Podcast Summary: Day 331 – Peter Preaches to the Gentiles

Podcast Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Episode: Day 331: Peter Preaches to the Gentiles (2024)
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Duration: 20-25 minutes

Introduction

In Day 331 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a pivotal moment in the New Testament—Peter’s groundbreaking outreach to the Gentiles as recorded in Acts 10. Accompanied by readings from 1 Corinthians chapters 1 and 2, and Proverbs 27:21-22, Fr. Mike provides insightful commentary that bridges the historical context with contemporary faith applications.

Scripture Readings

1. Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 10: Peter and Cornelius

Fr. Mike begins by reading Acts 10, which narrates the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his divine encounter that leads to the inclusion of the Gentiles into the early Christian community. Highlights include:

• Cornelius’s Vision:
  “[00:07]... he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, 'Cornelius...send men to Joppa and bring one Simon, who is called Peter...'”

• Peter’s Vision:
  “[00:10]... Peter saw a vision where a sheet with all kinds of animals descended from heaven, and a voice commanded him, 'Rise, Peter, kill and eat.'”
  Peter responds, “[00:12]... 'What is the reason for your coming?'”

• The Holy Spirit’s Manifestation:
  “[00:20]... 'the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the Word,' and even the Gentiles began speaking in tongues and praising God.”

2. First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, Chapters 1 and 2

Fr. Mike reads from 1 Corinthians 1 and 2, where Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church and emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

• Unity Over Factionalism:
  “[00:30] 'Each one of you says, I belong to Paul or I belong to Apollos, or I belong to Kepha, or I belong to Christ. Is Christ divided?'”

• The Wisdom of the Cross:
  “[00:45] 'For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.'”

3. Proverbs, Chapter 27, Verses 21 and 22

Fr. Mike concludes the readings with Proverbs 27:21-22, highlighting themes of judgment and wisdom:

• “[00:55] 'The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold. And a man is judged by his praise.'”

Prayer

Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer, expressing gratitude for the Scripture and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance:

• Key Excerpts:
  “[01:00] 'We thank you for this day and for the ability to have another book of Scripture... Help us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, to speak, to love in the power of the Holy Spirit.'”

• Closing:
  “[01:20] 'In Jesus name we pray. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.'”

Reflections

1. The Radical Inclusion of Gentiles (Acts 10)

Fr. Mike emphasizes the significance of Peter’s vision and subsequent actions as a transformative moment for the nascent Church:

• Breaking Down Barriers:
  “[02:00] 'This is Peter's first exposure to the idea that Jesus Christ has fulfilled the law, and now we're expanding to the Gentiles.'”

• The Unstoppable Holy Spirit:
  “[02:15] 'We can't prevent the Holy Spirit... Gentiles are welcomed, and they receive the Holy Spirit just as we have.'”

• Symbolism of Dietary Laws Ending:
  “[02:45] 'The fulfillment of the kosher laws in the Old Testament is symbolized by the acceptance of all foods, representing God's expanded embrace to all nations.'”

2. Addressing Factions Within the Church (1 Corinthians 1-2)

Fr. Mike discusses Paul’s admonition against divisions in the Corinthian church, drawing parallels to modern Christian communities:

• Avoiding Sectarianism:
  “[03:10] 'People identifying with Paul, Apollos, or Kepha are creating unnecessary divisions, detracting from the unity we should have in Christ.'”

• Christ Crucified Over Human Wisdom:
  “[03:35] 'Paul emphasizes that the message of Christ crucified is above human wisdom and should be the foundation of faith, not the eloquence of preachers.'”

• Dependence on Divine Power:
  “[04:00] 'Paul didn't rely on his own wisdom or oratory skills but on the power of God, allowing miracles to authenticate his message.'”

3. Contemporary Applications

Fr. Mike relates these biblical lessons to today’s Christian life:

• Unity in Diversity:
  “[04:45] 'Just as the early Church navigated the inclusion of Gentiles, modern Christians are called to embrace diversity within the Body of Christ without falling into factionalism.'”

• Power of the Holy Spirit:
  “[05:10] 'Our faith should rest on the transformative power of God, not merely on intellectual arguments or charismatic leaders.'”

Conclusion

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by previewing forthcoming discussions on the Corinthian church’s struggles and the broader context of Paul's mission:

• Upcoming Topics:
  “[05:40] 'Tomorrow, we’ll explore more on the divisions within the Corinthian church and the challenges of living a holy life in a secular environment like ancient Corinth.'”

• Personal Note:
  “[06:00] 'I'm praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.'”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Peter’s Vision:
  “[00:10] 'Rise, Peter, kill and eat. What God has cleansed you must not call common.'”

• Paul on Unity:
  “[00:30] 'Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?'”

• Wisdom of the Cross:
  “[00:45] 'For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.'”

• Prayer Excerpt:
  “[01:00] 'Help us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, to speak, to love in the power of the Holy Spirit.'”

Final Thoughts

Day 331 of The Bible in a Year offers a profound exploration of pivotal New Testament events and teachings. Fr. Mike Schmitz skillfully connects the historical narratives of Peter and Paul to the ongoing mission and unity of the Church today, encouraging listeners to root their faith in the power and wisdom of Christ crucified. This episode serves as both a reflection on foundational Christian beliefs and a call to embrace divine guidance amidst contemporary challenges.