‏ Acts 10

The Case of Cornelius

This passage marks the beginning of the gospel being preached intentionally to the Gentiles. It is a pivotal moment in the history of the church, as those who were once considered outsiders are invited to become part of God’s family. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is the first Gentile to receive the gospel in this way. The story demonstrates God’s acceptance of all people and the importance of obedience to his calling (Ephesians 3:3,6; 1 Timothy 3:16 ^a).

v. 1: Cornelius was a centurion in the Roman army, stationed in Caesarea, an important city built by Herod the Great. Cornelius served in the "Italian band," a group of Roman soldiers, likely chosen for their loyalty. As a centurion, he was a man of rank and authority. When God chose a Gentile to be the first to receive the gospel, it was not a philosopher or a priest, but a soldier—someone known for discipline and action. This also would have been a shock to the Jews, as the Roman army was seen as a symbol of oppression (Matthew 8:10 ^b).

v. 2: Cornelius is described as a devout and God-fearing man. He worshipped the one true God and lived a moral life, avoiding the idolatry common among Gentiles. He also led his household in serving God, showing his commitment to family and faith. Cornelius was generous, giving alms to the Jewish people, and he was faithful in prayer. His life combined piety and charity, demonstrating that true faith shows itself in both worship and loving actions (Isaiah 58:6-7; Luke 11:41 ^c).

v. 3–4: One afternoon, during his time of prayer, Cornelius had a vision of an angel. The angel called him by name, showing that God knew him personally. Though Cornelius was afraid, he responded, What is it, Lord?, showing his willingness to listen and obey. The angel told him that his prayers and alms had come up as a memorial before God, meaning that God had recognized and remembered his devotion. Cornelius’ actions pleased God, but there was still more for him to do.

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v. 5–6: The angel instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa to find Peter, who was staying at the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. Peter would tell Cornelius what he needed to do next. This shows that even though Cornelius was a godly man, he still needed to hear the message of Jesus Christ in order to fully understand God’s plan of salvation. Interestingly, the angel did not share the gospel with Cornelius directly but directed him to Peter, emphasizing the importance of the gospel ministry and human messengers (Ephesians 3:8; Hebrews 2:5 ^d).

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v. 7–8: Cornelius obeyed immediately. He sent two of his household servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to find Peter. Cornelius shared the details of his vision with them, showing that he trusted them and wanted them to understand the importance of their mission. Cornelius’ quick obedience and inclusion of his household reflect his strong faith and leadership (Psalm 101:6; Matthew 8:9 ^e).

This story highlights several important truths. First, God is aware of those who sincerely seek him, no matter their background. Second, devotion to God involves both worship and love for others. Third, God often uses people to share his message, even when extraordinary means like visions are involved. Finally, obedience to God’s instructions leads to greater understanding and blessings. Cornelius’ faith and actions prepared the way for the gospel to reach the Gentiles and demonstrated that God’s plan includes all people.

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Peter's Vision

This passage tells how God prepared Peter to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Even though the Old Testament spoke of God’s plan to include all nations, the Jewish people—including Peter—still found it hard to accept Gentiles as equals. God gave Peter a vision to help him understand that the message of Jesus was for everyone, not just Jews. This vision would remove the barrier between Jews and Gentiles and open the way for the gospel to reach the whole world (Ephesians 3:6 ^f).

v. 9: As the men sent by Cornelius were approaching the city, Peter went up on the rooftop to pray around noon. He often prayed in secret, following David’s example of praying morning, noon, and night (Psalm 55:17 ^g). The rooftop was private and quiet, making it a good place for prayer.

v. 10: While Peter waited for his meal, he became very hungry. As he was about to eat, he fell into a trance. God used Peter’s hunger as a way to teach him something important about food and people.

v. 11–12: Peter saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet coming down to earth. Inside the sheet were all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish law. This vision showed that God was about to change the old rules and bring people of every nation together in the church (Colossians 3:11 ^h).

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v. 13: A voice from heaven said, Rise, Peter, kill and eat. This was a command for Peter to eat any of the animals, without worrying about Jewish food laws. It was a sign that the old divisions between clean and unclean were being removed (Acts 10:13 ⁱ).

v. 14: Peter refused, saying, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. He was careful to follow God’s law and had never broken the rules about food, even though he was hungry.

v. 15: The voice spoke again, saying, What God has cleansed, do not call common. God was teaching Peter that he had the authority to change the rules, and that now, through Jesus, all people could be accepted by God (Acts 10:15 ^j).

v. 16: This vision happened three times to make sure Peter understood it was important and true. After the third time, the sheet was taken back up into heaven. Repeating the vision showed that it was certain and came from God.

v. 17–18: While Peter was still thinking about what the vision meant, the men sent by Cornelius arrived at the house and asked if Peter was staying there. God arranged for the vision and the visitors to happen at the same time, so Peter could understand that the message was about accepting Gentiles, not just about food (John 13:7 ^k).

This story teaches that God’s love and salvation are for all people. Through the vision, Peter learned to let go of old boundaries and welcome anyone whom God accepts. It also shows how God uses prayer, visions, and perfect timing to guide his people into new understanding and obedience.

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Peter Called to the Gentiles

This section describes how God prepared Peter to bring the gospel to people who were not Jews. Peter had a vision that made him question old ideas about clean and unclean things. While he was thinking about the meaning of the vision, visitors arrived from Cornelius, a Roman centurion. God used these events to show Peter that the message of Jesus was for everyone, not just for Jews.

v. 19–20: While Peter was still thinking about the vision he had just seen, the Spirit spoke to him. The Spirit told him that three men were looking for him, and he should go with them without hesitation, because God had sent them. This teaches us that God sometimes uses surprising events to guide us, and we should be willing to follow his direction, even if we do not fully understand it at first.

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v. 21–22: Peter went down to the men and asked why they had come. They explained that Cornelius, a centurion and a righteous man who feared God, had been told by a holy angel to send for Peter and listen to his message. This shows that God can work in the hearts of people from all nations, and that he sometimes uses messengers or visions to bring people together so they can learn about Jesus.

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v. 23: Peter invited the men in to be his guests. The next day, he went with them, along with some of the believers from Joppa. This act of hospitality was important because, as a Jew, Peter would not usually invite Gentiles (non-Jews) into his home. But now, he was beginning to understand that God’s love is for everyone. God was teaching Peter to break down barriers and welcome all people who seek him.

v. 24–29: The following day, they arrived at Caesarea, where Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends to hear Peter. When Peter entered, Cornelius tried to worship him, but Peter stopped him, saying, “I am only a man myself.” Peter realized that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right. Peter explained that God had shown him not to call any person common or unclean, and he was ready to share God’s message with them. This marks a turning point in the early church, where the gospel began to spread beyond the Jews to all people.

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Peter Preaches Christ to Cornelius and the Gentiles

This section records Peter’s sermon to Cornelius and his household. It marks a turning point in Christian history: Peter realizes that God accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. The gospel is now clearly being offered to the Gentiles, not just to Jews. Peter presents the good news about Jesus, the peace He brings, and the forgiveness He offers to all who believe in Him.

v. 34–35: Peter begins by saying that he now truly understands that God does not show favoritism. Instead, anyone from any nation who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to Him. This means that God’s love and salvation are not limited to one group or nationality, but are for everyone who turns to Him.

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v. 36: Peter explains that God sent His message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Jesus came to bring peace between God and people, and He is Lord over everyone, not just the Jews.

v. 37–38: Peter reminds them that they have heard about what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after John the Baptist started preaching. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. Jesus was filled with God’s power and compassion.

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v. 39–41: Peter and the other apostles were witnesses of everything Jesus did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree (the cross). But God raised Him from the dead on the third day and allowed Him to be seen—not by everyone, but by witnesses chosen by God, including Peter and others who ate and drank with Jesus after He rose from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection is a real, historical event, confirmed by eyewitnesses.

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v. 42–43: Jesus commanded Peter and the other apostles to preach to the people and testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets in the Old Testament had pointed to Him, saying that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name. Faith in Jesus is the only way to have our sins forgiven and to be accepted by God.

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The Effect of Peter's Sermon

This passage describes the remarkable results of Peter's sermon to Cornelius and his household. God confirmed the message through a miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating that the gospel was now open to Gentiles as well as Jews. This was a pivotal moment in the expansion of the early church.

v. 44: As Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. This was a clear sign from God that he was accepting these Gentiles and pouring out his Spirit on them, just as he had done for the Jewish believers at Pentecost. The timing showed that it was God's power accompanying Peter's words, not just Peter's own eloquence.

v. 45–46: The Jewish believers who had accompanied Peter were astonished to see the Holy Spirit poured out on the Gentiles. They had not expected God to accept the Gentiles in this way, without first becoming Jews through circumcision. But the Gentiles began speaking in tongues and praising God, just as the Jewish believers had done. This was undeniable evidence that God was working in them.

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v. 47: Seeing this, Peter declared that there was no reason to withhold water baptism from these new believers. If God had accepted them and given them the Holy Spirit, they should be welcomed into the church through baptism. Peter recognized that the outward sign should follow the inward work of God's grace.

v. 48: Peter did not baptize them himself, but commanded them to be baptized. As an apostle, he had the authority to administer this rite, but he chose to delegate it to others. This may have been to avoid any sense of his own importance or of baptizing in his own name, as Paul later explained (1 Corinthians 1:15 ^l).

The Gentiles' response showed their eagerness to learn more from Peter. They asked him to stay with them for several more days, demonstrating their desire to grow in their new-found faith. This willingness to receive further instruction is a good example for all new believers.

This account is a significant milestone in the spread of the gospel. God's acceptance of the Gentiles, confirmed by the outpouring of the Spirit, tore down the barriers that had previously separated Jews and Gentiles. It paved the way for the gospel to reach the entire world, as Jesus had commanded. The church was no longer just for the Jews, but for all who would believe in Christ.