It is hard for us to comprehend the great gulf between the Jews and the Gentiles of this day. You are not excluded from God’s grace on the basis of your race. The Gospel of Grace is for every race.

1 – A determined centurion (vs. 1-4)

In Caesarea we meet Cornelius who was responsible for one hundred men.

• A sincere man. (vs. 2) – He was a devout man who gave to those in need and prayed every day. He was one of many centurions mentioned in the New Testament who showed faith. See Matthew 8:5 & 27.54.
• A lost man (vs. 2) – See Acts 11:14.
• A searching man (vs. 2) – There was a hunger in his heart. The other idolatry of his day did not satisfy him. He would pray every day. God tells him to send some men down to Joppa to get Peter. Cornelius obeys God. It is Peter who comes to tell how to be saved. Why did the angel not tell him how to be saved? God has not chosen angels to do our work of evangelism. Peter also needs to see the conversion of a Gentile. God always knows what He is doing.

2 – A developing Christian (vs. 5-15)

God brings Peter and Cornelius together. Peter was a developing saint at this time. He was not ready to be a witness yet. We are all “work in progress”. We ought to be progressing in our Christian life. Peter is an orthodox Jew and detested the Gentiles. He thinks he is a religious man and thus justified in his prejudice.

• God uses circumstances. (vs. 5-8). See Acts 9:43. He had spent time with Simon a tanner. Simon dealt with the skins of dead animals. For an Orthodox Jew that made him ceremonially unclean. God is starting to bring the walls down.
• God uses confrontation. (vs. 9-15). Peter was on the roof top praying and he is getting hungry. He falls into a trance and God shows him a vision with food to eat. These animals were not “kosher”. These animals were not “clean”. Peter says “No, Lord”. You cannot reject God’s will and come call him Lord. Peter says “I have never”. God uses all kinds of methods to get the message out. The message never changes but the method changes. The Lord then blows away Peter’s arguments. What God cleanses we are not to call unclean. These animals represent all the nations and races of the people. The blood of Jesus Christ changed all the dietary laws. Sin is not on the outside, it is on the inside. To eat certain meats may not make you healthy but it will not make you unholy.

3 – A desirous congregation (vs. 16-34)

Cornelius brings together a congregation who is willing to hear what God has to say through Peter. It is important that a person coming to Church prays beforehand. Peter is ready to give his sermon. God is no respecter of persons. God does not care about the colour of a person’s skin. He is a God who loves all. Are you after equal treatment or special treatment? There will be people from every nation and race in the world in Heaven. God does not care about the colour of someone’s skin. God’s grace is for every race! Peter has a message about Jesus to preach to his congregation.

• The saviour is exalted (vs. 38-43). Every preacher has been called to preach the same message that Peter gives.
• Salvation is extended (vs. 43-48). It is whosoever will believe that can be saved. All of a sudden He has to stop the sermon. (vs. 44). Peter didn’t get to the invitation! The Holy Spirit fell on those who believed. They started speaking in tongues. It was a sign that God was saving the Gentiles. It was the same thing that had happened at Pentecost. Peter wants them in Church so he gets them baptised! It does not matter how black you are, God’s grace can save you!

Categories: Acts