SCRIPTURE: ACTS 10
Bible Verses:
“The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:15)
“As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” (Acts 10:25-26)
“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (Acts 10:34-35)
“He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:42-43)
CORNELIUS CALLS FOR PETER (vs. 1-87)
At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion known as the Italian Regiment. He and his family were devout, God fearing, honest and generous. One day, he saw a vision, an angel of the Lord told him to bring Peter who was staying with Simon the tanner in Joppa. So Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier and sent them to Joppa.
PETER’S VISION (vs. 9-29)
Peter also saw a vision from heaven opened something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. A voice told him to get up , kill and eat. But Peter refused because he had never eaten anything that is impure or unclean. But the voice spoke to him saying: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v. 15).
While Peter was wondering what the vision meant, the Spirit told him to accept three men looking for him. Then the men sent by Cornelius was at the gate asking if Peter was staying there. Peter went down and invited the men into the house as his guests.
PETER AT CORNELIUS HOUSE (vs. 24-45)
The next day, Peter went with them from Joppa to Caesarea. As Peter reached Cornelius’ house, Cornelius fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter told him: “Stand up. I am only a man myself” (v. 26). Then Peter told him how God had shown him not to call anything impure or unclean while Cornelius also told Peter his vision from God. There was a large gathering of people and Peter began to preach the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
MESSAGES OF PETER:
- God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power to do good and heal all who were under the power of the devil (v. 38)
- The Jews in Jerusalem killed him by hanging him on a tree and they were witness of everything (v. 39)
- God raised him from the dead on the third day (v. 40)
- He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead (v. 41)
- He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead (v. 42)
- All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name ( v. 43)
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. They were speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter baptized them with the name of Jesus Christ. Peter stayed there for a few more days.
THOUGHTS:
- Cornelius was a Roman officer, commander of 100 soldiers stationed in Caesarea. He was a God-fearing Gentile who did not knew the truth of the Gospel. But he had a sincere faith who always pray and give generously. God noticed his deeds and sent the right person to let him know the truth. God will answer the sincere prayer of those who seek him.
- God gave Peter a vision not to look upon the Gentiles as inferior people whom God would not redeem. At first, he was reluctant to go. But he obeyed God’s commision and was able to lead many to Christ. We should also treat all people equally and preach the gospel to all mankind.
- Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet to show his reverence. But Peter told him to stand up and pointed to Christ. We should remember our mortality when we are flattered or honor. Use every opportunity to give glory to God.
- God’s commission to the church today is to make disciples – evangelize. We are to baptize which implies fellowship in local assembly. And we are to teach the Word while the Spirit was to convict the lost. Let us sow the Word, pray and patiently wait for the harvest.