Imagine being a devout man, Cornelius, who receives a life-changing message from an angel. This remarkable vision not only transforms his life but also sets the stage for an extraordinary encounter with Peter, a leading figure in the early church.
The Reading: Acts 10
World English Bible1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
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2 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God.
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3 At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
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4 He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God.
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5 Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter.
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6 He lodges with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside.
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7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually.
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8 Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
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9 Now on the next day as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon.
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10 He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance.
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11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth,
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12 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.
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13 A voice came to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat!”
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14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
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15 A voice came to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.”
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16 This was done three times, and immediately the vessel was received up into heaven.
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17 Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,
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18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was lodging there.
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19 While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men seek you.
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20 But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
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21 Peter went down to the men, and said, “Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?”
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22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.”
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23 So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
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24 On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends.
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25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him.
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26 But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.”
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27 As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together.
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28 He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean.
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29 Therefore also I came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?”
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30 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,
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31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.
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32 Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He lodges in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
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33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.”
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34 Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism;
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35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
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36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all—
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37 you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
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38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
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39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree.
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40 God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed,
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41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
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42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.
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43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”
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44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.
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45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles.
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46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered,
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47 “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.”
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48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
A Devout Man's Vision
In Caesarea, there lived a centurion named Cornelius. He was known for his piety and generosity, often praying and giving to the needy. One day, around three o'clock in the afternoon, he had a vision of an angel who called his name, delivering a divine message: his prayers and good deeds had been noticed by God. The angel instructed him to send for a man named Peter, who was staying in Joppa.
Peter's Revelation
Meanwhile, Peter was up on a rooftop praying when he fell into a trance. In this dream, he saw a large sheet descending from heaven filled with various animals, and a voice urged him to rise, kill, and eat. Peter hesitated, insisting he had never consumed anything unclean. But the voice replied, "What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean." This vision happened three times, leaving Peter perplexed about its meaning.
A Divine Meeting
As he pondered, Cornelius' messengers arrived, searching for Peter. The Spirit prompted Peter to go with them without hesitation. When he arrived at Cornelius' home, he was greeted with great reverence, yet he reminded Cornelius that he was just a man, not to be worshiped. Cornelius shared his own vision and invited Peter to speak.
The Good News for All
Peter opened by acknowledging that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear Him. He proclaimed the good news about Jesus Christ - His life, death, and resurrection - emphasizing that forgiveness of sins comes through faith in Him. As Peter preached, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who listened, astonishing those who accompanied him because now even Gentiles were receiving the Spirit. Peter then commanded them to be baptized, marking a significant moment of inclusion in the early church.
Why It Matters
Breaking Barriers
Acts 10 teaches us that God's love and acceptance extend beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. Cornelius, a Gentile, was embraced by God, showing us that faith knows no barriers.
Listening to the Divine
Both Cornelius and Peter were responsive to God's call. Their willingness to act on divine guidance can inspire us to seek and listen for God's direction in our lives. This chapter invites us to remain open to unexpected encounters and opportunities for sharing faith.
Inclusivity in Faith
The inclusion of Gentiles in the early church is a powerful reminder of the universal nature of the Christian message. It challenges us to embrace diversity within our communities. If you're looking for a church that reflects this inclusivity, you can find a church near you through Sancta.
Transformation through Faith
This chapter illustrates that real transformation occurs when people respond to God's prompting. It encourages us to be bold in sharing our faith with others, knowing that God can work through our actions to bring about amazing change.
Coming Up Next: Acts 11
In the next part of the journey, Acts 11, we see how Peter defends his actions before the church in Jerusalem. What will be the reaction to this groundbreaking inclusion? Stay tuned!