Commentary by Ron Beckham

Verse 1.  "Now there was a certain man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort,"

Cornelius was a Roman officer in charge of a "cohort" (100 men).  His soldiers were recruited in Italy, differentiating them from the many nationalities that filled the ranks of Roman Legions.  Soldiers are defenders of society, and like police officers, sometimes they must use weapons to keep the peace and protect the innocent.  Not all soldiers are Godly men, but some certainly are.

I noticed in Church History classes that historically many Godly men have been soldiers.   Some have said you can’t be a soldier and serve God, but from a Biblical perspective, it is not a conflict.  David was a soldier who killed many in war; yet God loved him and did not quarrel with his line of work.  (The only exception - He was not to build the Temple).  Soldiering is a "Romans 14" issue – a matter of personal conscience.  In Romans 14, examples are given, showing some things are left to our "still small voice."  Paul said, "Let each be fully convinced in his own mind" (Romans 14:5).

Verse 2.  "a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually."

Here’s an example of a Godly man who had not yet outwardly come to a knowledge of Christ.  He was religious; and he not only reverenced the true God but he also brought those of his household into the worship of God, as well.  He was a man who gave to those in need.  He was in continual prayer.  We of the Church should be like this man.

Yet, he was not yet complete in Christ, as will be seen in the next verses.  Those like him are described in Romans 2:14-16: "when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them.   In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel."  Christ will come to those who have not yet even heard His Name.

Verse 3.  "About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, ‘Cornelius!’"

It was 3 P.M. (the ninth hour).  In the Jewish Temple it was the time for offering the evening sacrifice.  Cornelius, who was a man who prayed (verse 2), would have been in prayer at this time.  Verse 2 indicates he was always in prayer, which is unimaginable to those of our time, but to always pray must not be impossible, for Paul urges us to "pray without ceasing", as in 1st Thessalonians 5:17.

Men and women who have had great public ministries, were also people of PRAYER.   Charles Spurgeon, George Mueller, Andrew Murray, and Billy Graham are recent examples.  We also see the relationship of prayer and ministry in the lives of Daniel the Prophet, and Paul the Apostle.  Like Cornelius, those who pray will encounter God, and the things of God.

Note that the angel of God knew his name.  God knows your name, as well.  He knows everything about you.  He has sent His angels to you, and He loves you without limit.

Verse 4.  "And fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, ‘What is it, Lord?’  And he said to him, ‘Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God’"

Men of God are simply men, with all the weaknesses and potential for fear implied by our human condition.  Daniel lost all his strength in relation to such a vision and then passed out completely (Daniel 10:5-9).  John the Apostle "fell at His feet as dead" (Revelation 1:17).  To be startled by the presence of an angel of God (verse 3) is reasonable indeed.

Note that the person who prays also tends to be a person who gives.  Prayer is applied faith.  If I believe in God, I will pray to Him.  And very often our prayers are for the needs of others.  It is quite reasonable to expect that God will touch the one who prays, to be His instrument in helping another person.  The key to Cornelius’ favor with God, was that he prayed and he gave to those in need.  We are to be like that.

Verse 5.  "And now dispatch some men to Joppa, and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter;"

Notice that the angel, operating on the authority of the God who loved (loves) Cornelius, went right to the need of this man.  God is looking into you and me right now, and he knows every need we have.  There may be issues of pride within us that prevent us from fully enjoying the love of God and prevent us from true contact with other people.  God is sending His holy angels, that our needs might be met.

Cornelius needed God the Holy Spirit in all of His fullness.  Simon Peter had been Given the ability to impart that Spirit to ordinary people.  Men would be sent and Peter would be brought, for God was responding to the need of this man.  Just in the same way, He is responding to you, right this very minute.

Verse 6.  "he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea."

God knew where Peter was staying.  He knew who Peter was staying with.  He knew that the place was by the Mediterranean Sea.  He knows where you are, and He knows who you are staying with, or if you are alone.  He is intimately aware of the conditions of your environment, whether "good" or "bad" from your perspective.  He knows where you need to go and what needs to be done in your life.

He knows you.  Just like He knew (knows) Simon Peter, He knows you.  And just as that same love was given to these men, He loves you wants you to receive, as well.   The proof of this is Jesus Christ, Who died that you might live – forever.

Verse 7.  "And when the angel who was speaking to him had departed, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier of those who were in constant attendance upon him,"

Notice THREE things about Cornelius.  He was a man of constant prayer and a person who gave to others in their need (verse 2).  And he was a RESPONSIVE man.  As soon as the angel had completed his message to him, the men were sent.  This is the kind of responsiveness that we need to have.  I confess that I have often been slow to respond to that which God has shown me.  Many of us are like that, and we need to change.  By responding quickly, he would receive the blessing that awaited him.   But he did not know that.  He merely knew that God had directed him and he must respond.

Notice he sent a "devout" soldier.  He had generated his own attributes into his men.  He was a Godly man, and some of his men, seeing this aspect of him, had become like him.  People see the kind of people we are, and if we are in positions of leadership, they will become like us.  If we truly have Christ, others will want Him, too.  Pray.  Give.  Be responsive to God.  Others will see and want our Lord.

Verse 8.  "and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa."

Notice that he explained everything to them.  It is a tendency, for those in positions of authority, to just bark orders and not share information.  James C. Hunter commented on the differences between leadership, power, and authority.  Leadership is "influencing people to work…toward goals identified for the common good."  Power is "forcing someone to do your will, because of your position or might."  Authority is "getting people to willingly do your will because of your personal influence."

Cornelius was a leader; a man of authority.  He was the kind of man I would like to meet; a leader worthy to die for.  (Jesus Christ is Worthy, and He died for us – we should, in turn, be willing to die for Him.)  And so these men went immediately to Joppa, without question.  They would go anywhere for Cornelius, this Godly man.

Verse 9.  "And on the next day, as they were on their way, and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray."

It was noon on the next day, and the Apostle Peter was on the housetop of Simon the Tanner, in Joppa, in prayer.  The question often comes up, "What are we going to do?… (on our coffee break, at lunch, on Saturday, or whatever).  Often we decide to go here or there, but seldom do people see this time as an opportunity for prayer.   Just like Cornelius, Peter had discovered that every day, every moment, contains opportunities for prayer.  Our job is to turn off the TV – and pray.

He needed to be ready.  Cornelius’ men were on their way – approaching the city, right at that moment.  We need to be ready for what is coming next.   We don’t really know what is going to be happen, so how can we become people who are ready for all that will happen?  The answer is, GOD knows everything that is going to happen, and He can help us.  We must become a people of prayer, who look to Him in all things.  Invite Him into your present, your past, and your future.   Place your HOPE in Him.

Verse 10.  "And he became hungry, and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance;"

Peter was not truly READY to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles.  God was readying another man who was to be Paul the Apostle, but Paul was in training near Damascus and would not be available.  The need was now and Peter would be the one used by God for Cornelius and his household.  So Peter, who was hungry for physical food, was placed into a reverie or trance, that he might receive SPIRITUAL food, in relation to the need he was about to encounter.  Emotionally, Peter was not be ready for these Gentiles, so God would now prepare him.

Jesus said "I am the bread of life", as recorded in John 6:48, which is to say we must receive Him, the One sent by the Father to you and to me.  To eat physical food, we must somehow obtain the food, then prepare it, and open our mouths to eat that which is before us.  To eat spiritual food, we don’t have to obtain it, because the Son is already given.  It does not need to be prepared, because He was prepared by the Cross.  We merely need to receive.   Just as we should be open to Him, Peter was about to receive at that moment.

Verse 11.  "and he beheld the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground,"

I am struck by how similar our dreams are to the visions presented in Scripture.   David pointed out we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), which would include our capacity to dream.  He also loves us like He loved Joseph (the step-father of Jesus) and God often spoke in dreams to Joseph.  I believe our dreams are simply another place where we can encounter God.  Dreams are representative of reality (like parables) and we often are made to understand more of life through the mechanism of a dream.  Awake or asleep, God can touch us at any time.

Peter was about to have an important encounter and he needed to be prepared for the meeting.  Heaven was opened to this man of God, as an object like a great sheet was shown to him.  It was bound at the four corners, suggesting that all within the sheet was under the control and sovereignty of God.

Our Lord intends to open heaven for you.  When the time is right and the need is imminent, He will do what you have not even expected, up to now.

Verse 12.  "and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air."

Often in Scripture, when God is talking through His prophets about things such as the animals, trees, or rocks of this world, He is really speaking of people in representative form.  He gives us parables in the form of word pictures.  This is easily seen in Daniel Chapter 7, where we encounter odd creatures.  One is like a lion (but with wings), a bear, a winged leopard, and then a sort of mechanical thing with horns.   All four were revealed at the end of Daniel 7, to be nations of people.

There are many other wonderful examples in Scripture, and if you ever see a vision such as this one seen by the Apostle Peter, your first question might be, "What is God showing me about people?  Because people is what the Bible is all about – We are to love God and love people.  If visions will help us to love more effectively, then God will send us visions.

Verse 13.  "And a voice came to him, ‘Arise, Peter, kill and eat!’"

Peter barely had the time to begin to wonder about these creatures described in verse 12, when something even more amazing happened – Peter was told to kill them and eat them.  And the command was indiscriminate – Whether the animal was a bug or a bear, he was to "eat" these creatures.  This was extremely difficult for him, because as we shall see in verse 14, Peter was satisfied that he had never broken the Jewish dietary laws.  To even THINK about eating many of these creatures would be against his religious beliefs.

Verse 14.  "But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.’"

And this was Peter’s defense to God: "I have ALWAYS kept the Jewish dietary laws, and I will not do this."  I continue to love Peter, for he expresses an aspect of – me.  You are likely to find something of Peter in you, as well.  The point in our pleasing God, is not how effective we are in keeping religious rules and regulations, but it is something inside, something of the heart.

One of the most difficult attitudes is found in the person who feels they are "good" and therefore do not need correction from God.  We are accurately taught, "all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment" (Isaiah 64:6), and we are all in need of His touch.  Listen to Him, for He has something to give you (and me).  Something wonderful that you and I do not expect or even know about.

Verse 15.  "And again a voice came to him a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’"

We may have never murdered or committed adultery, or stolen, or whatever, but God is always outside of our considerations about what we should and should not do.  He is not bound by our rules.  It may be that success in outward religious observances will satisfy other people, but only God can save me, and my job is to satisfy HIM.  Not only my behavior, but also my heart – my heart must be right before Him.  Peter was satisfied that he was a religious man, who had performed in a more than satisfactory manner.

But God wanted to stretch him out of mere religion and take him further into the realm of Spirit.  He was to discover a whole new definition of holiness:  What God has declared holy, is holy, and what man declares does not make them (us) right before God.  We have to look further than religious tradition, we must look to God!   That is why the Holy Spirit was given to us, that we might look to Him – HE is the judge of what is holy and what is not.

Verse 16.  "And this happened three times; and immediately the object was taken up into the sky."

God certainly knows we are slow to respond.  He tends to repeat often that which is of great importance, until we finally get the message.  Scriptural examples would include "widows" and "orphans."  God wants us to care for those who are in need and He tells us over-and-over again in the Bible to care for them.   (He has to – we don't get the message).

This is true in your life and mine.  God intends to do a work in you and He will equip you, and will keep communicating the need, until you finally respond.  You can move to another state or country, change your name, get plastic surgery, and yet the same limitations will keep on occurring in your life.  (Why is this happening to me, you ask?).  He is shaping you for some goal – respond to Him!

The object was shown to Peter three times, and he was now obviously ready, for it was "taken up into the sky" again.

Verse 17.  "Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon's house, appeared at the gate;"

Peter still did not know what the vision meant, but the important obstacle within him had been overcome.  His objections were no more, for he was now ready to respond, though precisely to what, he was not sure.

Often, as you wonder about some event in your life, the answer to what it means is knocking at your door.  For years I did not understand.  I wanted to be a man who gives to others but the company would close and I was out of a job – the money would disappear!  How could this be?  Finally, I saw that the Lord wanted me to give even more than money.  He wants to make us new (in Him).  A new "me", a new "you" – people who will reach out with His love to others in ways that are often much better than money.

Verse 18.  "and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there."

You may not realize it, but you are perfectly designed to help others.  The troubles you have experienced in life, your confusion about something, and your fear, the puzzle about those who do not like you - everything has shaped your life to this moment, that you might learn how to serve others who are in need.  "How could this happen to me?" is answered by Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:6, "Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation."  We suffer problems that we may become able to serve.

Peter’s discomfort doesn’t seem to have lasted long, but this was a man who was still staggering from years when he was being changed by Jesus, and then came the impact of the Holy Spirit.  He was no longer a guy with a wife and a job, he was a man filled with the Spirit of God.  The callers were at the door and Peter was being made ready for them.

Verse 19.  "And while Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you.’"

A key part of the vision (verses 10-16) was the number three.  He was shown the vision three times.  And now he was told three men were at the door, which he would have noticed.  When you see "coincidences" in your life, they may indeed be merely that – coincidences!  Or they may be something more.  Here’s three keys to understanding your life:  1) Receive Christ as your Savior and Accept His Spirit. 2) Read His Word.  3) Pray.  All that has eluded you will be found in these steps.

Receive Him, fearlessly read His Word, and reflect prayerfully on what God has shown you.  Then be ready to follow Him (and you’ll be glad you did).

Verse 20.  "But get up, go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings, for I have sent them Myself."

I have become convinced God is speaking to us; each one, just as clearly as He did to Peter.  Directions like "get up, go downstairs and accompany them" are not uncommon – we just don’t hear them.  "Why doesn’t God answer my prayer?" we ask. The answer?  He has answered many times, but those who were instructed to respond to you, did not hear Him (or care).

The key to hearing is also in this verse: "without misgivings" or "doubting nothing."  Often we are prompted, "Go visit Mary in the hospital" or "Give $50.00 to Bob."  We often don’t go and we often don’t give the money, because we are unsure, we doubt, and then we forget – Nothing is done.  Mary is not visited and Bob is still $50.00 short for his need.  If you are unsure, use this formula:  When in doubt – give!

Verse 21.  "And Peter went down to the men and said, ‘Behold, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for which you have come?’"

Then Peter obeyed God and went down the stairs, still thinking about the vision he had seen on the roof (verses 9-16).  At the door were three men, and he instantly would have recognized them as Gentiles (Romans) because of their speech, clothing, and manner.   I was fascinated, when we were in Israel, that everyone instantly knew we were Americans, before we even said a word.

Peter was beginning to connect the vision with these three men, but his understanding was not complete.  He basically said "Yes, it’s me," and then asked "Why are you here?"

Verse 22.  "And they said, ‘Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you.’"

It is very likely Peter had heard of this Cornelius, because we are told he was "well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews."  His credentials were excellent (he was a righteous man who respected God) and was a perfect selection in relation to Peter, who still carried doubts about ministering to Gentiles.

It would be tough for Peter to accept a Gentile, just like it is sometimes hard for you and me to accept those of another religion.  I’ve had the privilege of learning to fellowship with those who have a different theology from mine.  It was hard at first, because we as people tend to feel others must think like we do.  Not so.   If we have Christ, we have it all, and can receive others in His Name.

Verse 23.  "And so he invited them in and gave them lodging.  And on the next day he got up and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him."

This was unusual, for Peter invited them into Simon the tanner’s house, where they spent the night.  Jews did not accept Gentiles into their homes, on the ground they would become religiously "unclean" by doing so.  Peter had come a long way.   When I took my oldest son to Nashville, Tennessee, for surgery, people from the Natchez Trace Church of Christ took us in and fed us for over 30-days.  They did not ask questions but simply responded to our every need.  We were strangers and they took us in.

Our religious background was different from theirs but they made no attempt to convert us or our theology.  They simply responded to our need.  Notice that Peter went away with them the very next day.  No hesitation.  The need was real and the command of God was clear.  So Peter went.  Also note he took others with him.   This was not to be some secret thing.  The more open we are, the better.

Verse 24.  "And on the following day he entered Caesarea.  Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends."

One day later, they were in Caesarea.  As this is written, we toured the ruins of Caesarea, just three months ago.  It was a great place, but like so much of our human efforts, that magnificent place did not last.  The works we realistically should perform, are those which lay up "treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20), for really nothing lasts on this earth.

This was become quite an event, for not only did Peter bring "some of the brethren" with him (verse 23), but here also were "relatives and close friends" of Cornelius.  Once again there was to be a great occurrence in the early Church, and the Holy Spirit had drawn a crowd.

Verse 25.  "And when it came about that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshipped him."

As Peter came into the house, Cornelius fell down and worshipped him.  We make a similar mistake when we excessively venerate anyone, such as an athlete, politician, movie star, or a pastor.  We are to honor the one God sends to us, but we are not to assign anything like worship to that person.  John the apostle made that mistake when he worshipped an angel (Revelation 22:8).

In Revelation 22:9, the angel corrected John, saying "See that you do not do that, for I am your fellow servant…worship God."

There is a careful balance between honoring the person God has sent (which is good) and venerating or worshipping them (which is not good).  This balance is found through prayer.  If you are a person of prayer, you will learn the difference. Respect God and also the human being He has place in charge of you. Worship the Lord.

Verse 26.  "But Peter raised him up, saying, ‘Stand up; I too am just a man.’"

Cornelius the Centurion had just fallen at Peter’s feet and "worshipped him" (verse 25) and Peter was correcting him.

It’s important for leaders to be aware that others will sometimes have too great a regard for you.  Those who are in Christ become filled with the Holy Spirit of God.   The Spirit of God is attractive.  It is easy to confuse the man (the temple) with the Holy Spirit who lives in him.

It is so critical to recall that we are only men, only people, and we must remind others of that fact.  Peter did right when he said "Stand up; I myself am also just a man."  Don’t even suggest you are anything more.  It’s God we should praise.

Verse 27.  "And as he talked with him, he entered and found many people assembled."

Observe that the Holy Spirit knows how to draw a crowd.  If the Lord directs you to advertise your meeting, then do so, for it is best to follow Him.  But He does not need your efforts and He can fill-up an arena without any help from you.

Peter merely went in and found many who had come together.  The man (Peter) was ready and so were the people.  God had prepared the speaker and had brought him to that place.  The same God prepared the audience and brought all who attended – all was prepared in advance by the Spirit of God.

Verse 28.  "And he said to them, ‘You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean.’"

In this verse is a key lesson we all need to learn, over and over again.  We are not to regard others (no matter how "low" their station seems to be in life) as less than we are.  Each one of us is "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) and each of us is loved by our God.

We tend to regard "our kind of people" or "our doctrines" as somehow better than others.  That was the mistake the Jews had made.  They were created as a national group to evangelize the world for the Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth, but instead they had become ingrown and had developed a sense of "superiority" toward others.  We must guard against that kind of attitude in the Church, for God loves all who are in Christ.

Verse 29.  "That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for.  And so I ask for what reason you have sent for me."

Peter already had an inkling of the reason he was there, though the vision he received was still somewhat obscure to him.  In verse 28, we see that Peter had begun to relate the vision of verses 10-16 (all kinds of animals on a sheet), to the Gentiles he was with at that moment.  He was forbidden by his religion to visit the homes of Gentiles (verse 28), and yet he was in such a home at that time.

You and I have doctrinal beliefs that may exceed the teaching of Scripture, and our ideas tend to divide us from other Christians.  We don’t know what these extra-Biblical teachings are, or we would not look to them.  Jesus told us our true belief structure (His commandment) is "that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12).  If we allow superficial doctrinal beliefs to divide us, then we have broken the commandment of God.

Verse 30.  "And Cornelius said, ‘Four days ago to this hour, I was praying in my house during the ninth hour; and behold, a man stood before me in shining garments,"

Now Cornelius relates to Peter what had been previously recorded in verse three.   It was 3 P.M. and an angel had appeared to him.  In this verse we learned something we did not see in verse 3 – the "man" who spoke to him was wearing shining garments.  The clothing of eternity does shine, with the righteousness of God.  We will be literally dressed in righteousness, when we are with our Lord.

Verse 31.  "and he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.’"

You are just like Cornelius in relation to this verse.  God does hear your prayers, every one of them.  And He does know when you do something good for that person in need.  Psalm 139 is the best for a commentary on these words:  He knows what you do and He knows what you think (139:2).  He knows every word you say (139:4).  He protects you constantly (139:5).  His Spirit is continually with you (139:7 & forward).  In the darkness you need not be afraid, for it is not dark to Him (139:11-12).  He carefully built you, just the way you are (139:14-16).   He thinks about each you continually (139:17-18).  He delivers you from those who would harm you (139:19-22).  He searches you, cleanses you, and will lead you into eternity to be with Him (139:23-24).

Just like Cornelius, He hears your prayers, He knows your deeds, and He loves you.

Verse 32.  "Therefore send to Joppa and invite Simon, who is also called Peter, to come to you; he is staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the sea."

I like it that God knew precisely where Simon Peter was (at all times).  He also knew where Cornelius was, or He wouldn’t have known where to send the angel to find him.  He knows where you are at all times.  You might think he doesn’t know, because there are billions of people and surely one would except His notice.  That’s not so with God.  As to you and me, we can pretty much focus on only one thing, one person at a time.

But Almighty God does not have that limitation.  He is intimately aware of each one of us, every second of every day.  That kind of scrutiny might seem frightening, at first glance, and that is a part of the "fear" experienced when you first encounter God.  Just remember that "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 3:18), and His love toward you is certainly perfect.

Verse 33.  "And so I sent to you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come.  Now then, we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."

We do very well when we respond immediately to God.  Cornelius was commended by the angel of the Lord, as a man of prayer who respected God and gave to those in need (verses 2, 4, 31).  Another aspect of Godliness is responsiveness.  Cornelius was sensitive to God and responded quickly to Him.

He did all that God commanded him to do, and he did it promptly.  We should do the same.  Typically, in this time and place, people do not "hear" God, for they do not expect to hear Him.  Cornelius did hear, and now all were present to receive the further words of God, through the Apostle Peter.

Verse 34.  "And opening his mouth, Peter said: ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality,’"

God does not show partiality in any way.  The color of our skin or hair is superficial and so are the doctrines which often divide us.  If you are in Christ, you are my brother or my sister.  It’s my place to accept you and yours to receive me.  Jews, Gentiles, men, women; we are all equal in the mind of God.   That homeless person with a shabby Bible, may be much closer to the Lord than we are.

Peter had been taught all his life that Gentiles were somehow inferior to his people, in the sight of God.  Many of our churches subtly teach the same kind of thing.  And indeed, some actually ARE more adept at doctrinal truth than others.   But all of our doctrines fall short of the glory of God, and love is always greater than theology.

Verse 35.  "but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him."

In every people of all time, there have been those who fear Him and act in righteousness toward others.  In Revelation 7:9, we see that people of every nation and language (of all time) will stand before Him wearing white robes.

The one of every time and place who truly looks to God, will encounter the Christ of God.  His cross is for everyone.  Someone in China, in 3,000 BC, who honestly sought God, found our Lord and was received on the basis of the cross, 1,000 years in their future.  The ancients did not understand; they merely received.

Peter now had an inkling of this, whereas before he had felt he was part of a superior group.  Israel is special, but not in the way they thought.  From the perspective of salvation, we are each the same, wherever, whoever, and whatever we are.   Therefore, we are to receive one another in His Name.  No partiality.  He loves you just like He loves me, and He loves the both of us just as much as He loved the Apostle Paul.

Verse 36.  "The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all) – "

What is the "word" He wants you to understand, more than any other? – That He is Lord of all!  If we really understand that He is Lord, everything else falls into place.  If you fall on your face before Almighty God and trust in Him, like Cornelius and Peter, He will teach you – everything!  (and He will give you peace).

In this chapter, we see the process in which Peter learned how to receive others in the Name of Christ.  He is taking you and me on the same journey.  Lord is not effort; love is joy.  Receive God and He will enable you to joyously visit those in the cancer ward, in prison, and in every kind of need.  Jesus Christ is Lord of all.   Understand that, and your life will never be the same.

Verse 37.  "you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed."

The people were prepared for the advent of the Lord, through the ministry of John the Baptist.  His message was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2).  The ultimate purpose in the ministry of Jesus was essentially the same (Matthew 4:17).  The people were to be brought to a place of repentance, that they might be ready for Christ.  We are being prepared for Him, as well.   To some extent, every one of us resists God, and Jesus died that we might instead come to Him.

Baptism is foundational in nature.  It pictures our greatest need:  That we simply DIE to the lures of this world and come alive in another, better place (in Him, in Christ).  Baptism is both a symbol of repentance and is a picture of our new life in Him.

Verse 38.  "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."

Jesus gave up His prerogatives as God, when He came to this vale of tears and became our Representative (our Hero, really) before the Father (Philippians 2:6-8).  Jesus received the same Holy Spirit that (Who) is made available to you and to me.  We are given, in Him, the ability to do lasting good and given the power to touch those who have been oppressed for such a long time by our enemy, the devil.

God the Father was with God the Son, and because of Christ, the Father is also with you.  At His baptism by John, Jesus was given the Holy Spirit and then followed the Spirit to the end (which was for us, the beginning).  It is in the power of the Holy Spirit of God, that we, too, can do the works of God in the lives of people

Verse 39.  "And we are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem.  And they also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross."

"We are witnesses of all the things He did."  This is the eyewitness testimony of Peter; someone who walked and talked with Jesus, and watched Him closely for three years.  He witnessed the miracles and saw His tears.  Subsequently, he saw, touched, and communed with the Risen Christ, after the Resurrection.  Eyewitness testimony is certainly admissible in court as evidence, and you should consider the eyewitness testimony of Peter the Apostle.

In Acts, Dr. Luke (the investigative reporter) was the author, as led by the Holy Spirit of God.  He was like a judge who decided what was to be included in this Book.   You are also a judge of these things and as a good judge, you must consider ALL the evidence before you make a decision about our Lord.

Your decision is important.  This Jesus performed miracles among us and then was murdered by our race.  The whole human race is guilty before a Holy God.  Our only hope is Christ Who died in our place, by being hanged (crucified) on a cross.

Verse 40.  "God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He should become visible,"

In Hosea 6:2, which was written between (about) 755 BC and 710 BC, we learn "after two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight".  More than 700 years later, Jesus died for our sins.  He bore them on the cross.  He revived us (made us alive) by His act.  We are raised up by what He has done.

This becomes efficacious (effective) for us when we receive Christ and what He has done for you and for me.  He was shown openly to those who had been Chosen to be eyewitnesses of these things.  Peter was such a witness and he testifies that Jesus was raised from death on the third day openly, so that all who see with the eyes of faith, would receive Him.

Verse 41.  "not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.   And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead."

You may think it was unfair that He was only revealed to SOME of the people, and not all.  But keep in mind that He WAS revealed to all of the people of that place, and they killed Him!  If they (we) would not receive Him for His words and His miracles, they (we) would not receive Him when He rose from the dead.  He revealed Himself to those who already had faith (trust) in Him, and those who would be willing to testify about Him to people like you and me.

That they ate and drank with Him is truly amazing.  A person who had been crucified might conceivably recover somewhat from the wounds of crucifixion, but to calmly sit down to dinner would be unthinkable.  His hands would not hold the cup, for one thing.  They walked with Him for three years and they certainly knew Who He was.   And, after demonstrating that He was ALIVE and completely recovered from His wounds, He SENT them to testify that this Risen One is the Judge of us all; the Judge of both the living and the dead.

Verse 43.  "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

ALL the Old Testament prophets spoke of Jesus and the forgiveness He offers through the Cross.  Isaiah said He would come from Galilee (Isaiah 9:2) and He would be bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5).  David said they would pierce His hands and His feet (Psalm 22:16).  Micah revealed He would both be born in Bethlehem and be from eternity (Micah 5:2).  Zechariah reported in advance that Jesus would ride into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey, bringing justice and salvation to the people of this earth (Zechariah 9:9).

In Psalm 2:12, we are taught that we must turn to ("kiss") the Son, or we will perish.  If we believe in Him with all our heart, we are FORGIVEN by the Holy God.  Notice that EVERYONE who believes will receive this forgiveness.  As Peter said in verse 34, God does not show partiality.  He loves you, just as much as He loves the greatest prophet that every lived, and He longs to extend His forgiveness to you.  Just TRUST in Him.

Verse 44.  "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message."

You would expect the Lord would wait until after Peter’s words, like in more modern times where an "altar call" would be held at the close of the service.  Not so.  While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit FELL on ALL the Gentiles who were listening to his message.  Cornelius had invited his relatives and close friends (verse 24) and it must have been quite a gathering.  ALL of them received the Holy Spirit in His power upon their lives.  The point was not Peter’s words, it was the NEED of those who were present.

If you are attending religious services that are alive with the life of God, invite your friends and family.  Even if they do not go with you, invite them anyway.   Share the honest love of God that is in YOUR life.  They might say "Yes" at some point, and they might receive the Lord.  (It’s a hungry world out there.)  Cornelius could have simply met Peter by himself in some room of his house, but he brought others.  There was a song years ago, that went "…one hand lifted up to Jesus, and with the other, bring a friend."

Verse 45.  "And all the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also."

Those who came with Peter were amazed!  The GENTILES had received the Holy Spirit of God, just like they did!  We must never forget that God loves ALL people.   If we tend to narrow ourselves to only "our group" we will miss much of the glory of God in life.  The doctrinal beliefs of the Jewish believers were nice but they failed to include over 99% of the world’s people in their theology!

We often have doctrinal beliefs that answer a lot of questions and provide a framework which helps us to understand.  The Jews, who had doctrines also, recognized that God gave many prophets to Israel.  It is, after all, a chosen nation, created by God.   Therefore (beware of the "therefores"), they had concluded that other people (the Gentiles) must be (with rare exceptions) excluded.  Even if your Church is wonderful, it is not the whole Church.  We NEED to receive others who are also in Christ.  The differences between us will help us to learn and will teach us to love.

Verse 46.  "For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God.  Then Peter answered,"

As mentioned elsewhere, my next door neighbor in Mesa, Arizona, had very different doctrinal beliefs from mine.  Some of his beliefs went into areas where I just could not go.  My tendency was to reject him, on the ground that I was right and he was wrong!  How could he be a Christian with such beliefs?  But Orville Scoby, from Alberta, Canada, and I, first became acquainted and then we were true friends, until his death just a few months ago.

I gradually learned that he loved our Jesus just as much as I do; perhaps more.  I learned that the doctrines which divided us were external to our trust in God, though I did not think so at first.  I did not adopt his doctrines (nor he mine) but I did learn a lot about love.  The Gentiles in this verse received the same experience in the Holy Spirit as the Jewish Christians did in Acts 2:4.  We can be as different as Jews and Gentiles, and also be ONE in Him.

Verse 47.  "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?"

Peter had received many surprises in the past few years and was no doubt amazed like the other Jewish believers who were with him (verse 45).  He had received some preparation from an angel in a vision (verses 9-16) and was therefore able to respond.   There were no objections in relation to his question, "Does anybody object to baptizing them?"

Water baptism is an expression of our faith in Christ.  The young Christian may have few verbal tools to demonstrate trust in Him, and baptism is an excellent vehicle for that purpose.  Baptism also speaks to the one being baptized, that something serious and wonderful has occurred here – I am no longer to live for myself, in fact, I have died to this world, that I might come alive in another.  Cornelius and the others were so obviously changed by Christ, that baptism was now the obvious next step for them.

Verse 48.  "And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.   Then they asked him to stay on for a few days."

And so they were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ.  To us this may seem like just another Chapter in the Book of Acts, but we should not miss the importance of this event in the history of the Church.  God loves and accepts ALL people. Individually and from a human perspective, we are quite different.  Tall or short, dark or blond, intelligent or not, we DIFFER from one another.  How could God make it so that we ALL have equal access to him?

Through faith!  Anyone can turn to God with the faith of a child.  Jesus said "unless you are converted and become as little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).  Give up striving and turn your heart over to Him, in simple trust and surrender.  Peter and the others stayed on for a few days.  Jesus Christ, when you invite Him in, will remain with you, all of your life, and throughout all eternity.

Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org
Ron@fridaystudy.org