The facts, the divinely given interpretation and the apostle's application prove convincing. The critics had no further objections (literally, "became or were quiet"; see Lk 14:4; Acts 21:14) and glorified God with a confession that the Gentiles' faith is genuine. Such praise usually occurs in Luke-Acts in response to a miracle or to news of the Gentile mission (Lk 5:25-26; 13:13; 18:43; compare 2:20; Acts 13:48; 21:20; compare Lk 23:47). So then, God has even granted the Gentiles repentance unto life. The phrasing indicates that the Jewish believers understand the "revolution in principle" that has occurred. It is not just an isolated God-fearer's household but the Gentiles, all non-Jews, to whom the door of salvation is wide open. Further, this repentance is not a precondition produced by human effort. It is a gift from God to the Gentiles, just as it was to the Jews (Acts 3:26; 5:31).

What then should convince us that God is at work even in ways that cut across the grain of our prejudices? A plain hearing of the facts and their interpretation, judged by the promises of God's Word, is where we start. And when we keep in mind that salvation begins with the gift of repentance, our prejudices, which will always demand that the outsider meet certain performance standards, will melt away. In their place will come wonder and praise to God that his salvation has touched people whom we, left to ourselves, would not.