Acts Chapter 10
In this chapter the apostle Peter, learns through a very strange vision from God, that salvation is for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
How the Lord orchestrates this is quite amazing.
☆ Acts 10:1...
"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band..."
In the town of Caesarea there lived a man named Cornelius who was the captain of an Italian (Roman) regiment of soldiers.
The name "Cornelius" means... of a horn.
Cornelius was also a Gentile.
According to my reckoning from the Scriptures, there are only two major people groups in the world... Jews and Gentiles. Every person in the world falls into one of these groups.
☆ Acts 10:2...
"A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always."
Cornelius was an upright man, who, with his whole household feared the Lord. He was a man of prayer and he gave lots of help to the poor.
Cornelius was a good man, doing good things... but... was he saved?
☆ Acts 10:3...
"He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius."
Three o'clock one afternoon, he had a vision, in which he saw an angel of the Lord who approached him saying, "Cornelius..."
☆ Acts 10:4-6...
"And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, 'What is it, Lord?' And he said unto him, 'your prayers and your alms are come up for a memorial before God.
And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell you what you ought to do.'"
When he saw the angel, Cornelius was terrified and asked, "Lord, what is it that you want from me?"
The angel of the Lord replied, "Your prayers and your charitable deeds to the poor have not gone unnoticed by God. You are to send some men to Joppa and make contact with a man named Simon Peter.
He's staying with a tanner also named Simon, whose house is by the sea.
Peter will tell you exactly what you must do."
"Tell you exactly what you must do," And what might that be?
What is Peter going to tell Cornelius what he must do?
Any takers?
God is about show something very important... a new era in evangelism is on the doorstep of the early church.
Note how specific God is... there is nothing hairy fairy or haphazard about God's instructions.
☆ Acts 10:7-8...
"And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa."
When the angel who was speaking to Cornelius disappeared, he called in two of his servants and a devout soldier who was his personal bodyguard. When he told them everything that had transpired, he sent them off to the town of Joppa.
It is interesting to note that Cornelius didn't argue or question the angel, but was obedient and did exactly what he was asked.
I wonder whether we would have done the same today. Or would our busyness and preoccupied life have gotten in the way?
☆ Acts 10:9...
"On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour..."
The following day, the two servants and soldier went on their way to Joppa. As they came closer to the city... Simon Peter went up onto the housetop at midday to pray.
☆ Acts 10:10-12...
"And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air."
Peter became very hungry, and while lunch was being prepared, he fell into a deep trance.
He had a very strange vision in which he saw heaven opened, and a huge canvas like sheet suspended by its four corners, lowered to the earth.
On that sheet lay all sorts of animals, snakes, and birds forbidden to the Jews for food.
What on earth is going on here?
What does it mean?
Are there spiritual implications? If so what?
☆ Acts 10:13-14...
"And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean."
An audible voice said, "Stand up Peter, go kill and eat whatever you wish."
But Peter replied and said, "No way Lord! I have never eaten anything like this ever, because they are forbidden by our Jewish laws."
The Jews were/are very strict when it came to eating. Pork, prawns, crayfish for example are a no no. These creatures are scavengers... and are referred to as unclean animals.
Read ☆ Leviticus chapter 11 and ☆ Deuteronomy chapter 17 to get some idea of what is considered by the Jews... a clean or unclean animal.
We used to live with a Jewish landlord years ago and he was very strict about eating "kosher" foods...
The Hebrew word "kosher" means fit or proper as it relates to Jewish dietary law.
☆ Acts 10:15...
"And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God has cleansed, that call not you common."
Anyway, the voice spoke to Peter a second time and said, "Do not contradict God! If He says something is kosher, then it is."
Don't argue with the messenger... Don't argue with the Lord!
☆ Acts 10:16...
"This was done three times: and the vessel was received up again into heaven."
The same vision was repeated three times... and then the strange sheet with its contents returned to heaven."
Why three times?
See the vision once... you could get it wrong.
See it twice.... hmmmm fifty fifty... maybe, yet maybe not?
See it three times... the deal is sealed. No argument!
The fact that this sheet with its contents came from and went back to heaven... tells that this was a directive from God.
☆ Acts 10:17-18...
"Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there."
Peter was very perplexed as to what this unusual vision meant, and was unsure what he should do, when the three men sent by Cornelius from Caesarea arrived, inquiring whether this was Simon the tanner's house.
They called out and asked if Simon Peter lived here.
☆ Acts 10:19-20...
"While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek you.
Arise therefore, and get you down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them."
Peter was still pondering the strange vision when the Holy Spirit said to him...
"Peter, there are three men downstairs who want to speak to you. Go down, and go with them. Do not doubt what is happening... because I have sent them."
☆ Acts 10:21...
"Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom you seek: what is the cause wherefore you are come?"
Peter went down to Cornelius' men and said, "My name is Simon Peter, the man you are seeking.
What is it that you want from me?"
Peter is probably wondering what these Gentiles are wanting from him a Jew.
Jews and Gentiles had no dealings with each other... but that is going to change.
☆ Acts 10:22...
"And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for you into his house, and to hear words of you."
They told Peter about Cornelius the Roman officer, a good and godly man, well thought of by the Jews, and how an angel had instructed him to send for Simon Peter to come and "to hear words of you."
☆ Acts 10:23...
"Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him."
Peter invited the three men in and stay over night.
I wonder what sort of discussion took place between them?
The following morning he left with them, accompanied by a few extra believers from Joppa.
☆ Acts 10:24...
"And the morrow after... they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends."
They all arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius who had been waiting expectantly for them, had in the meantime invited relatives and close friends to join him.
☆ Acts 10:25-27...
"And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together."
As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell to the floor before him in worship. Peter took hold of him and said, "Stand up, I am not a god. I am a man like you."
Cornelius got up, and they talked together for a while and then went in to where the others were assembled.
☆ Acts 10:28-29...
"And he said unto them, 'You know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent you have sent for me?'"
The penny has finally dropped...
Peter tells them, "You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But... God has shown me in a vision that I should never think of anyone as inferior. So I came as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me what you want."
The whole company that met together in Cornelius' home, were chiefly, if not all, Gentiles.
So Peter begins by saying...
"You know that it is an unlawful thing"... what is forbidden by the law of Moses, ☆ Deuteronomy 7:2... and by the traditions of the elders, who carried the matter further than the law did, made it criminal...
"for a man that is a Jew, to keep company with, or come unto one of another nation."
However, Peter finishes with...
but God has shown me, told me that...
"I should not call any man common or unclean."
That... was what Peter’s unusual vision was all about... salvation is for the Jews as well as the Gentiles.
Evangelism in the early church is about to enter a new era.
Christ's death on the Cross and His shed blood brought about something amazing... UNITY... PEACE... ONE NEW MAN.
I'll let the Apostle Paul explain what has taken place...
☆ Ephesians 2:11-16...
"Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
That at that time you (Gentiles) were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For He is our peace, Who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of two one new man, so making peace;
And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby."
Christ Jesus death on the Cross... made Jew and Gentile one man.
☆ Acts 10:30-33...
"And Cornelius said,
'Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, 'Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; He is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he comes, shall speak unto you.'
Immediately therefore I sent to you; and you have well done that you are come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded you of God.'"
Cornelius tells Peter...
"Four days ago I was praying as usual at this time of the afternoon, when suddenly a man was standing before me clothed in a radiant robe!
He told me, 'Cornelius, your prayers are heard and your charities have been noticed by God!
Now send some men to Joppa and summon Simon Peter, who is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner, down by the shore.'
So I sent for you at once, and you have done well to come so soon. Now here we are... waiting before the Lord, anxious to hear what He has told you to tell us!"
I find it so very fascinating and amazing how the Lord orchestrated this divine appointment between Peter and Cornelius... using different groups of people from different places... using visions and speaking angels.
Cornelius and the small group of people assembled at his house (Gentiles) are ready to receive God's salvation... "Now here we are... waiting before the Lord, very keen to hear what God has told you to tell us!"
What might that be? Hear what?
The glorious Gospel!
And... Peter takes the opportunity to preach the Gospel message to this small group of Gentiles... the first group of Gentiles Peter has preached to.
☆ Acts 10:34-43...
"Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, 'Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that fears Him, and works righteousness, is accepted with Him.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:)
That word, I say, you know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly;
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after he rose from the dead.
And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.'"
Then Peter the Holy Ghost filled and anointed preacher said...
"Truly... I see very clearly now that God has no favourites.
The people in every nation that fear Him, and do good deeds are accepted by Him.
I’m sure you have heard about the Good News for the people of Israel... that there is peace with God through Jesus, the Messiah, Who is Lord of all creation.
This message has spread all through Judaea, beginning with John the Baptist in Galilee.
And how God anointed His Son Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power... Who did amazing miracles, healing all who were oppressed of the Devil... for God was with Him.
And we?... We were witnesses of all the things
Jesus did in Israel, and in Jerusalem, Whom the Jews killed by nailing Him to a Cross.
On the third day God raised Him from the dead and He was openly seen by many.
Not to all people, but only to those selected by God, including us who ate and drank with Him after He was resurrected.
And this same Jesus, commanded us to preach the Gospel to all people, and to bring testimony that He is ordained of God to Judge the quick and the dead.
All the prophets spoke of Him... that through His name... through believing in Him... will receive cleansing of sins."
Wow! Again we have the simple Gospel.
And the key to this salvation?
One Name... Jesus Christ of Nazareth... the Son of God.
And to whom is this salvation for?
Yes to the Jews first... and... now to the Gentiles as well.
Hallelujah!
☆ Acts 10:44...
"While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word."
Amazing stuff always happens when the Gospel is preached.
Just the Gospel in all its simplicity.
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Ghost fell upon all who heard the Word.
☆ Acts 10:45-46...
"And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
'Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?'"
The Jewish believers who came with Peter from Joppa, were totally surprised that these Gentiles were also filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost.
How did they know?
Because... they spoke with tongues, magnifying God.
Again I believe, we have proof... that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is evidenced with speaking in tongues.
Speaking in tongues is not to give us a warm fuzzy inside or to "swing from the chandeliers."
Speaking in tongues always (and it should) magnifies and gives honour and glory to God. Not to man!
Paul teaches us in ☆ 1 Corinthians 14:2, that when we speak in tongues we are speaking not to man, but to God.
Peter then said to his Jewish friends, "Can anyone object to my baptizing them (speaking of the Gentiles) now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"
Obviously there were no objections!
☆ Acts 10:48...
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."
Peter then commanded that all these folk be baptised in water, in the Name of the Lord Jesus.
After the water baptism, the people begged Peter to stay with them a couple of more days.
I reckon Cornelius and all those with him (Gentiles) were so blessed as to what they heard and experienced, that they wanted further teaching from Peter in the things of the Kingdom of God.
What had happened this day, certainly would have wetted their appetite for more.
I sincerely hope that those who have been saved a long time... still have an appetite for more of God as well.
Because God is inexhaustible!
☆ Psalm 145:3...
"Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable."
The more we search the Word of God... the more precious "nuggets" we will find.
Selah!