Peter’s Amazing Encounter with Cornelius’ Household

Acts 10:24-48     

In our lesson today, I was so impressed with the Lord’s sovereign movement in the affairs of men!  God used the visions of both Cornelius, a Roman centurion of Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea, and Simon Peter, a leading apostle of Jesus Christ, to set the stage for the Gospel to be shared in the household of Cornelius.

In verses 24-29, we are given the account of Peter’s arrival to Cornelius’ house.  Cornelius, a Gentile, had a large influence on his family and friends.  Peter finally meets Cornelius and Cornelius must have felt that Peter was very important, for verse 25 states that Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet and worshipped him.  However, Peter being very straightforward, responded to Cornelius in this manner – “But Peter took him up, Saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man” (v. 26).

After going into Cornelius’ house, Peter related that he understood well what his vision of the sheet meant: God had instructed him not to call any man unclean (v. 28)!  It is also a great lesson for us in this dispensation of grace.  We are all sinners and we are all savable.  We are only saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).  In answer to Peter’s question as to why he was called from Joppa to Cornelius’ house in Caesarea (v. 29), Cornelius rehearsed his encounter that he had with an angel (vv. 30-33).  In his vision, he was instructed by an angel to send for Peter who was lodging in the house of Simon by the seaside.  Cornelius was definitely obedient to what was asked of him and now his household will be the recipients of Peter’s message to them (v. 33).

After Cornelius’ rehearsal of his vision, we note that Peter will present his message to Cornelius’ household (vv. 34-43).  In sharing the general life of Christ, Peter’s main focus was the Gospel, telling the household of Cornelius that Jesus died and was raised the third day (vv. 39-40).  He went on to stress that those who believe the message, God would grant remission of sins (v. 43).

In verses 44-48, we see Peter’s astonishment of God’s work of salvation among the Gentiles.  This incident is call the Gentile Pentecost!  Peter was astonished that the Gentiles should receive the Holy Spirit.  The evidence of the Holy Spirit was seen by their speaking in tongues.

The tongues were evidence to Peter and his company that God would save the Gentiles and give to them the Holy Spirit just like He did to the Jews at Pentecost!  This incident teaches a great lesson:  any man or woman who places his or her faith in the finished work of Christ is saved and therefore is justified before God, for Romans 5:1 states: “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Finally, it is to be noted that after these Gentiles were saved, they were baptized in water (Vv. 47-48)

May God Bless!