There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
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.
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine 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 lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
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.
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:
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.
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.
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
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.
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
And the morrow after they entered into Cesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
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.
And he said unto them, Ye 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 hath shewed 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 ye have sent for me?
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, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
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 feareth him, and worketh 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, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, 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 shewed 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 believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
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?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10 marks a pivotal moment in the early church, revealing God's heart for all people, regardless of their background. It's a powerful chapter demonstrating that the gospel isn't just for one group but is intended to break down barriers and unite people from every nation under the banner of Jesus Christ. This chapter truly embodies the commission Jesus gave in Acts 1:8, to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Cornelius: A God-Fearing Gentile
Acts 10:1-8 introduces us to Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea Maritima. Luke carefully paints a picture of Cornelius as a "God-fearer," a Gentile who believed in the God of Israel, though he hadn't fully converted to Judaism through circumcision. He was known for his devout prayers and generous acts of charity toward the Jewish people. God noticed Cornelius's sincere devotion. An angel appeared to him in a vision, commending his prayers and almsgiving, and instructing him to send for Peter, who was in Joppa. Imagine the impact of such a heavenly encounter! Cornelius, without hesitation, dispatched messengers to find Peter.
Peter's Vision: Redefining "Clean" and "Unclean"
Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter was staying at the house of Simon the tanner. While waiting for lunch, Peter went up to the rooftop to pray (Acts 10:9-16). He fell into a trance and saw a vision of a large sheet descending from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, including those considered "unclean" according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice commanded Peter to kill and eat, but Peter, a faithful Jew who had always observed these laws (see Leviticus 11:1-47), refused. The voice then declared, "What God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:15). This vision repeated itself three times, reinforcing its importance before the sheet was taken back to heaven.
This wasn't just about food; it was a symbolic message about people. While Jesus had already declared all foods clean during his ministry (Mark 7:19), Peter, like many Jewish believers, still struggled with the idea of associating with Gentiles. God was preparing Peter to break down the racial and cultural barriers that separated Jews and Gentiles.
The Spirit's Guidance and Peter's Obedience
As Peter pondered the meaning of the vision (Acts 10:17-23), the men sent by Cornelius arrived. The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter, urging him to go with them without hesitation. The messengers explained that Cornelius had received a divine command from a holy angel to summon Peter so that he could hear a message from him (Acts 10:22). Peter, recognizing the hand of God, welcomed the men and agreed to accompany them the next day.
Peter's Arrival and Cornelius's Reverence
Upon arriving in Caesarea (Acts 10:24-29), Peter found Cornelius eagerly awaiting him, surrounded by his relatives and friends. Overwhelmed, Cornelius fell at Peter's feet to worship him, but Peter quickly stopped him, saying, "Stand up; I too am just a man" (Acts 10:26). Peter then addressed the gathering, acknowledging the Jewish custom of avoiding association with Gentiles. However, he explained that God had shown him that he should not call any person impure or unclean, which is why he came without objection. Peter's willingness to enter a Gentile's home was a significant step, a direct result of his obedience to God's revelation.
The Gospel Proclaimed: God Shows No Favoritism
Cornelius then recounted his vision and explained that they were all gathered in God's presence to hear what the Lord had commanded Peter to share (Acts 10:30-33). Peter began by declaring, "Now I truly understand that God doesn't show favoritism" (Acts 10:34). He understood that no ethnic or racial group held a superior position or received preferential treatment from God. God accepts all who come to Him on His terms. Peter then proceeded to share the gospel message, beginning with John the Baptist's ministry and culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36-43). He emphasized that Jesus is Lord of all and that forgiveness of sins is available to everyone who believes in Him. Peter affirmed that all the prophets bore witness that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
The Gentile Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Falls
While Peter was still speaking (Acts 10:44-48), the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening – Gentiles! The Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were astonished because they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God, just as they themselves had done on the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1-11). This outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles was undeniable proof that God was extending salvation to all nations. Recognizing that these new believers had received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had, Peter asked, "Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, since they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" (Acts 10:47). He then commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. This event was a "Gentile Pentecost," a powerful demonstration that Jews and Gentiles were being brought together into one family of God.
Implications for Today
Acts 10 is not just a historical account; it's a timeless reminder that God's love extends to all people. This chapter challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases and to embrace the truth that all people are created equal in God's eyes (Acts 17:26). It calls us to break down barriers and build bridges, to see people as God sees them. Just as God sovereignly orchestrated events to bring Peter and Cornelius together, He continues to work in our lives to connect us with people from different backgrounds so that we can share the good news of Jesus Christ. We are called to live, work, and worship together under His banner, representing His kingdom above all else.
There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
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.
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine 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 lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
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.
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:
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.
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.
And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
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.
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
And the morrow after they entered into Cesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
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.
And he said unto them, Ye 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 hath shewed 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 ye have sent for me?
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, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
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 feareth him, and worketh 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, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, 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 shewed 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 believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
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?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10 marks a pivotal moment in the early church, revealing God's heart for all people, regardless of their background. It's a powerful chapter demonstrating that the gospel isn't just for one group but is intended to break down barriers and unite people from every nation under the banner of Jesus Christ. This chapter truly embodies the commission Jesus gave in Acts 1:8, to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Cornelius: A God-Fearing Gentile
Acts 10:1-8 introduces us to Cornelius, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea Maritima. Luke carefully paints a picture of Cornelius as a "God-fearer," a Gentile who believed in the God of Israel, though he hadn't fully converted to Judaism through circumcision. He was known for his devout prayers and generous acts of charity toward the Jewish people. God noticed Cornelius's sincere devotion. An angel appeared to him in a vision, commending his prayers and almsgiving, and instructing him to send for Peter, who was in Joppa. Imagine the impact of such a heavenly encounter! Cornelius, without hesitation, dispatched messengers to find Peter.
Peter's Vision: Redefining "Clean" and "Unclean"
Meanwhile, in Joppa, Peter was staying at the house of Simon the tanner. While waiting for lunch, Peter went up to the rooftop to pray (Acts 10:9-16). He fell into a trance and saw a vision of a large sheet descending from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, including those considered "unclean" according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice commanded Peter to kill and eat, but Peter, a faithful Jew who had always observed these laws (see Leviticus 11:1-47), refused. The voice then declared, "What God has made clean, do not call common" (Acts 10:15). This vision repeated itself three times, reinforcing its importance before the sheet was taken back to heaven.
This wasn't just about food; it was a symbolic message about people. While Jesus had already declared all foods clean during his ministry (Mark 7:19), Peter, like many Jewish believers, still struggled with the idea of associating with Gentiles. God was preparing Peter to break down the racial and cultural barriers that separated Jews and Gentiles.
The Spirit's Guidance and Peter's Obedience
As Peter pondered the meaning of the vision (Acts 10:17-23), the men sent by Cornelius arrived. The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter, urging him to go with them without hesitation. The messengers explained that Cornelius had received a divine command from a holy angel to summon Peter so that he could hear a message from him (Acts 10:22). Peter, recognizing the hand of God, welcomed the men and agreed to accompany them the next day.
Peter's Arrival and Cornelius's Reverence
Upon arriving in Caesarea (Acts 10:24-29), Peter found Cornelius eagerly awaiting him, surrounded by his relatives and friends. Overwhelmed, Cornelius fell at Peter's feet to worship him, but Peter quickly stopped him, saying, "Stand up; I too am just a man" (Acts 10:26). Peter then addressed the gathering, acknowledging the Jewish custom of avoiding association with Gentiles. However, he explained that God had shown him that he should not call any person impure or unclean, which is why he came without objection. Peter's willingness to enter a Gentile's home was a significant step, a direct result of his obedience to God's revelation.
The Gospel Proclaimed: God Shows No Favoritism
Cornelius then recounted his vision and explained that they were all gathered in God's presence to hear what the Lord had commanded Peter to share (Acts 10:30-33). Peter began by declaring, "Now I truly understand that God doesn't show favoritism" (Acts 10:34). He understood that no ethnic or racial group held a superior position or received preferential treatment from God. God accepts all who come to Him on His terms. Peter then proceeded to share the gospel message, beginning with John the Baptist's ministry and culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36-43). He emphasized that Jesus is Lord of all and that forgiveness of sins is available to everyone who believes in Him. Peter affirmed that all the prophets bore witness that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
The Gentile Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Falls
While Peter was still speaking (Acts 10:44-48), the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening – Gentiles! The Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were astonished because they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God, just as they themselves had done on the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1-11). This outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles was undeniable proof that God was extending salvation to all nations. Recognizing that these new believers had received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had, Peter asked, "Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, since they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" (Acts 10:47). He then commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. This event was a "Gentile Pentecost," a powerful demonstration that Jews and Gentiles were being brought together into one family of God.
Implications for Today
Acts 10 is not just a historical account; it's a timeless reminder that God's love extends to all people. This chapter challenges us to examine our own prejudices and biases and to embrace the truth that all people are created equal in God's eyes (Acts 17:26). It calls us to break down barriers and build bridges, to see people as God sees them. Just as God sovereignly orchestrated events to bring Peter and Cornelius together, He continues to work in our lives to connect us with people from different backgrounds so that we can share the good news of Jesus Christ. We are called to live, work, and worship together under His banner, representing His kingdom above all else.