Receive One Another, Then, Just As Christ Also Received You

“Receive one another, then, just as Christ also received you, to God’s glory. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and thus the Gentiles glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to your name.” And again it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, and the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:7-13 NET

Can you truly appreciate the profound importance of Paul’s message? As ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we bear the significant responsibility of reflecting His love and teachings in every facet of our lives—through our thoughts, our spoken words, and our actions. This role is not merely a title; it is a profound calling that invites us to embody the principles of compassion, grace, and humility that Christ exemplified.

Just as Christ welcomed us into His embrace with unconditional love, we are called to extend that same warmth and acceptance to others, creating a space free from judgment and unrealistic expectations. God’s wisdom is displayed in His approach—He did not require us to become something more than what we were at this moment, at least not in our own effort. Instead, He gently nudges us toward growth and transformation through the empowering presence of His Spirit, inviting us to embark on a journey of becoming our truest selves in Him.

This journey of transformation is dynamic and vibrant; there is no room for stagnation or complacency. We are continually enriched and inspired to live more intentionally, chasing a life filled with purpose and meaning in Christ. As we navigate our relationships and interactions with others, we reflect His love and grace, influencing everyone around us and serving as beacons of hope and light in a world that greatly needs reformation and renewal.

Paul makes a profoundly impactful statement: Christ Jesus, the divine Creator of all that exists—the heavens, the earth, and everything within them—has chosen to humble Himself and become a servant to the circumcised, specifically the Jewish people. This remarkable decision serves a twofold purpose: it affirms God’s unwavering truth and reinforces the sacred promises made to the patriarchs Abraham and Moses. These promises extend beyond the chosen people to encompass the Gentiles, inviting all nations to glorify God for His boundless mercy and grace.

Embracing this idea can be a daunting challenge as it confronts the deep-seated notions of privilege and exclusivity. Jesus willingly endured intense persecution and suffering for the sake of His own people, the Jews, showcasing that God’s love is not limited to a select few; rather, it transcends boundaries, embracing all humanity without partiality.

The narrative in Acts chapter 2 unveils a breathtaking moment during the celebration of Pentecost, a significant Jewish festival known as Shavuot. On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples gathered in the upper room with an overwhelming force, filling them with a divine presence that ignited their hearts and animated their mouths. In a miraculous display of power, they began speaking in many languages—an extraordinary reversal of the chaos encountered at the Tower of Babel, where language differences bred confusion and discord rather than unity and connection. The disciples boldly proclaimed the magnificent deeds of God through Christ, expressing these wonders in the native tongues of the diverse visitors who had journeyed from far-off lands to be in Jerusalem. As these visitors listened, their astonishment grew, recognizing the miraculous reality that the gospel message was being shared in their own languages—transforming their experience from mere observation to profound engagement.

This miraculous event raises an essential question: How much effort was truly required from those gathered in the upper room to enable the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit? The answer reveals itself to be surprisingly simple. Their unity—marked by a shared purpose and a willingness to be led by God—was all that was needed; the Holy Spirit undertook the monumental task of spreading the gospel. This insight is not intended to offer a step-by-step formula, but instead, it serves to illuminate the profound truth that God can build His Church through us when we fully surrender to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to direct our lives.

While maintaining unity and order within the body of Christ is undeniably essential for nurturing a vibrant spiritual community, it is equally crucial to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit is the divine force that enables and sustains this unity. Cultivating an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit is free to move and inspire is not just a choice but an essential foundation for the church’s growth and impact. By embracing this dynamic, we create a rich environment that nurtures authentic relationships among believers, empowering us to share God’s transformative message with the world. This was exemplified by the first disciples on the remarkable day of Pentecost.

On that fateful day, vividly described in the Book of Acts, the disciples found themselves enveloped in an extraordinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit, transforming them from a group of timid followers into bold proclaimers of the faith. As they were filled with the Spirit, they began to speak in various languages, a miraculous occurrence that allowed them to communicate the wonders of God to a vast and diverse audience. Gathered in Jerusalem were Iranians, whose culture dates back to ancient empires; Iraqis, representing lands rich in history; Palestinians and Turks, with their deeply rooted traditions; and Greeks, hailing from northern Asia Minor along the picturesque Black Sea coast. Additionally, Egyptians and Libyans from regions near Cyrenaica and visitors from the bustling streets of Rome—including devout Jews and newly converted believers—were present. Greeks from Crete and Arabs also formed part of this vibrant, multicultural gathering.

Miraculously, each of these individuals heard the disciples proclaiming the incredible deeds of God in their own native languages, an astonishing event that symbolizes the importance of inclusivity and divine communication. This moment was monumental and unprecedented, breaking through the barriers of culture and language. It illustrates that despite their diverse backgrounds, these listeners were united in their understanding and receptiveness to the profound message being delivered.

This experience vividly showcases that God’s invitation is not limited to a select few but is a powerful force reaching out to all nations with open arms. The divine call extends to Gentile (non-Jewish) nations that had been spiritually fragmented since the Tower of Babel. In this extraordinary display, God’s heart for restoring relationships and reconciliation was made manifest, inviting everyone back into the fold. The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, was equipped to transcend societal divides, breaking down barriers and sharing the gospel of hope and redemption with a world yearning for connection and salvation.

Paul was instrumental in advocating for the message of inclusivity, which he recognized as a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. He skillfully articulated a narrative that passionately included his fellow Jews while simultaneously embracing the Gentiles, illustrating God’s heart of compassion and mercy. This aspect of God’s nature serves as a source of comfort and reassurance for all believers. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul emphasizes his belief that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was made for every individual—Jews and Gentiles alike. This universal message of grace and redemption underscores the transformative power of faith in Jesus, encouraging all people to find hope and salvation through Him.

Paul extends a heartfelt blessing to his listeners, expressing his hope that they may be filled with profound joy and lasting peace as they place their faith in the God of all hope. His desire is for them to experience a deepening relationship with God that inspires them to grow in their faith and overflow with hope, fueled by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. By emphasizing the importance of God’s purpose, Paul encourages us to focus on how the Holy Spirit works within us, enabling us to reflect God’s glory through our actions and lives. In doing so, he reminds us that our growth in faith enhances our spiritual journey and serves to honor and glorify God in all we do.

Stephen Barnett