Ministry as Manifestation, a Reflection on Acts 10:34-43

In the reading from Matthew this week, the Spirit of God alights on Jesus at his baptism and announces, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." In this reading from Acts, Peter is speaking to Gentiles, telling them that they are included in the care given by God to the people of Israel.

"Jesus Christ is Lord of all," he says. He reminded them that Jesus had done good things for all kinds of people.

Carl R. Holladay, in Preaching through the Christian Year A describes the baptism of Jesus as the inaugural event of his ministry:

Today's text invites us to ask about the significance of the Lord's baptism. We see that it was above all an inaugural event, a time of beginning in its own right. This moment of ordination launched his ministry of good works and healing through which the power of God was manifested: it became clear that "God was with him" (v.38). It was the beginning of the era in which the "good news of peace" was proclaimed (v.36). Its essence was his universal Lordship: "He is Lord of all" (v.36). It also inaugurated a new era in whch forgiveness of sins was made possible through his name (v.43).

Note verse 43, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name," and remember that the name "Jesus" means "God saves."