Silenced by Grace, Glorifying God

Baptist Daily Devotional
3 days ago
3 min read

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | June 23 2025 | Acts 11:15-18

KEY VERSE: “When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’" Acts 11:18 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

After Peter recounted the undeniable work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles, the Jewish believers who initially criticised him were stunned into silence. But this was not a silence of resistance - it was the silence of surrender to God's grace. What followed was an outburst of praise as they acknowledged God's mercy reaching beyond their boundaries. In this devotion, we can learn that grace stops every objection, praise is the proper response to what God is doing, and repentance leads to life for all. Their reaction, captured in the key verse, highlights three distinct lessons that show how God's grace reshaped their thinking.

“They had no further objections…” Peter didn’t win a debate; instead, it was God’s Spirit that settled the matter. The Church acknowledged the truth and relinquished its resistance. When grace speaks, arguments are silenced. We need to let the evidence of changed lives speak louder than our biases. “...and praised God...”. The Church didn’t just accept the Gentiles intellectually - they rejoiced in what God was doing. When God expands His reach, His people must expand their praise. “Even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Salvation is not earned; it is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, and repentance is the door through which all - Jew or Gentile - enter new life in Jesus Christ. The inclusion of the Gentiles teaches us that evangelism is not about who we approve, but about who God is calling.

As the gospel spread, the Spirit affirmed the inclusion of new groups—first the Samaritans (Acts 8), and then the Gentiles through Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10–11). Each time, the Holy Spirit’s presence validated that these diverse people were fully accepted into God’s family. Even sceptical Jewish believers came to rejoice at this divine inclusion. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit unites people from every background into one body in Jesus Christ.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Do You Celebrate Others’ Salvation? Do you praise God when people unlike you come to faith? The early Church models what every local church must practice: when we witness genuine repentance and transformation, our role is to celebrate, not criticise.

PRAYER:

Father, thank You for granting repentance that leads to life. Help me to silence my objections and lift my praise when I see You at work. Teach me to celebrate the salvation of all people and embrace the full reach of Your gospel. May Your Church reflect Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 174: 2 Samuel 8 - David’s Victories

DAILY word study: GRANTED REPENTANCE The Greek word translated “granted” is ἔδωκεν (edōken), from didōmi, meaning “to give” or “to bestow.” The word “repentance” is μετάνοιαν (metanoian), which means “a change of mind” or “turning around.”

In Acts 11:18, the believers acknowledge that God has given the Gentiles the opportunity to repent graciously and intentionally. This wasn’t earned, demanded, or forced. It was a gift. Repentance is not just about regret; it's a divine invitation to turn from sin and receive life.

Reflection:

God doesn’t withhold grace. He gives repentance as a gift. Are you responding to that gift? Are you also celebrating when others receive it?