College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Acts 10:1-48
IN CAESAREA, Acts 10:1-48.
a.
Cornelius and his vision. Acts 10:1-8.
Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.
He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.
And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter:
he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side.
And when the angel that spake unto him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier that waited on him continually;
and having rehearsed all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
Acts 10:1-2 Beginning with the tenth chapter we have the introduction of the incident that opened the door of the kingdom for the Gentiles. The recording of this incident was in the mind of the inspired writer when he began to describe the work of Peter, Caesarea is the background setting for this incident. There lived in this town a certain man. This man was no ordinary person for he was to be the first Gentile in all the world to find forgiveness of his sins in the blood of Jesus. It would seem that Luke is trying to show us how religious a man could be and still be lost. Note a few facts about this Gentile:
CAESAREA.
Herod's kingdom embraced the whole land of Palestine on both sides of the Jordan. At his death it was divided among his three sons; to Archelaus, with the title of king, fell Idumaea, Judaea, and Samaria; (Matthew 2:22) to Herod Antipas, Galilee and the territory between the Yarmuk and the Arnon called Peaea; and to Philip, the territory on the north of the river Yarmuk, embracing the small districts Ituraea, Trachonitus, Aurantitus, Gaulanatis, and Batanea. (Luke 3:1).
Archelaus had a troubled and inglorious reign of ten years, at the end of which on complaint of the Jews he was banished to Gaul. Judaea was then formed into a Roman province governed by a procurator. Procurators were for the most part appointed only in imperial provinces governed by a legate of the emperor. The duty of the procurator in such cases consisted of collecting the revenue and judging in causes appertaining to fiscal affairs. The procurator of Judaea, however, had a wider range of duties. There being no legate in the province he was charged with the general government and was invested with military and judicial authority. In some matters he was subordinate to the legate of Syria. He usually resided at Caesarea, but went to Jerusalem at the time of the feasts, taking with him a strong military force.
The taxes were of two kindsthe direct tax collected by imperial officers under the control of the procurator, and an impost tax which was farmed out to the highest bidder and again sold out to collectors. These collectors or publicans were of low social and moral standing and were looked upon with contempt. (Matthew 11:19; Matthew 21:31)
a.
His name was Cornelius.
b.
He was an army captain or centurion.
c.
He was an Italian, as was the cohort over which he had authority.
d.
He was a devout man.
e.
He feared or worshiped God as did his house.
f.
He was very generous with his substance as he gave many gifts to the poor.
He evidently obtained his faith and devotion through close contact with the Jewish religion.
Acts 10:3-8 The devotion of Cornelius has been spoken of already; now see the result of this devotion. No devotion goes unrewarded that is given to Jehovah in complete sincerity.
While Cornelius was in the act of praying, God visited him. It is interesting to note that this was also true of the time He used in speaking to Peter, to Saul and many others. The vision of this devout Gentile was given to him openly at three o-'clock in the afternoon. He saw in a vision openly suggests the idea that this angel in bright apparel was seen objectively by Cornelius. When such a heavenly visitor stood before this Roman officer he was quite naturally wide-eyed with fright. To him this man could be nothing short of God himself or a representative of deity. Hence, he cried out What is it, Lord? The angelic stranger let Cornelius know that his worship had not been in vain.
Thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God (Acts 10:31). Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial (Acts 10:4).
In the mind of this Gentile there must have burned this question upon hearing these heartening words:
If indeed my prayers have been heard what form will the answer take? I have prayed for acceptance and favor in the sight of God. How can I find it? Can it be that I am already in the favor of Jehovah?
The answer is forthcoming even while the question is forming. And now, (i.e. because thy prayers have been beard) send men to Joppa and fetch one Simon who is surnamed Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. who shall speak unto thee words, whereby thou shalt be saved, thou and all thy house (cf. Acts 11:14).
The prayer and devotion of Cornelius was all offered up by him that he might be saved. Now here is the opportunity for receiving God's answer to the petition. And so it is that God grants to all of a similar spirit a like opportunity.
The angel had no sooner vanished from his sight than Cornelius began immediately to obey the divine injunction. Two of his household servants and a devout soldier, these were some who were his personal attendants, were called in. These evidently made up a part of this man's house in whom he had instilled the fear of the Lord (Acts 10:2 a). Even though the day was far spent these three were sent on their mission, after having been told in greatest detail of the vision that they might repeat it accurately to Peter. In the late afternoon the three started their walk to the seaport of Joppa.
322.
Give from memory four facts about Cornelius.
323.
How did Cornelius obtain his faith?
324.
What was the reward of the devotion of Cornelius and how does it apply today?
325.
What is the meaning of the statement that the angel or vision appeared openly?
326.
Do angels have bodies? If so, explain Hebrews 1:14.
b.
Peter's vision. Acts 10:9-16.
Now on the morrow, as they were on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour:
and he became hungry, and desired to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance;
and he beholdeth the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth:
wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven.
And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat.
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean.
And a voice came unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou common.
And this was done thrice: and straightway the vessel was received up into heaven.
Acts 10:9 Since it is thirty miles from Caesarea to Joppa and from the fact that Luke states they arrived on the noon of the day following the vision in Caesarea, we might conclude these men walked all night.
327.
What causes us to conclude that these men from Caesarea walked all night? Or, do you conclude this?
Acts 10:10-16 It would be delightfully refreshing if when we came to the homes of our friends we could know that at certain hours we would find them in prayer. It was so with the household of Simon.
While Peter awaited the preparations of the noon meal he retired to the housetop to observe the Jewish hour of prayer. While here his hunger reminded him that it was time to eat. As he waited and prayed God gave him some real food for thought. The experience of Peter was somewhat different from that of Cornelius, for Peter's experience seems to be more subjective than objective. Before the mind of Peter there came a strange sight; he saw the expanse of heaven opened and a large receptacle let down through the opening. It seemed to be a great sheet suspended from the four corners. It came to rest directly before the astonished Peter. When Peter could view the content of this unusual vessel he saw upon it all manner of four-footed beasts and creeping things of the earth and birds of the heaven. If Peter was astonished when the heaven-sent vessel began its descent, he must have been completely confounded when a voice spoke and calling him by name said:
Arise, Peter; kill and eat.
At once Peter spoke the convictions of his heart in regard to the use of such animals. It would have been a two-fold sin, thought the apostle, the sin of sacrificing something unclean and the sin of eating something unclean. Both of these thoughts were repugnant to the Jewish mind, trained as it was in the law of Moses against such. Perhaps Peter thought the Lord was trying him; be that as it may, he impulsively replied:
Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean.
Again the voice of God; and this time it must have shaken the heart of Simon even as the same voice did melt the hearts of those on Sinai. Indeed this was the first and only revoking of the law of Sinai by the audible voice of Jehovah:
What God hath cleansed, make not thou common.
This divine mandate was repeated three times and then the vessel was taken back to heaven out of the sight of the apostle.
328.
What fine custom was observed in the house of Simon the tanner that we would do well to imitate?
329.
What was the difference between the vision of Cornelius and that of Peter?
330.
What two-fold sin would have been committed according to Peter if he were to have obeyed the divine injunction: Arise, Peter, kill and eat?
331.
What was repeated three times?
c.
The messengers arrive. God directs Peter. Messengers received. Acts 10:17-23 a.
Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate,
and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, were lodging there.
And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
But arise, and get thee down, and go with them, nothing doubting: for I have sent them.
And Peter went down to the men, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
And they said, Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one that feareth God, and well reported of by all the nation of the Jews, was warned of God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words from thee.
So he called them in and lodged them.
Acts 10:17-20 The perplexity of Peter can be more clearly understood when we consider his Jewish background. Why was it that God had revoked the law of clean and unclean animals? To Peter this must have been the whole import of the vision. He may have wondered if the rest of the Mosaic law had been abrogated as well.
But even while he thought on these things there were men standing before the gate of the house who could give to him God's answer. The three messengers from Cornelius had inquired diligently for the house of Simon the tanner; now having found it they stood at the outer gate of the house and called to those inside in an inquiry as to whether Simon Peter lodged there. The Lord had synchronized perfectly the movements and thoughts of both Peter and the three.
Now it was time to bring them together; but they could not meet as God wanted without a word of divine introduction. Hence, the spirit introduced Peter to his visitors before he saw them.
The Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. But arise, and get thee down, and go with them, nothing doubting, for I have sent them.
Peter did not even wait for Simon the tanner to call him, but immediately arose and descending the stairs came into the presence of the three.
While on his way down, what type of men do you suppose Peter expected to see? He probably expected something unusual, but he would have hardly been prepared to find three Gentiles. But, obedient to the heavenly vision, he introduced himself and asked the question that was clamoring for an answer in his heart. It was in essence:
332.
What import do you suppose Peter put upon the vision?
333.
Show how the Lord had perfectly synchronized the movements and thoughts of Peter and the three.
334.
What were the divine words of introduction Peter was given?
335.
Show how all of this incident must have appeared strange to Peter.
God has sent these men, I am to go with them, but to where? And for what?
Acts 10:21-23 a Strange indeed were the workings and messages of God. First a strange vision; next a stranger command; now the strangest of all, Peter is called to speak to an uncircumcised Gentile. Such must have been something of the feelings of the apostle on this matter.
The embassaries of Cornelius made the mission as attractive to the Jewish mind as possible. Peter was to come to speak words to a Gentile named Cornelius, a righteous man, one that feared God and had a fine reputation among the Jews for his devotion. None the less he was a Gentile. But Cornelius had been commanded by a holy angel to send and bring Peter. The three were invited into the house of Simon. As Peter thought on these things, he must have surely tied together the events with the truth God wanted him to receive. There yet remained the inherent hesitancy which was to be entirely removed when he arrived at his destination.
336.
Show how the servants of Cornelius made their request as attractive to the Jewish mind as possible.
d.
The trip and arrival at Caesarea. Acts 10:23 b - Acts 10:27.
And on the morrow he arose and went forth with them, and certain of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
And on the morrow they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his kinsmen and his near friends.
And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
And as he talked with him, he went in, and findeth many come together:
Acts 10:23 b - Acts 10:27 The trip was started in the morning, probably because Peter felt that the thirty mile walk could best be made in two days. By starting in the morning they could time their arrival on the next day at an appropriate time for the work to be done. Six brethren from Joppa were taken on the journey to be witnesses of this unusual circumstance (Acts 11:12). On the morrow following their departure they entered, as planned, into the city of Caesarea.
337.
Why start the journey on the morning after the arrival of the three men? Who was taken along?
Cornelius with his customary military efficiency had prepared carefully for their arrival. When Peter stepped into the house of Cornelius he had a waiting audience; this was made up of the friends and relatives of Cornelius. It would seem from the wording of the text that Cornelius was either waiting on the outside of the house or saw Peter coming, and left the house to meet him. There somewhere outside the house in the court of Cornelius there met for the first time a Jew and Gentile for the avowed purpose of worshiping God as one (although at this time Peter was not thoroughly convinced that it should be so).
Cornelius fell at the feet of Peter and paid homage to him as to one whom God had sent. The word worshiped indicates a type of reverence paid to those of superior rank. Peter did not know the mind of Cornelius and so imagined that he was worshiping him as deity, even as so many of the Gentiles were wont to do with great men. Hence, Peter reached down and lifted Cornelius to his feet with the words Stand up. I myself also am a man.
From the court or patio surrounding Cornelius-' house the two walked together into the house; as they did they talked. Perchance Cornelius explained the reason for his kneeling at Peter's feet and Peter made it evident to Cornelius that there was no distinction between them. There was nothing in God's will that would exalt Peter as divine.
338.
What preparations had Cornelius made for Peter's arrival? Where was Cornelius while awaiting Peter?
339.
What is meant when Luke states that Cornelius fell down at his feet and worshipped him?
340.
What construction did Peter put upon this worship?
341.
What could have been the content of the conversation between Peter and Cornelius as they walked from the patio into the house?
e.
Cornelius explains. Acts 10:28-33.
and he said unto them, Ye yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to join himself or come unto one of another nation; and yet unto me hath God showed that I should not call any man common or unclean:
wherefore also I came without gainsaying, when I was sent for. I ask therefore with what intent ye sent for me.
And Cornelius said, Four days ago, until this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house; and behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel,
and saith, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Send therefore to Joppa, and call unto thee Simon, who is surnamed Peter: he lodgeth in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea side.
Forthwith therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God, to hear all things that have been commanded thee of the Lord.
Acts 10:28-33 Upon coming into the room where all were assembled Peter addressed his remarks to the whole group. He came right to the point. Naturally the first question in the minds of all assembled was:
How is it that this Jew has been sent to us Gentiles?
Peter removes this query by speaking of the divine hand in breaking down the middle wall of partition. In the statements made by Peter we can see that God's efforts had not been in vain, but that Peter had drawn the conclusion the Lord wanted him to draw:
God hath shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. He said in essence:
You want to know why I am here? It is because God broke down my prejudice and sent me to you.
Peter had heard from the messengers that he was to come and speak but now he wanted to know if there were any more particulars to this mission. He wanted to hear from Cornelius himself. Perhaps there was something more he should know concerning his words that he was to speak. Cornelius immediately came forward to answer for all; after all he was the main-spring in this whole circumstance. In the recital of Cornelius to Peter there are a number of points that we have not before considered that should be here mentioned:
1.
Cornelius stated that it was four days to the very hour since he had seen the angel, Since the Jewish way of reckoning time was to count a part of a day as a whole day this would be true.
2.
When Peter reiterated the message of Cornelius to him he said that the angel asked Cornelius to send for him that he might speak unto Cornelius things whereby he and his house might be saved.
3.
Cornelius also informed Peter that they were gathered together to hear all things that have been commanded him (thee) of the Lord.
342.
What was the natural question in the mind of all the Gentiles assembled? How answered?
343.
Why did Peter ask the question, I ask therefore with what intent you sent for me?
f.
Peter's sermon. Acts 10:34-43.
And Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him.
The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)
that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom also they slew, hanging him on a tree.
Him God raised up the third day, and gave him to be made manifest,
not to all the people, but unto witnesses that were chosen before of God, even to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
And he charged us to preach unto the people, and to testify that this is he who is ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 10:34-35 With this request before the apostle there was only one message he could bring. Neither the details of the Jewish law nor the rite of circumcision were the need of these Gentiles.
God through the angel had asked Peter to tell these persons what to do to obtain salvation, to speak to them those things the Lord had commanded him. There was only one word for this occasion, the message of Jesus Christ.
Peter prefaced his sermon with a bold statement of the fact that he was now fully persuaded that God is no respector of persons; i.e. God does not consider the fact that a man is a Jew or a Gentile has any part in His acceptance of him. In every nation the emphasis is upon nation not on he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness. Those in any nation who were going to be acceptable to God would have to fear Him under His Son and work righteousness through Him. This is a discussion of man's equality on a national or racial standing and not on a spiritual standing.
344.
What does Peter mean by the statement in Acts 10:34-35? What is meant by acceptable?
Acts 10:36-37 Now follows the body of the apostle's discourse. If salvation were the request, if the things commanded him of the Father were to be heard, he could only tell of Jesus and His glad tidings. It was in Jesus that salvation was to be found; it was Jesus who had commanded and empowered him to preach.
But then, these Gentiles knew something of the events of this beautiful life. God had sent His word to Israel that through Jesus Christ there was peace. Peter here injects a statement concerning this One in whom we have peace: He is Lord of all. that is, He not only offers reconciliation to God but is to be held as the Lord of our lives as well. Luke gives us a challenging historical word here, for he states that the word concerning the life and works of Jesus was common knowledge to many persons in that day. The household of Cornelius evidently had not only heard of Jesus but had also a deep respect for Him as a servant of God.
Acts 10:38-42 Of what these Gentiles were yet ignorant was how this message of peace applied to them. Incidentally, they were also told that Peter and his Jewish friends were witnesses of all these things of which they had heard. The meaning and power of the death of Christ was not yet known to them, to say nothing of His resurrection. Of these facts Peter now speaks; he tells of the humiliating death and then of the glorious resurrection and of His appearances to witnesses that were chosen before of God. The witnesses were of course the apostles, who, as Peter said, ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.
These men were not the only ones to whom Jesus appeared. The record speaks of others to whom He showed Himself alive after His passion. (Cf. Mark 16:9; Matthew 28:8-10; Luke 24:13-31; 1 Corinthians 15:6). The eleven were to be His special witnesses of this fact. they were chosen before His death for this very purpose. What joy must have flooded the hearts of these Gentiles as they heard for the first time the glad news of the death of Christ for the sins of the world. Yea, and that they were included in this covering for sins. Peter's next and closing word was that after Jesus had suffered and arose He commissioned the eleven to preach the Lordship and judicial position of Christ. Jesus had said that salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22), of a truth the household of Cornelius could witness to this fact.
345.
What was the need to be met by Peter's sermon?
346.
Give a brief outline of Peter's sermon to the household of Cornelius.
347.
How did the words of the prophets come to have new meaning for Peter on this occasion?
Acts 10:43 The last word spoken by Peter before the Holy Spirit fell upon these persons was that all the Jewish prophets testified or looked forward to one great promise in the coming Messiah: the remission of sins. Peter could now say with real meaning that through His name everyone that believeth on Him shall receive remission of sins.
g.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:44-46.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word.
And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Acts 10:44-46 Here as previously on Solomon's porch Peter never finished his discourse (cf. Acts 4:1-2), but for a vastly different reason. In the previous instance man intervened, but in this case God himself steps in. The purpose of the Holy Spirit baptism as given here is being discussed in our notes on the Holy Spirit. The special manifestations of the Holy Spirit are sometimes spoken of as the falling of the Holy Spirit; note Acts 8:16; Acts 11:15 and in Acts 19:6 came upon. We like the pointed remarks of J. W. McGarvey on Acts 10:45-46. He says:
The ground of amazement to the Jewish brethren was not the mere fact that these Gentiles received the Holy Spirit; for if Peter had finished his discourse, promising them the Holy Spirit on the terms which he had laid down on Pentecost, and had then baptized them, these brethren would have taken it as a matter of course that they received the Spirit. And if, after this, he had laid hands on them and imparted the miraculous gift of the Spirit as in the case of the Samaritans, they would not have been so greatly surprised. The considerations which caused the amazement were, first, that the Holy Spirit was -poured out-' upon them directly from God, as it had never been before on any but the apostles; and second, that this unusual gift was bestowed on Gentiles. (Page 213.)
h.
Baptism in water. Acts 10:47-48.
Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10:47-48 In Acts 10:47 a we have a glimpse of the thinking of Peter on the whole incident. The question of this verse is evidently directed to the six Jewish brethren. Can any man forbid the water that these should not be baptized. ? It would seem that up to this point they were going to object to their baptism but now the direct action of God in the case overrules any such hesitancy. Peter had commanded the first Jews to be baptized, and that in the name of Jesus Christ. Here he commands the first Gentiles to do the same thing. In the command to the Jews he had told them what preceded baptism as well as the purpose of it (cf. Acts 2:38). Here the same man commands the same thing. We are persuaded that in the message of Peter (which is only briefly outlined) he included the same prerequisites since this gospel was to be preached unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem (Luke 24:47).
348.
Show how the circumstances here are alike and unlike those that occurred on Solomon's porch.
349.
What was the ground of the amazement of the Jewish brethren?
350.
To whom were the words can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized directed?
351.
What is familiar about the command of Peter that these be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ?