Tuesday, June 3 – Acts 10, 11

1. Who was Cornelius? (Acts 10:1)

2. What was Peter’s response to the voice that said, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat”? (Acts 10:14)

3. Mention some characteristics of Barnabas. (Acts 11:24)

Cornelius was a Roman centurion, devout, generous, and God-fearing. Although he was not Jewish, his faith was sincere. “His influence was a blessing to all who associated with him. Though a Roman, he was obedient to the divine requirements and bore a good reputation among the Jews. His work of charity and his righteous life made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles. The inspired record describes him as ‘a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.’” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 132.2)

Although he believed in the prophecies and anticipated the Messiah, Cornelius did not yet know the gospel of Christ. “He was not a member of the Jewish church, and would have been looked upon by the rabbis as a heathen and unclean. But he who ‘beholdeth all the sons of men’ (Psalm 33:13) read the sincerity of his heart, and sent a messenger from heaven to unite with him in doing a work whereby God should be glorified.” (AA, p. 133.1)

While Cornelius prayed, an angel called him by name. The angel said, “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” (Acts 10:4–6, AA, p. 133.2).

At the same time, Peter was praying in Joppa. “Upon the housetop Peter prayed and 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.” In it were all kinds of animals, and a voice said, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter replied, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” The voice replied, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” (Acts 10:11–15, AA, p. 134.1)

The vision focused not on food but on people. God was preparing Peter to accept the Gentiles as members of His people. When Cornelius’s men arrived, the Spirit told Peter, “Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:20)

Obeying the Spirit, Peter went to Caesarea. Cornelius had gathered relatives and friends to hear the gospel. Peter said, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” (Acts 10:34). As Peter preached, “the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.” Peter responded, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:44–47). “Thus was broken down the wall of partition which Jewish pride had erected, and which had so long shut out the Gentiles from the blessings of the gospel.” (AA, p. 136.2)

This event fulfilled ancient promises: “The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:3), and the promise to Abraham: “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3). Jesus had said, “Other sheep I have which are not of this fold” (John 10:16), and “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” (John 12:32)

Even good men like Cornelius need Jesus. “There are in our world many who are nearer the kingdom of God than we suppose. In this dark world of sin the Lord has many precious jewels, to whom He will guide His messengers.” (AA, p. 140.2)

Upon returning to Jerusalem, Peter was criticized for entering a Gentile’s home. However, after explaining what God had done, the believers exclaimed, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” (Acts 11:18). It was a powerful moment. “Thus, without controversy, prejudice was broken down, the exclusiveness established by custom was abandoned, and the way was opened for the gospel to be proclaimed to the Gentiles.” (AA, p. 141.1)

“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:24)

Have a blessed and prosperous day!