justifies denominationalism is to withstand God (2 John 9-11).
Some may be withstanding God because they believe that one can divorce and remarry for nearly any cause. Scripture clearly teaches that the only spouse who has a God-given right to divorce and remarry is one who has been faithful but puts away an unfaithful spouse for the reason of fornication (Matt. 19:9). Therefore, to hold a position that any other has a right to divorce and remarry is to withstand God (Matt. 14:4; 19:3-9).
Peter was absolutely convinced that the position he held regarding the Gentiles was God’s position. He did not realize that he was actually, for a time, withstanding God. When he finally was faced with the truth, he completely changed to his position to match God’s. Are you withstanding God by any of your beliefs? Let’s make God’s way our way!