Luke's book of Acts has spent a long time building up to the astonishing events related in this week's text. Beginning with Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch, progressing through the conversion of a Gentile soldier, Paul's conversion, and Cornelius' and Peter's dreams, Luke's recitation of events has gradually widened the circle of believers. In this week's installment the circle is completed with the consummation of the mission to the Gentiles.

As usual the Holy Spirit's timing is impeccable. In Acts 10:43 Peter reaches the climax of his speech before the crowd of Gentile believers by proclaiming that with Jesus everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Once Peter explicitly recognizes faith as the requirement for the forgiveness of sins, the m…