Acts 9:32-10:18 -- 5/6/07 P.M. (The Lord's Church)

Sunday Evening, May 6, 2007

Acts 9:32-10:48

Let’s begin by reading the rest of chapter 9.
32. And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints [there’s that term again, which means "the set apart ones"] which dwelt at Lydda. 33. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Our story returns to Peter now. And it is another case of miraculous healing. Notice especially the result of this healing in verse 35, "And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord." The man who was healed had the same kind of impact on the local people as the resurrected Lazarus had on the people of Bethany.

36. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

We move from the healing of Aeneas to an even greater physical miracle, the raising of Dorcas from the dead. But notice again the result – "and many believed in the Lord." That was the focus of Jesus’ miracles and that is the focus of the miracles we see in the book of Acts. They are performed for the glory of the Lord, and He is most glorified when people are converted and give Him all the glory.

Acts 10

Now we come to another very crucial event in the book of Acts, in the spread of the gospel. We will be dealing with the conversion of Cornelius and his household. But before we are ready for this story, we must be reminded again of the situation of that day. As we will see, Cornelius was a Gentile. He had never been circumcised; he was a Gentile; in the eyes of a Jew, he was unclean.

Come again to Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." We have seen the witness in Jerusalem, especially in chapters 2-5. Then in chapters 6-8, we watched that witness extend into Judaea and Samaria, noting especially how the Lord saved Samaritans through Philip’s preaching and then added them to His church when Peter and John came down. But there is one more step in this progression. Although the Jews tended to limit their vision to Israel, God’s had much larger perspective. The greatest part of the movement of the gospel was bound up with those words "unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Having the privilege of being able to look back, we know that it was God’s design to take the gospel beyond the borders of Judaism. Let’s read again his plan in Ephesians 2. I suspect that many of us learned to appreciate Eph. 2:1-10 long before we began to get hold of the second half of the chapter. In those first 10 verses, we see the wonderful miracle of God bringing salvation to people who were dead in their trespasses and sins and creating them in Christ Jesus unto God works. Praise God for that, but if we stop there, we haven’t begun to appreciate the mighty working of our Lord. Let’s read the rest in Eph. 2:11-22… [As we read, note the bold words and how they emphasize the oneness of Jew and Gentile. Take your time, for this is no small thing].
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13. But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Do you see the overwhelming emphasis on oneness of Jew and Gentile? And then finally, Paul says to the Gentiles, "In Christ you too are being built together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit." Talk about radical… that was radical!

That isn’t the end of what Paul has to say. In chapter 3, he speaks of a great mystery, a revealed secret. In verses 6-10, he identifies and expands on that mystery…
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel…… 9. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God…

He says that the heavenly beings will learn from the church the manifold wisdom of God. How can it be? What can the church teach heaven? That is how profound this union of Jews and Gentiles is. There is nothing more impossible in all the universe than for Jews and Gentiles to be reconciled together into one living body.

This is the part of the extension of the gospel that is yet to come, as we leave chapters 8 and 9. It is one thing to talk about Gentiles receiving the gospel, it is another thing to think about them becoming a part of the same family with the Jews.

Why was this such a difficult thing? It was because of the mutual hatred that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles. I want to read you a few paragraphs from a sermon by John MacArthur, which illustrate the great gulf between Jew and Gentile…
A strict Jew wouldn't allow himself to be a guest in a Gentile house, neither would he invite one to be a guest in his own home. A scribal law said that the dwelling places of Gentiles were unclean. The dirt from a Gentile country was also considered unclean. If anyone happened to track some Gentile dirt into Israel, the dirt remained defiled--it never mingled with Israel's soil; it just continually defiled the dirt of Israel. Consequently, whenever travelers left a Gentile country, they would always shake the dust off their feet, so they wouldn't bring Gentile pollution into Israel. When Jesus sent out the seventy to preach the gospel, He told them that if anyone didn't hear their words, they were to shake the dust off their feet (Mt. 10:14). In other words, they were to treat him as a Gentile.
The Jews viewed Gentiles as unclean, and that had great ramifications. For example, milk that was drawn from a cow by Gentile hands was not allowed to be consumed by Jews. Bread and oil prepared by a Gentile could be sold to a stranger, but could never be used by a Jew. No Jew would ever eat with a Gentile. If a Gentile was ever invited to a Jewish house, he couldn't be left in the room lest he defile all the food in the room. If cooking utensils were bought from a Gentile, they had to be purified by fire and water.
The Gentiles retaliated. They scorned the Jews. Circumcision, the Sabbath day rest, worship of an invisible God, abstinence from certain foods, and all other aspects of the Jewish life-style were points of mockery for the Gentiles.
Jews and Gentiles had been butting heads for centuries. Then came Christ, intending to make them one new man. In theory, that was an easy thing to accomplish, but it was a difficult thing for the Jew to practice… For God to turn the dichotomy of Jew and Gentile into unity, He needed to make some preparations. ("Salvation Reaches Out: The Salvation of the Gentiles—Part 1" by John MacArthur… www.biblebb.com/files/mac/sg1734.htm)

The Jews were especially proud of the law and their adherence to it. They stood firmly on that ground. In Romans 2:17-29 Paul essentially says, "The Jew thinks he is saved because of his nationality and his possession of the law. " They considered the Gentiles to be pagans; they had nothing but contempt for them. The years had only widened the gulf. Even with the birth of the church, it was very difficult for the first Christians (who were all Jews) to reach out to the Gentiles. That demanded special preparation from God. The exclusiveness that God had designed for Israel for the purpose of holiness had become perverted and developed into a matter of pride.
The Jews hated the Gentiles, and the Gentiles hated the Jews. Some Jews said that the Gentiles were created by God to be fuel for the fires of hell. If a Jewish boy married a Gentile girl, a funeral was held by his family. In return, the Gentiles looked on Jews as slave material--they persecuted, oppressed, and killed them. The Gentiles commonly said that the Jews were enemies of the human race. The contempt of the Gentile for the Jew is illustrated by Pilate's dripping sarcasm when he said, "Am I a Jew?. . . " (Jn. 18:35). You can sense the same sting of Gentile hate in the owners of the slave girl who was possessed by a spirit of divination (Ac. 16:16). When Paul and Silas came to Philippi and cast the demon out of her, her owners said, ". . . These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city" (v. 20). There was great hatred among the Gentiles for the Jews, as if they didn't even belong in the framework of humanity.
This deep disunity had existed long enough to present a real problem to the church. The Spirit of God had to shatter that kind of attitude before He could weld the church together into one body. ("Salvation Reaches Out: The Salvation of the Gentiles—Part 1" by John MacArthur… www.biblebb.com/files/mac/sg1735.htm)

This is why this section of Acts (10:1-11:18) is such a big deal. Could a man like Cornelius ever hope to be reconciled with Jews? If so, would he have to come through the door of circumcision? Let’s ask God to speak to us as we go through this section of Acts. PRAY.

This passage is very important in the book of Acts. It is here that we have for the first time the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. It is true that we have already seen the salvation of an individual Gentile in the person of the Ethiopian eunuch. But now, because this experience is closer to home and Peter is present, the church must deal with it. We might structure this passage as follows…
1. The preparation for Peter’s witness to the Gentiles (Peter at Joppa)……10:1-23a
2. The conversion of Cornelius and his household (Peter at Caesarea)……10:23b-48
3. The reception of Gentiles by the church (Peter at Jerusalem)…………. 11:1-18

1. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
… Cornelius introduced
… the vision described
… his response to the vision

In these first two verses we are introduced to Cornelius. He was a centurion. A centurion was a Roman officer who was in charge of 100 men. The soldiers Cornelius commanded were men from Italy, who had been stationed in Palestine at this time. It is interesting that the word "centurion" is found in the New Testament 20 times, and every single time the centurions are cast in a good light.

Verse 2 describes the character of Cornelius. He was a devout man who feared God. Along with all his family, he feared God and was devoted to Him. In addition to that, he "gave much alms to the people." As the NIV puts it, "He gave generously to those in need." And finally, he was a man of prayer.

Cornelius was a Gentile, but he feared the Lord God. Though he had not become a convert to Judaism (a Jewish proselyte), he was permitted to attend services at the synagogue. On the other hand, because he was still a Gentile and not circumcised, he was considered unclean by the Jews. Later, as we will read in chapter 13, Paul began his address in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch with these words: "Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience." He was speaking to two groups – Jews and Gentiles who feared God. Both were present in the synagogue.

3. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Here we have the description of the vision that came to Cornelius at the ninth hour, with is 3:00 p.m. This was a regular hour of prayer for the Jews, and apparently for Cornelius as well. An angel appeared to him, but it was in the form of a vision. But make no mistake, it was real enough that Cornelius was afraid. When he asked, "What is it, Lord?", the angel answered by telling Cornelius that the Lord was well aware of his prayers and alms, assuring him that they were a memorial before God. The only other place we find this word translated "memorial" is in Jesus’ statement about Mary, "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her" (Mk. 14:9).

Then the angel gave specific instructions to Cornelius, telling him to send to Joppa for Simon Peter. As the Lord gave specific instructions to Ananias about how to find Saul, so now the angel gives the same kind of directions to Cornelius. Joppa was about 30 miles south of Caesarea. Notice the assurance that he gives this god-fearing man: "He (that is, Peter) will tell you what to do."
7. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8. And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

May we truly be influenced by this simple attitude of obedience that we have seen again and again. As Ananias obeyed and went to Saul, so Cornelius takes the angel of the Lord at his word and immediately sends three men to find Peter in Joppa. These must have been trusted men, because we are told that he declared "all these things" to these messengers.

9. On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10. And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11. 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: 12. Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. 14. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

The Lord is preparing Cornelius, but He is also preparing Peter for what is to come. In fact, He has already been working on Peter. His acceptance of the despised Samaritans into the Lord’s church was no small thing. Remember that when Peter and John left that city, they shared the gospel in Samaritan cities on their way back to Jerusalem. And now he was staying in the home of a tanner named Simon. The Jewish despised tanners because they handled the bodies of dead animals. A good Jew wouldn’t have anything to do with such a man. Yet Peter was staying in his house. Nevertheless, for what God was going to tell Peter to do, more preparation was needed.

Now the scene shifts from Caesarea and Corneilus to Joppa, where Peter was staying. On the day following Cornelius’ vision, when his messengers are approaching Joppa, Peter has a vision of his own. The fact that it is about noon (the sixth hour) tells us that these messengers didn’t waste any time. They would make the 30 mile trip in less than 24 hours. If they were on horseback, they probably left early the next morning. If they were on foot, they must have traveled part of the way the evening before.

The noon hour was not a well-established hour of prayer, but we do find that David (Ps. 55:17) and Daniel (Dan. 6:10) were accustomed to praying at this time of day. It must have been a bit difficult to keep his mind on prayer this day, because he was extremely hungry. While they (the host family or servants) were getting the food ready, Peter fell into a trance. Regardless of how we take the term "trance," the fact is that the Lord was blessing Peter with a revelation from heaven.

This vision came in the form of something that looked like a sheet coming down from heaven. In this "sheet" were animals (literally, "quardrupeds), creeping things, and birds. It is not easy to identify "the creeping things." While a number of translations seem to have no trouble in identifying them as reptiles, that is rather questionable. This term is used many times in the Old Testament. As early as Gen. 1:24 and 26, the land creatures are divided into cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. While this might refer to reptiles, the reference to creeping things in Lev. 11 won’t allow for this designation, for there some of the creeping things are identified as locusts (Lev. 11:21-23). It would seem that "creeping things" is a rather broad designation, including reptiles, insects, and worms.

The key statement about the creatures in the sheet-like vessel is found in verse 12, "Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air." There were all kinds of living creatures before Peter, both clean and unclean. While some would maintain that there were only all kinds of clean animals set before Peter, the context will not bear that out. Peter’s objection would be that he had never eaten anything unclean.

Then a voice came to him, "Peter, rise, kill, and eat." We have already been told that Peter was hungry. So now the Lord tells him to kill something and eat it. Peter immediately objects. Why? "For I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." "Common" basically means "defiled." Peter objected that he had never eaten any unclean creature. All his life, he had gone out of his way to make sure that he hadn’t eaten anything unclean, and now he hears the Lord telling him to do so. The voice replied, "Don’t call ‘defiled" what I have cleansed." This whole thing was repeated three times, and then the sheet-like vessel with the animals was received back into heaven.

Now let’s suppose the Lord said to me, "Ron, I want you to have a beer." I believe I would be thinking, "But Lord, I have never tasted a drop of alcohol in my life. How can I do that?" Although that would be a strong sentiment in me, it would be nothing compared to what Saul was facing, because it was God Himself who had directly commanded the Jews not to eat certain animals.

Let’s take a moment to refresh our memory concerning the dietary laws of the Jewish people. Let’s read from Lev. 11:2-4…
These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.

In the following verses, the Lord continues to name certain animals they could not eat. Notice verse 10, "And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you." God made a clear division between the clean and unclean animals, and then He commanded His people not to eat any of these animals that were unclean.

So why did God divide animals into clean and unclean? Why did He not want His people to eat unclean animals? Sometimes people point to the issue of health. It is true that some animals are more prone to carry disease than other animals. In that day, epidemic diseases were a great threat, especially in light of the fact that the people of Israel lived in close proximity to one another. Remember that there over two million of them camping together in the desert. An epidemic could wipe them out. Was the Lord protecting them by telling them not to eat certain unclean animals, which might carry such diseases? There could be some truth in this idea that God was preserving them in this way. However, this was not the primary reason for the dietary laws. God could have protected them in other ways.

We find the primary reason for these dietary laws in the Word itself. Let’s read Lev. 20:25-26…
Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean, and between unclean fowls and clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable by beast, or by fowl, or by any manner of living thing that creepeth on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. 26. And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

God commanded them to make a distinction between clean and unclean animals to demonstrate that they were to be a separate people. This was a powerful object lesson. As they distinguished between clean and unclean animals, so God distinguished between His holy people and all other people. But it was more than a visible object lesson. It also had great practical value in maintaining their separateness from the Gentiles. Even in New Testament times, we find that sharing a meal was a symbol of fellowship together. In those times, eating together was the primary means of social interaction. When large groups would get together, they would have a feast. By commanding His people not to eat certain animals, the Lord provided a barrier against association with Gentiles. The Gentiles ate all kind of meat. Therefore, there was a great restriction on interaction between Jew and Gentile.

17. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18. And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that the timing is no accident. While the vision was fresh in his mind, the three messengers from Cornelius showed up. Even while they were asking for him at the gate of the house, the Spirit was telling him of their arrival. Not only was the timing more than coincidence, but also the number three. The vision with the clean and unclean animals was given three times, and now three men show up seeking Peter. While the word "three" is not used by Luke in relating the sending of the messengers, any first grader can take the "two" and the "one" of verse 7 and come up with the sum of "three." The vision was given three times to make sure that Peter didn’t miss the connection between the vision and the arrival of the three men.

Before Peter ever lays eyes on the men, the Spirit tells him, "Arise therefore, go downstairs, and go with these men without hesitation, because I have sent them." Without spelling out all the details at this point, let’s just say that the Lord has prepared the way for what is about to happen.

21. Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22. And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23. Then called he them in, and lodged them.

Notice that the messengers from Cornelius know the situation, because Cornelius told them. They are able to relate it to Peter very accurately, right down to the fact that their master is waiting to hear words from Peter. Though it was not proper for a Jew to have Gentiles stay in his house, Peter invited them in for the night.

23b. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

Cornelius was a man of faith. Don’t get the idea that one of his servants had called him on the cell and alerted him when they would be arriving. Cornelius had no way of knowing when they would be back. As a matter of fact, how could he be sure that Peter would even come?

Remember that Jews didn’t associate with Gentiles. This godly man put his trust in the Lord, who had told him to send for Peter and that Peter would tell him what he needed to do. Like Abraham, all he had to go on was the Word of God, but that Word was enough.

25. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

There is some question about the meaning of the word translated "worship" in this context. It is a bit difficult to understand why Cornelius, a devout God-fearing man, would bow down to a mere man. However, remember that the apostle John bowed down to worship an angel (Rev. 22:8). No doubt, Cornelius was overwhelmed with gratitude both for Peter and for God sending him. At any rate, Peter quickly got Cornelius to his feet, emphasizing that he was as much a man as his host.

27. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

Many had come together. Cornelius believed wholeheartedly that Peter was going to be able to tell him what he needed to do. We find out further information from Peter’s account in chapter 11, where we learn that the angel had actually spoken more specifically. Let’s read it in Acts 11:13-14, "And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14. Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." Cornelius was expecting to be told how to be saved. As he anticipated this good news for himself, he knew it would be good news for his family and friends. So he persuaded them to gather in anticipation.

While Peter does not relate the content of his own vision, he tells them the result of it. "You know that it is an unlawful thing for a Jew to associate with people from other nations, but God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean." Peter truly understood what the Lord was telling him. He now understood something of what God was doing. Peter understood that it was not only wrong for him to call animals clean when the Lord had cleansed them, but it was infinitely more inappropriate for him to call "any man common or unclean."

Before we go any farther, there is something with which we must deal. There are many today who teach that all the animals in the vessel were clean animals. Others acknowledge that the sheet included unclean animals, but they say that God didn’t really want Peter to eat the unclean animals. Why do they teach this? Because they are convinced that the Lord doesn’t want Christians to eat the animals that are designated "unclean" in the Old Testament. Since that is their belief, they must somehow get around the clear command given to Peter. These interpreters emphasize that this vision was to teach Peter that the Gentiles were not unclean, which is absolutely correct, but they deny that God wanted Peter or any other believer to eat unclean animals.

Surely the two go together. The original purpose for the designation of clean and unclean animals was for the distinction of the Jewish people. This is what kept them separate from the Gentiles, but it is no longer God’s design to separate Jew and Gentile. There is a new standard for holiness and separation, and it is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Surely this passage, as well as Mark 7:14-23 and I Tim. 4:3-4, help us to understand that the dietary laws of the old covenant have been fulfilled in Christ, as much as the animal sacrifices of the old covenant.
I stress this to some extent because there is quite a movement in our day to persuade Christians to go back to the dietary laws and the feasts of the old covenant. It is my understanding that one of the Christian television stations is really big on this, and we encounter it in other places. Let’s remember that Christ is our life. He is not a wall of partition, but He is our peace.

So after saying that the Lord had taught him not to call any man common or unclean, Peter asked again why he had called for him.

30. And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31. And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Cornelius retells the details of the vision again, but he did not answer Peter’s question at all. He simply tells him that the angel said Peter had something to tell them. Then Cornelius said, "Thank you so much for coming. Therefore, here we are, ready to hear the things that God has commanded you to speak. Say on, Peter."

Isn’t this beautiful! It has now been four days since Cornelius sent for Peter. Who knows how long they had been gathered in anticipation. I suspect they had been there for a while, because Cornelius definitely wanted to make sure they were all there when Peter arrived. He didn’t want to miss anything, and apparently he didn’t want any of his family and friends to miss anything either.

Peter is about to open his mouth, and he will indeed speak. Though Cornelius doesn’t answer his question about what to say, the Spirit of God does. Because Peter has come in obedience to the Lord, the Spirit fills his mouth with the words that Cornelius and those gathered with him need to hear.

34. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

We must pause right here for a moment. Peter said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Praise God that he now understood this truth. Peter couldn’t have said that a week before. The Jews did indeed think that God was a respecter of persons, that He was pretty much the God of the Jews. At least, if a person wanted to know God, he was required to become a Jew. That will be a burning issue in the early church. Because of the power of the vision back in Joppa, Peter understood. He could now see something of what God wanted to show him.

The words of verse 35 have led some to strange conclusions. Let’s read it again: "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable with him." Some have taken this to mean that Cornelius and his companions were already saved, because they feared God and did works of righteousness, such as praying and giving alms. But remember, we must always read the context. If that were the case, then why would Peter have gone on to proclaim the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus? We could look at several reasons, why it doesn’t meat that, but let’s talk about what it does mean.

Compare it with Acts 10:28, "And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." We must call no one unclean, regardless of what nation, ethnic group, etc. he or she is from. But verse 35 says something different. Peter says that in every nation the person that fears God and does righteousness is acceptable with God. Note the contrast. In verse 28, we see that there is absolute no one who can be considered unclean. Every person is a candidate for the gospel of Christ. But here, we see that within that larger group of everyone there are some in every nation who fear God and do righteousness. Not everyone, but some.

So what is true of these in every nation that fear God and do righteousness? That are acceptable to God. That doesn’t mean that they are saved, redeemed, etc., but they are acceptable. Cornelius represents those in every nation who are seeking God in an extraordinary way. This was true of Cornelius. He was fasting and praying, demonstrating his fear of God. He was giving to the needy, demonstrating that he was doing righteousness. God accepts that kind of seeking. And for His part, God goes overboard to get the gospel to such people. Isn’t that what He did for Cornelius? He told Cornelius exactly what to do. And then he prepared a preacher to bring him the gospel. That took some doing, but God did it.

What an encouragement this should be for the seeker. Remember the promise, "You shall seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart" (Jer. 29:13). Here is a powerful example of that promise being fulfilled. God will do the same for anyone in any nation who seeks Him in that way.

It is also an encouragement for those of us who know Christ and seek to make Him known. There are people who are seeking. They may not be coming out of the woodwork, but they are there. Remember that Peter also was praying. As we pray and seek the Lord, will He not lead us to those who are seeking Him? Surely He will.

36. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37. That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40. Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; 41. Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter preached the same gospel to Cornelius that he preached to the Jews on the Day of Pentecost, although there are variations in the details. It was all about Jesus of Nazareth, who manifested God’s glory and power on the earth, who was crucified, and who rose again on the third day. Notice particularly the emphasis on the testimony of the apostles ("witness" in verse 39 and again in 41). They bore witness to all the things Jesus did while He walked on earth, and they bore witness to the truth that He rose from the dead. In accordance with the command of that risen Christ, the apostles preached to the people and testified that this Jesus is the One whom God appointed to be Judge of both the living and the dead.

Look at the very last words that Peter spoke: "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission [forgiveness] of sins" (vs. 43). While God appointed Jesus as Judge, that isn’t the end of the story. God sent Jesus that forgiveness might be found through Him. Jesus Himself had said, "…the Son of man hath authority on earth to forgive sins" (Mk. 2:10). And to this, says Peter, all the prophets agree.

Let’s take a minute to look at verse 38, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." Isn’t this an interesting summary of the work of Jesus our Lord? He went about doing good. Who could argue with that? "AND healing all that were oppressed by the devil."

Does this verse have anything to say to us? Could that be a valid description of the ministry to which God has called us – going about doing good and healing all that are oppressed of the devil? Do you know anyone oppressed by the devil? The Greek word here translated "oppressed" literally means "to exercise harsh control over one, to use one’s power against nother" (Thayer). It is a compound made up of the words which mean "against" and "power." It is used only one other place in the New Testament, and that is in James 2:6, "But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?" The rich men treated the poor very harshly, dragging them before the judgment seats. They had no regard for them whatsoever. Here the harsh treatment comes from the devil himself.
I ask you again, "Do you know anyone who is being oppressed by the devil?" Just look around. Look at marriages and the home. The devil is having a heyday, oppressing husbands and wives. Look at all the people who are hooked on drugs, and I’m not speaking only of illegal drugs. Anti-depressants have become the cure-all of our day, but those who use them are oppressed. Just strike up a conversation with a neighbor and take time to really get to know him. You will find that oppression by the devil is rampant all around us. Surely the Jesus who went about healing all who were oppressed by the devil wants to do the say today through us. Isn’t this exactly what we have pictured in the book of Acts?
And what is the ultimate oppression by the devil? We’re not talking about demon possession, as serious as that may be. I’m talking about the person who is still a slave to the devil, the one who has not been redeemed by the Lord Jesus. When that redemption becomes a reality, are we not instruments in healing the one who was oppressed by the devil? This is a powerful reminder that we are in a fierce battle, which is raging about us all the time. Let me read you that passage we haven’t read in a while. II Cor. 4:3-12…
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47. Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

We don’t know whether Peter was finished or not, but I get the idea that he may have more he was prepared to say. But it doesn’t matter. Peter said what needed to be said, and his audience responded. They didn’t wait for Peter to give them specific instructions. The Spirit Himself took the initiative and fell on all them who heard the word. And how did Peter and his companions, all Jewish Christians, know that the Holy Spirit had come upon Cornelius and the others? Because they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God.

You may ask, "But where does it say that they believed?" I remind you that the historical accounts of Acts are sometimes related in very brief fashion. All the details are not given. So can we assume that they believed? Yes, we can. I remind you of that passage in John 20:30-31…
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

What is the test of whether a person’s belief is genuine? Is it believe that leads to life? Remember that belief is not an end in itself. The gospel was given, that we might believe, and that believing we might have life thorugh his name. If there is no life, then it wasn’t genuine belief. In this case, the presence of the Holy Spirit is the demonstration that this life was present.

Notice also the attitude of Cornelius. Compare it to Saul. Saul was a proud defiant man on the way to Damascus. But by the time Ananias arrived to talk to him, Saul had been broken. He had experienced repentance. He was just waiting for more instruction. Whatever it was, he was ready to obey. That’s the way it was with Cornelius. When he and the others heard the good news, they were ready to believe and obey. Their willingness to assemble and wait for Peter was evidence that God had already been working in them.

Would you please notice that Peter was present again. I want to remind you of what Jesus said to Peter in Matt. 16:18-19, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." In Matthew 18, we see that some of these very words were also spoken to the entire group of apostles. As the representative of the apostles, Peter was given the keys of the kingdom.

I don’t know all that this means, but I do want to point something out about Peter in the book of Acts. Isn’t it interesting that Peter was present at Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out, multitudes were saved and added to the church? Then the witness of the apostles was to be extended to Judaea and Samaria. While Philip preached the gospel in Samaria, it wasn’t until Peter came down that the Spirit was given, incorporating them into the body of Christ. But there is still one more step, and that is the spread of the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth, the nations, the Gentiles. Although the Ethiopian eunuch had been saved, he returned to Ethiopia. But now we have Cornelius, along with a number of people in his house, who are saved. And who is there when the Spirit comes upon them? Again, it is Peter. Do you think maybe this has something to do with the keys of the kingdom which Jesus gave to Peter? Surely it does. It may also help us to understand why the Spirit was withheld until Peter and John arrived in Samaria.

What we must understand is that all of these "firsts" were historic. After those first Samaritans received the Spirit and were added to Christ’s body, there is no more need for the presence of Peter or any of the apostles. And we will find the same thing to be true of Cornelius. We might refer to these "firsts" as the Jewish Pentecost, the Samaritan Pentecost, and the Gentile Pentecost. We are seeing the fulfillment of Acts 1:8.