The Book of Acts

Peter and Cornelius (9:32-10:48)

Part 1

Sermon Seventeen in the Series

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

Having given us a report on Saul's conversion and call to the ministry, Luke now turns to the other apostle of significance in his book, Peter. I stated before that Saul's conversion was one of the most important events in the history of the early Church. Peter also had an experience which, while not his conversion, dramatically realigned his theological perspective and ensured that his labors for the gospel would be unhindered by a misunderstanding of the new covenant of Jesus Christ.

From the latter portion of chapter nine through the tenth chapter, we read of Peter exclusively. This section begins with an overview of Peter's activities and then focuses on an extraordinary encounter between Peter and a man named Cornelius. As was the case with Ananias and Saul, God again uses a devoted yet unknown figure to communicate essential information to one of His chosen instruments.

In the next two or three sermons, I plan to spend most of my time looking at chapter ten. I will use the overview of Peter's activities found at the end of chapter nine, as part of this Introduction. After that, we will consider Peter and Cornelius under three headings: first, The Visions of Cornelius and Peter; second, The Meeting of Cornelius and Peter; third, The Edification of Cornelius and Peter. For now, and as part of the introduction to this event in Peter's life, let's give our attention to Acts 9:32-43, where we read of Peter's ministry just before the episode involving Cornelius begins. Luke describes two events which tell us what Peter was doing. Both stories confirm Peter's position as one operating with the authority of Jesus Christ.

9:32 Now it came about that as Peter was traveling through all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; arise, and make your bed.” And immediately he arose. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

After indicating that Peter was traveling about, presumably visiting believers in various areas, Luke says that Peter came “to the saints who lived in Lydda.” (9:32) This city was located on the coast of the Mediterranean and had been given to the Jews by Julius Caesar. It is likely that Philip is the one who evangelized these people. Although Luke doesn't tell us a lot about what Peter did in Lydda, he does mention one healing miracle which, it appears, resulted in significant growth among those professing faith in the gospel (cf. vv. 33-35)

36 Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did. 37 And it came about at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, entreating him, “Do not delay to come to us.”

Luke next reports on a woman in Joppa whose name was Tabitha (v. 36). This woman is described as “abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.” Our present focus is not Tabitha, but I will pause long enough to say that this is the testimony every believer should strive to establish. While people are known for many things, few are known for their abundance of kindness and charity. This dear woman, Luke says, died during these days and, given her reputation, her passing certainly saddened the people of Joppa. Knowing that Peter was nearby in Lydda, some believers sent word to him saying “Do not delay in coming to us.” (vv. 37. 38) This is a most interesting account. Tabitha is dead and she's been dead long enough for the pre-burial ritual to have been performed.

39 And Peter arose and went with them. And when he had come, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Peter comes from Lydda and he is taken to the place where Tabitha's body rested and where many of those who had been the recipients of Tabitha's charity were gathered in mourning (v. 39). It is obvious why the Christians sent for Peter as the next verse illustrates. Sending everyone out of the room, Peter “knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, 'Tabitha, arise.'” (v. 40) At that, Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up! Sometimes we don't know exactly why God does what He does and sometimes we are left wondering about His purposes. In this case, however, God's intentions are clear-Tabitha is restored to this life, presented alive to those who were grieving, and, once again, “many believed in the Lord.” (vv. 41, 42)

This is where my Introduction concludes. For the moment, the last thing we are told about Peter is that he remained in Joppa for many days staying with a tanner named Simon (v. 43). Luke now shifts our attention to another man and another place as he prepares to relate a remarkable experience which profoundly affected Peter's understanding of the gospel and his understanding, therefore, of God's redemptive purposes.

01. The Visions of Cornelius and Peter (10:1-23)

Under this first point, as indicated, we are going to read of two visions-one given to Cornelius and one given to Peter. Both visions are related to a perspective on the gospel which, at this time, was lacking in Peter's mind. We'll read first of what happened to Cornelius:

1 Now there was a certain man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to God continually. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in to him, and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 “And now dispatch some men to Joppa, and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; 6 he is staying with a certain tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” 7 And when the angel who was speaking to him had departed, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier of those who were in constant attendance upon him, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius was a commander of one hundred troops (v. 1). We know he was a Roman citizen because centurions had to have Roman citizenship. He was a prosperous man, as a later portion of the story reveals. For now, we know something more important about Cornelius-he was “a devout man, and one who feared God with all his household…” (v. 2) Notice Luke's observation that Cornelius led a household with these same spiritual qualities. He also was a generous man, giving much to the Jewish people who were in need; and, furthermore, Luke adds, he was a man of prayer. Cornelius was a worshiper of Jehovah, a Gentile proselyte. He was a man whose religion was genuine and who obviously incorporated his religious convictions into all aspects of his life.

At approximately three o'clock one afternoon, Cornelius saw a vision in which an angel called to him and, after announcing how God was pleased with the piety of Cornelius, commanded him to send some men to Joppa and retrieve Peter (vv. 3-6). Cornelius soon called for two of his servants and “a devout soldier” and dispatched them to Joppa (vv. 7, 8). Notice the description of that soldier-that's the same term (eusebes) used of Cornelius himself earlier. This was a man, as I stated, who lived and shared his understanding of God and man's duty before God. The members of his house, as well as at least some of the soldiers under his command, were following Cornelius not just as husband, father and commander, but as spiritual guide and example.

The story continues as the men sent by Cornelius approach the city of Joppa:

9 And on the next day, as they were on their way, and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry, and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; 11 and he beheld the sky opened up, and a certain object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, 12 and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Arise, Peter, kill and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” 15 And again a voice came to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” 16 And this happened three times; and immediately the object was taken up into the sky.

Luke says that as the men sent by Cornelius were approaching the city, at about noon, Peter went up on the housetop to pray (v. 9). The houses of this period were built with flat roofs so that they could be used for gatherings or as a place to retreat in solitude. Jews typically prayed three times a day. This is, no doubt, why Peter ascended to the roof on this occasion. Since it was lunchtime, Peter became hungry as he prayed. Luke writes that as he was thinking of food, apparently, he fell into a trance and saw a very unusual sight. In this vision, Peter saw the sky open and what looked like a giant sheet coming down. On this sheet were all kinds of creatures-creatures that walked and creatures that crawled and even some birds of the air (vv. 10-12). As this collection of God's creatures continues to be lowered, Peter hears a voice saying “Arise, Peter, kill and eat!” (v. 13)

Now we know that Peter is hungry and we know that he has this incredible collection of potential food in front of him and we know that Peter has been given permission to help himself. The only problem is that this assortment of creatures included some which God labeled “unclean” in the Law and, therefore, forbidden for His people. Part of God's training of His people to view themselves as unique and set apart unto Him involved restrictions on food. Jews were distinguished by their unwillingness to eat certain foods-foods which the Gentiles consumed without hesitation. But now Peter, a committed Jew if there ever was one, sees all these different animals and is told to eat whatever he wishes.

Peter's protest is predictable: “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” (v. 14) Luke writes that a second time a voice announced: “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” (This statement is significant, by the way, because it indicates that something which previously was “unclean” and, therefore, “off limits” for the Jews, is now “clean” and the Jews can drop their restrictions.) In all, a voice spoke three times and then the sheet with the creatures disappeared up into the sky. The question, of course, is: What is going on here? What is God communicating to Peter? What is the significance of all the creatures and the commands to eat? Why would God give such instructions to a man who had been trained-by God's very law-not to do the very thing he now was being told to do?

One thing is immediately apparent in this response: Peter follows rules, which is good. The rule I'm talking about is the Law of God given under the administration of Moses. The laws regarding clean and unclean foods had a purpose, as I explained. Peter was right to obey these laws because they were God's will. But having followed these laws with such obvious commitment, Peter might have developed a view of those outside the camp of Israel which God did not wish him to have and which might, in fact, be contrary to the gospel recently delivered by Jesus Christ. It is clear, based on how the Jews thought of the Gentiles, that their exclusivity had worked in them some prejudices and these prejudices led them to consider Gentiles as dogs.

The laws restricting food should have been a frequent reminder to the Jews that they were, indeed, chosen of God out of all the peoples of the earth and, therefore, as a nation, they should have been most humble and thankful. Instead, adherence to these laws, and other factors, resulted in the Jews developing a superior notion regarding themselves and this element of self-importance was wholly out of accord with the kindness and grace demonstrated by God. It was out of accord, as well, with the initial covenant promises made to Abraham in which all the nations of the earth are mentioned as eventually knowing the saving grace of God.

Peter is a typical Jew and he must learn an important concept. He must learn that God is a God of grace and a God who will bless all the peoples of the earth. It is this simple vision which God will use to teach Peter humility and this humility will allow him to declare God's mercy in the gospel in a manner and with a conviction which he does not presently possess. This vision is indicating that the laws establishing a wall between Jews and Gentiles were being abolished. They were enacted by God and now God is doing away with them. Of course, it's not the matter of food that is the main point of what's going on here. This is a symbolic way of telling Peter that a major change is occurring in God's activities among the nations of the earth. Peter is being taught that the Jews will no longer be the only ones with whom God will have contact or the only ones to whom God will show His favor.

Peter does not yet have this understanding, but he soon will. Luke continues:

17 Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon's house, appeared at the gate; 18 and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. 19 And while Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 But arise, go downstairs, and accompany them without misgivings; for I have sent them Myself.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “Behold, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for which you have come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you.” 23 And so he invited them in and gave them lodging. And on the next day he arose and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter is still wondering about the vision he'd seen when the men from Cornelius arrive at the home (vv. 17, 18). Just as they arrive, Peter is told by the Spirit about the men and he's instructed to go with them without hesitation as they have been sent by the Spirit Himself (vv. 19, 20). This is interesting when you look back at the story. Cornelius sent these men, but, of course, he did so in response to the instructions of an angel. Here, however, we learn that this whole situation is being managed by the Holy Spirit. From anyone's earthly perspective-anyone not directly involved in this event-it would appear that Cornelius sent some men to retrieve Peter, but what is going on is, in reality, something else. Peter is being summoned by the Holy Spirit to a meeting where he will experience a remarkable transformation in his thinking.

That Peter does not yet understand the meaning of the vision or the visit of these men sent by the Holy Spirit is evident when he goes downstairs to greet them (v. 21). Their response confirms what the Holy Spirit already told Peter, namely, that this was a divinely orchestrated incident (v. 22). Peter hears that a righteous man named Cornelius is waiting with his household to hear a message from the apostle. After resting for the night, the party, including the men from Cornelius, Peter and some of the brothers from Joppa, started for Caesarea.

Thus ends point number one, The Visions of Peter and Cornelius. We are reading the account of a most fascinating story. What is going to transpire when Peter reaches Caesarea will mark a major milestone in the early Church's apprehension of just how glorious the gospel really is and just how magnificent the work of Christ really was.

Application

In terms of application, I will mention three points which come from this portion of our story. First, the description we are given of Cornelius as he is introduced in this story illustrates how God uses those who simply are faithful. There are numerous examples of this truth in the Bible. Shortly before this story, we read of Ananias, another obscure figure who suddenly appears in the Biblical account, plays some highly important role in God's plan of redemption, and then disappears from the pages of Scripture never to be mentioned again. Cornelius was such a man, too. He was commended for his devotion to the Lord and then brought into the work of God to fill a significant role.

The application here is not necessarily profound, but it is certainly worth our consideration. If you are striving to be a great Christian, then stop. If you are attempting to do unparalleled things for Christ, stop. If you are hoping to leave behind a name which will, in the ages to come, be spoken by people with great reverence, stop. Instead, dedicate yourself to simple, day-to-day faithfulness; dedicate yourself to rising each morning, giving thanks for the new day, and living the hours of that day in a manner which pleases God. Simple faithfulness is true greatness in the eyes of God. Therefore, if you can leave this life and have it said of you that you were devout, a man or woman who feared God with all your household, that you were generous to those in need and were a person of much prayer, then you will have accomplished what should be the goal of every believer. You will have lived a simple, consistent life in which you reflected the reality of your redemption-and that is what pleases God.

Fathers, in particular, take note of what is said of Cornelius: “[he] feared God with all his household…” Someone led that household in fearing God; someone taught them about God and set before them a consistent example. That someone was Cornelius. As a father, if you are hoping to raise children who will be known throughout the land for their piety, then you are confused. If you are trying to raise children whose righteous deeds will be recorded in history books, then you are misguided. Choose rather to focus on raising children who fear the Lord, children who will live out the days God has ordained for them in simple faith.

Second, this story reminds us of what should be the response to God's grace. I'm referring to the fact that Peter had to learn a lesson. In later portions of this story, we'll see exactly what that lesson was-but we already known. We know that Peter is learning about the extent of God's mercy; he's learning that God is a God who shows mercy to all people-Jews and Gentiles. Now, why would Peter need to learn such a lesson? Shouldn't he already have been a man who understood the wideness of God's mercy? Shouldn't he already have been a man who fully expected God to bring the Gentiles into the company of the redeemed? Yes, Peter should have understood these things, but he did not. Peter was a typical Jews with great prejudice against anyone and anything non-Jewish.

In the case of most Jews, God's grace resulted in a perspective of self-importance and the notion that they were above and better than other people in the world. Instead of being characterized by humility and thanksgiving in light of what God did for them, the Jews at this time were, typically, arrogant and hateful toward Gentiles. Peter is an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a man who will be preaching the gospel for the rest of his life. Peter could not continue to carry a gross misunderstanding of God's intentions relative to the rest of humanity. That is what is going on in this story. Peter is learning that instead of producing pride, God's grace should produce meekness; and instead of leading one to hoard the kindness of God, as it were, God's grace should produce an eagerness to tell everyone about Him and His greatness and His mercy toward sinners. Peter had to learn these things before he could continue in service to the One who gave Himself for people from every race.

The lesson for us is obvious. We have been blessed by God's grace. Since that is true, we should be humble, full of thanksgiving, and eager to tell others about what we know. There should never be a time in our lives when we think we are “better than that lowly sinner over there.” If it were not for God's grace, you would be “that lowly sinner over there.” If it were not for God's kindness, you would live out your miserable life in your sins and die under condemnation. But that is not what is happening to you-so what kind of person should you be? Should you be a self-centered, uncaring person or should you be a selfless, thankful person who realizes every day that God is good and kind and abundantly merciful? The perspective you hold on what you have received from God will make all the difference. The redeemed of Jesus Christ are far greater in number than you imagine and far more diverse in background than you imagine. This is part of the greatness of His work of atonement. Christ is saving our race, not just us. The more you can stretch your concept of the atonement, the more you will be able to appreciate the glory of what the Savior has done.

This leads to a third point of application-and this one is brief. I urge you to learn to appreciate the glory of the gospel. So many believers these days have such a restricted expectation of the gospel. They view the gospel as capable of saving a few people here and a few people there, but they do not think of the gospel as being capable-much less being designed-to save people from every nation, people of every background, people of every imaginable color and tongue. But if we will just listen to Scripture, from Gen. 3:15, to the Abrahamic promises, to the words of Christ, to the epistles of Paul, to the magnificent scenes depicted in the book of the Revelation, we will see that the gospel is powerful and effective and destined to save our race.

Conclusion

With that thought, let's give our attention to the Table before us. The act we are commemorating is the act which makes possible the declaration of the gospel to all the nations of the earth. We are part of a splendid company and we all are being saved because of what Jesus did for us. Give thanks and pray for the spread of the gospel as you receive the elements.