ACTS 10. DIVINE PROCLAMATION Peter took the first step of obedience to the heavenly vision by inviting the two household servants of Cornelius and the devout soldier to come in and stay with him overnight. That would have been an unprecedented action for a Jewish preacher to take up until that time. That kind of social interaction was not common among the Jews. Peter’s prejudice against the Gentiles, had already begun to soften as a result of the vision God sent and the word of God. It is one thing to hear a message from God and quite another to act upon it.
Peter and six other brothers in Christ went with the three messengers of Cornelius as a result of one man’s obedience to the word of God. When one acts on divine guidance with assurance that his action is in the will of God, beneficial results for others may come that far exceed anything we could imagine. The whole Gentile world was opened to the Gospel as a result of Peter acting on what God wanted. When God reveals something to us, and an action is required, do not hesitate but go forward in faith.
A very warm and respectful reception from Cornelius was given to Peter as he, a sincere seeker for God, realized God had actually answered his prayer. He even fell down at Peter's feet in respect and worshipped him, the sense of giving veneration to a person of great importance or deity. Peter quickly disclaimed any thought of him being a deity.
Before preaching the Gospel, Peter quickly dealt with the barrier that separated Jews from Gentiles. There is no difference with God because of nationality, station in life, identity, or material possessions. However, God does know the character of each person and judges their work. Cornelius already “worshipped God,” but that is not enough to make one acceptable to God. There must be personal faith in Christ as a sinless substitute.
Jesus, the Anointed One, v.38. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit.” Preaching peace through Jesus Christ. He is Lord of all,” was from God to Israel at first. Then the Spirit of God like a dove, lighted on Jesus when He was baptized. There was much evidence of the Lord Jesus being the One “God the Father sealed,” and who is the only One who can provide salvation for sinners. The Jews killed Him, and God raised Him from among the dead on the third day.
Jesus, the Compassionate One, v.38. “Went about doing good.” The poor had the Gospel preached to them. He was always blessing humble, seeking, needy people. He met needs of every kind, from healing the sick to calming the sea to feeding the hungry and comforting those who sorrowed. Divine goodness was in our compassionate Savior.
Jesus, the Mighty One, v.38. “Healing all that were oppressed.” Those who were held captive by sin and the results of sin were delivered from the power of the devil by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those whom the tight bonds of satanic power had left wounded and half-dead were rescued by the One who has “all authority in heaven and earth.”
Jesus, the Suffering One, v.39. “Whom they slew and hanged on a tree.” Our Lord Jesus submitted Himself to the death of the cross so that we could be redeemed and totally forgiven of our sins. He suffered, the Just One, for the unjust ones so that He could bring us to God. His suffering was for our sake and in our place as our substitute.
Jesus, the Risen One, v.40. “Him, God raised up on the third day and showed Him openly.” The agony caused by the last enemy, death, could not hold a sinless Person bound, nor His body in the grave. Jesus is the Son of God with power. He has the power to forgive sins. He had the power to lay down His life and take it again. He has the power to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him. He has the power to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before God. Because He lives, we shall live also.
Jesus, the Exalted One, v.42. “Ordained of God to be the Judge of the quick and dead.” Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Universal Judge before whom every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord. The Son of Man is fully qualified to judge humans because He was found in fashion as a man Himself. He lived among human beings and died the death of the cross before He was raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is exalted above every being, every authority, every kingdom, every power that has ever been.
Jesus, the Saving One, v.43. “Whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.” The door of salvation has been opened to all mankind because of the mercy and grace of the Lord. Gentiles and Jews alike can be saved while the door of salvation is open. A time is coming when that door will be shut. Peter’s message had a great effect on all who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ through his preaching. The whole group who had gathered in Cornelius’ house came into the good of God’s salvation when the door was opened to the Gentiles. One wonders if the evangelist Philip, came to Caesarea before or after this door had been opened. At a later time, the apostle Paul came to that city and stayed with Philip who had made his home there.
REACHING OUT