How can Acts 10:20 inspire us to overcome fear in following God's will? The Setting of Acts 10:20 Peter is praying on the rooftop in Joppa when he receives a vision that overturns long-held dietary boundaries (Acts 10:9-16). As he puzzles over it, three Gentile messengers from Cornelius arrive. The Spirit then says, “So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them” (Acts 10:20). The Command in Three Simple Moves • “Get up!” – Immediate readiness • “Go downstairs” – Move toward the unknown • “Accompany them without hesitation” – Join God’s plan decisively These verbs reveal a pattern for conquering fear: readiness, movement, partnership. Fears Peter Might Have Faced • Religious fear: breaking kosher tradition (Leviticus 11) • Social fear: entering a Gentile home (Acts 10:28) • Personal fear: potential criticism from fellow believers (Acts 11:2-3) Yet the Spirit’s assurance—“I have sent them”—anchors obedience in God’s sovereign initiative. Reasons We Can Obey Without Hesitation • God’s command carries His authority (Psalm 33:9) • God’s presence drives out fear (Isaiah 41:10) • God’s purposes are always good (Romans 8:28) • God’s Spirit empowers boldness, not timidity (2 Timothy 1:7) Practical Steps to Apply Acts 10:20 Today 1. Start with daily availability: like Peter’s rooftop prayer, set aside time to listen. 2. Act on the next clear instruction, however small—“get up.” 3. Move toward what feels outside your comfort zone—“go downstairs.” 4. Link arms with the people God places in your path—“accompany them.” 5. Silence doubt by rehearsing God’s sending: remind yourself, “He has sent me.” Encouragement from Related Scriptures • Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you.” • Matthew 14:29 – Peter steps out of the boat at Jesus’ word, illustrating “get up, go.” • Acts 18:9-10 – Paul is told, “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” • Hebrews 13:20-21 – God equips “in every good thing to do His will.” Walking in God’s will often begins with a rooftop whisper and turns into a history-shaping mission. Because the Spirit says, “I have sent them,” we can rise, step out, and follow without fear. |
    |