Verses 1-2 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.
The name Cornelius means “of a horn”. A centurion was an officer of the Roman army who had 100 soldiers under him. This man was a follower of God and he supported the people where he was stationed by giving donations to the poor. Notice that he prayed to God “alway” which means constantly and continually.
Verses 3-4 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.
The ninth hour of the day by Jewish reckoning was 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Cornelius was not asleep and so this vision was not a dream and he was understandably fearful. But the words of the angel were comforting in that Cornelius now knew for a certainty that his prayers were heard by God and that his acts of kindness did not go unnoticed but were also seen by God.
Application: Converted Christian believers who have been baptized by the Holy Ghost/Spirit can experience visions today, but there has to be a belief in the Word of God which promises visions, dreams, and gifts of the Spirit. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” Joel 2:28 But one needs to have the Spirit of God poured out upon them like that which occurred on the day of Pentecost when the disciples were in the upper room in Jerusalem and the power of God came down as evidenced by tongues of fire that did not harm or consume and by the speaking in other languages.
Verses 5-6 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.
Cornelius was in need of something and apparently he did not know himself what the need was. He just saw in the vision that he was to contact the Apostle Peter who would tell him what it was that he needed.
Verses 7-8 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.
Cornelius wasted no time in following the instructions of the angel and he sent three men whom he trusted to find the Apostle Peter.
Application: Often Christian believers will be told to do something or to go somewhere, instruction which comes in the form of a thought in the mind that the believer knows is not his/her thought. But doubt is allowed to enter the mind and so the believer begins to analyze and wonder if this thought is really from God. So time goes by and eventually the believer fails to follow through with what was commanded. As a result, many times of blessing are lost because of this delay in being obedient and in not just doing what was put into the believer’s mind. If the instruction is not against the teachings of Jesus and is not involving sin, just step out and do it or go. This writer was pushing a friend’s grand-baby in a stroller along a breakwater one late afternoon watching the boats come and go in the marina and watching the sun sink lower in the sky when a young girl was passed sitting on the rocks of the breakwater looking out at the ocean. After passing this girl a clear thought came into this writer’s mind to go back and talk to this girl. Now others were waiting in the parking lot for the drive home and the baby would have to be left in the stroller in order for this writer to climb down the rocks to the girl. So the thought was dismissed for about another 50 feet because she was probably fine and she would probably not appreciate this writer interrupting her quiet time. But the thought was persistent and so this writer decided that the worse thing that could happen was to be told to get lost. As it turned out the girl was considering suicide as she had just lost her boyfriend in a car accident and she felt she could not live without him. She was just waiting for the sunset and then she was going to throw herself off the rocky breakwater into the sea and join her boyfriend in death. She listened to how the LORD Jesus Christ loved her enough to send this writer, a total stranger, back to speak with her and let her know she was loved. She did not kill herself that day. And this writer learned a lesson: follow through as the worse thing that can happen is being rejected or embarrassed and the best thing that can happen is God works a miracle and someone is helped and the believer is blessed.
Verses 9-12 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.
While the three trusted servants of the Centurion were traveling to Joppa, God was preparing the Apostle Peter for the ministry or work he was going to do for the Kingdom of God. Peter has a vision that is very unusual.
Verses 13-16 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 Apostle Peter is instructed to feed his hunger by killing one of the critters he sees coming down from Heaven. Remember that although Peter is now a Christian believer, he is also still Jewish and abiding by the dietary laws established by the prophet Moses. So these critters were considered unclean and forbidden by Mosaic dietary laws. God tells Peter that nothing is unclean now. Why? Because he is living under the New Covenant and the Old Covenant has passed away as the LORD Jesus Christ who is God kept the Old Covenant laws perfectly and fullfilled all the laws and all the prophecy relating to the Messiah and the establishment of the spiritual Kingdom of God, and because Jesus has established a New Covenant in which these ordinances and laws are no longer in effect. The Ten Commandments condensed into two by Jesus are still to be obeyed, but the laws governing diet and religious rituals and so forth have passed away. This vision was repeated two more times before the critters were taken up into Heaven from whence they came. In Scripture three is the number of perfection. So this vision although communicating a truth in the natural also had a spiritual interpretation that was to come.
Verses 17-18 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 enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
So the Apostle Peter was not sure of the meaning of the vision he had while physically hungry, and while he was contemplating its meaning the servants of Cornelius arrived and asked to see him.
Verses 19-20 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.
The Apostle Peter was not taken by surprise at the arrival of these men, one of them a Roman soldier and therefore a person of official power. Remember that the Roman soldiers were not always kind to the Jews and it was Roman soldiers who were tasked with the job of crucifying the LORD Jesus Christ which Peter witnessed firsthand. But the LORD lets him know that they have been sent by Him and so he does not need to worry about anything.
Application: Notice that God was aware that the Apostle Peter would have doubt about the situation. Doubting is part of the nature of mankind. God knows this. So He addressed Peter’s doubts before he could invent them and let them get in the way of his being obedient to the LORD. All Christian believers suffer from doubt. Did God really tell me this? Does God really want me to do this? Is this idea from God or from self? Does God really love me? Am I really saved from sin, death and Hell? In times of doubt, go to the Bible and find the promises of God and these will erase any doubts that may surface.
Verses 21-23 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. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Notice that neither the three servants, Cornelius, or even the Apostle Peter know just what the words are that God wants them to hear. All these men were acting upon faith.
Verses 24-26 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 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.
Cornelius was so energized by the vision from God that he shared it with his family and friends and made sure they were in attendance when the Apostle Peter arrived from Joppa. But Cornelius did not know that the Apostle Peter was not someone to be worshipped and so he humbled himself before Peter. Peter corrected this situation as only God is to be worshipped.
Application: It is vitally important for new believers to be guided by those people who know God and who know the Bible so that wrong beliefs and actions do not occur such as the worship of something or someone other than the LORD as seen by Cornelius’ actions in the verses above. Jesus spent 3 1/2 years training and guiding His disciples, so recognize that it takes time for new believers to mature in the grace and the knowledge of the LORD Jesus Christ.
Verses 27-29 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 shewed 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?
The LORD Jesus was meeting the needs of the Roman centurion and his family and friends, but He was also training the Apostle Peter to a new way of thinking. Peter was breaking Jewish Talmudic law in order to obey God and go to the house of Cornelius and be with Gentiles. But the Apostle Peter now understood the spiritual meaning of the vision of the critters let down from Heaven. Peter was learning that God was no respecter of persons and so he could not be either.
Application: Just reading the verses above does not convey to the reader just how difficult it would have been for the Apostle Peter who had been taught all his life that Gentiles were inferior people and that Jews could not associate with them ever or they would be unclean to minister and socialize with these believers. It is extremely hard for one to give up ideas that have been embedded in the mind, the heart, and the culture. If you, the reader, still celebrate Christ mass and Easter and other pagan holy days, you are also in the same situation as the Apostle Peter in that it is going to take a lot to convince you to stop celebrating these as they are displeasing to God. The churches condone them, your parents celebrated them and therefore so do you. When and if God convicts you that they are of Satan and you decide to give them up, you will know how hard it was for the Apostle Peter to change his heart and his thinking, you will appreciate how the LORD got him to the point of realizing God’s truth over tradition, and you will appreciate God for taking you out of idolatry and falsehood.
Verses 30-33 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 tells the Apostle Peter what had transpired between him and the LORD, the vision he saw, and how he came to send for Peter. And now he and all that were present just wanted to hear the Word of God from the Apostle Peter’s mouth. They were hungry for more truth than they presently possessed.
Verses 34-35 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.
The Apostle Peter now knew that the Gospel was for all men and not just for the Jews. All men who feared the LORD and followed Him were now His chosen people. The Christian faith was a matter of grace and not a matter of race.
Verses 36-38 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.
The story of Jesus of Nazareth was proclaimed far and wide so most people had heard of the works and miracles of the Son of God, but the Apostle Peter was going to elaborate and substantiate the story. He would make it real to the people listening to him in Cornelius’ house.
Verses 39-41 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 shewed 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.
Finally the Apostle Peter verifies the resurrection of the Saviour. The God that Peter was testifying of was a living God and life after death was a truth. This must have been exciting news to these Gentile believers. They now understood that God came to Earth and inhabited a body of flesh, died a horrific death so that they could be saved from their sins and from spiritual death and Hell, and that they would rise again to life just as Jesus had risen.
Verses 42-43 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.
Remission of sins does not mean forgiveness. It means that the penalty for sins has been paid by Jesus and the repentant sinner does not have to pay for them. Jesus did it for all mankind so that all one has to do is repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, and be filled with His Spirit. Then a life of obedience and of following the LORD will assure eternity in Heaven.
Verses 44-48 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. (Acts 10)
When the Holy Ghost falls on people, it is visible in that they speak praises to God in a language they do not know. This happened on the day of Pentecost to the disciples, including the Apostle Peter, and so these Jewish servants of Jesus knew that what they were witnessing was the pouring out of God’s Spirit on these Gentile believers. And immediately they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Scripture does not tell the reader how many souls were added to the Church that day, but it must have been a time of blessing for both the family and friends of Cornelius and for the Apostle Peter and those Jewish Christians who were with him. In it all, the LORD Jesus was magnified and exalted.