PassageWay Church

E Pluribus Unum is a Latin phrase that translates to “Out of many, one." It was the first unofficial motto of the United States and, by law, is still placed on all U.S. coins minted today. E Pluribus Unum symbolizes how thirteen separate colonies banded together to form a single, united nation.

Two hundred and fifty years later, we are certainly many, a melting pot. But are we one? Unity is difficult to achieve, especially in a diverse population like ours. But it’s not just a problem of politics. Unity is difficult to achieve anytime you try to bring people together. We have unique backgrounds and beliefs, personal priorities, and problems.

This was also true in the first-century church. Early on, it was distinctly Jewish, a small but rapidly growing movement within Judaism. The book of Acts tells how the church was first established in Jerusalem and then spread throughout all the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. But in chapter 10, we read about a revolutionary development. Luke tells how a foreigner, a non Jew named Cornelius, qualified to participate in the people of God.

Now, in chapter 11, we read that Cornelius’ conversion story would have ripple effects throughout the church. Word got back to Jerusalem that Peter had spent considerable time in a Gentile home and had eaten with them. He’d violated dietary laws, which were one of the distinguishing characteristics of Judaism.

So Peter retells all that took place to quell the criticism. In Luke’s account, we see that the law of Moses, which created obstacles separating Jews from Gentiles, was fulfilled. The Spirit now defines the boundaries and character of the people of God.

The whole incident revealed not only that a Gentile could be saved just like a Jew, but that they also could enjoy joint fellowship. This was the key that would open the door for the gospel to go to the ends of the earth. Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice and the indwelling presence of His Spirit are what unify the church, making out of many, one.