ACTS SERIES: GOD SHOWS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS CHAPTER 10

The story in Acts 10 of Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian band, takes place approximately ten years after Pentecost. The scriptures revealed that Cornelius was a man of prayer who feared God and was charitable to those in need. Additionally, Cornelius had a significant influence on his family to also be God-fearing.

One day, around 3 pm, he was frightened when he had a vision of an angel coming to him and he said, “What is it, Lord?” The angel told him that God looked favorably on his prayers and charitable giving, and he was to send it to Joppa for Peter, who would instruct him on what to do. So, after giving them details of what happened, Cornelius sent two of his household servants and a devoted soldier 33 miles south of Caesarea to Peter, who was lodging in Joppa in the home of Simon the Tanner.

On the following day, around noon, as the three men came near to Joppa, Peter, who went to the house top to pray, became hungry. While waiting for his meal to be prepared, he fell into a trance and saw the heaven open with a vast sheet filled with every kind of four-footed beasts, wild animals, creeping things, and birds in it being lowered to the ground. Next, a voice said, “Rise, Peter; kill, and eat” but Peter, knowing the Levitical law, refused. Again, he was instructed to eat and told, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common,” but Peter remained hesitant. After this was done three times, the sheet was raised back into the heavens.

While Peter was confused about the trance he experienced, the three men arrived at Simon’s house and, standing at the gate, inquired about Peter. Having been informed by the Holy Spirit of their arrival, Peter went and conversed with them. The men told Peter about Cornelius and their errand. Peter invited the men into the home, fed and lodged them for the night. In the morning, Peter, along with six brethren, accompanied them back to Cornelius’s house, where Cornelius had gathered his family and friends.

When they arrived at the home, Cornelius bowed down and worshipped Peter, who stopped him by saying, “Stand up; I myself also am a man.” Upon entering Cornelius’s home and seeing the gathering, Peter shared that God had shown him not to call any man common or unclean; therefore, he obeyed God’s directive to go to Cornelius.

In turn, Cornelius shared his angelic experience and instructions he had four days ago, which he followed. Then Peter, perceiving God was no respecter of persons, shared the ministry of Jesus, His death and resurrection, appearance to His followers, and salvation to whosoever believed.

To the astonishment of the brethren that accompanied Peter while he was talking, Cornelius and those gathered were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Responding to what occurred Peter said, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”

Happily, this chapter ends with those gathered in Cornelius’ house being baptized and Cornelius asking Peter to stay with them for a few more days. As I have in previous blogs, I close with nuggets that I have gathered from this chapter:

God hears the prayers and recognizes the charitable actions of people who fear Him.

Your righteous character should be displayed to others.

Strive to know more of God.

Sometimes, God speaks to individuals by visions.

When you receive divine direction, act on it.

Pray throughout the day.

God accepts both Jews and Gentiles: He is not a bigot.

Recognize those whom God has sent to you

Following God’s instructions can lead to the salvation of many.

Worship should only be directed to God.

Impart the knowledge God has given you to others.

Bring people to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The infilling of the Holy Spirit can happen in various ways.

Some people receive the Holy Spirit before water baptism.

The Kingdom of God is designed to include people of all nationalities.