[:en]SCRIPTURE: ACTS 10
“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (Acts 10:5)
“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in Him receive forgiveness of sins through His name” (Acts 10:43)
CORNELIUS CALLS FOR PETER (vs. 1-8)
Cornelius lived in Caesarea, the Roman capital of Palestine. He was a God-fearing Gentile, a generous and good man but he did not know the truth. An angel spoke to him and told him to send for Peter from Joppa. He obeyed and sent his two servants and a guard to Joppa.
PETER’S VISION (vs. 9-23)
As Peter went up to the roof to pray, he saw all kinds of creatures both clean and unclean and was commanded to kill and eat. Peter refused but the Spirit spoke to him saying: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v. 15). This vision occurred three times. While Peter was wondering about the vision, three men sent by Cornelius arrived and asked for Peter to come to Cornelius’ house.
PETER AT CONELIUS’ HOME (vs. 24-48)
Peter went with the men and arrived in Caesarea. He realized that with God, there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles. So, he spoke the gospel – “whoever believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sin through His name” (v. 43). The Holy Spirit poured out upon the hearers and they spoke with tongues. So, Peter baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ.
SUMMARY:
The Holy Spirit worked both in the hearts of Cornelius and Peter. To Peter, God wanted him to understand that He had broken down all barriers between the Jews and Gentiles. To Cornelius, God wanted him to know the truth. And both obeyed what God had commanded.[:]