Chapter 10
These notes are taken from the following teachers’ commentaries: John Wesley, Chuck Smith, Andrew Womack, Stanley Horton, and sometimes, Craig Keener and Tony Evans. Comments are also taken from The Passion Translation notes (TPT). Translations are taken from biblegateway.com (AMP for Amplified Bible). It is hoped that these comments will assist the reader in personal devotions in knowing Jesus.
Verses 1-2.
“At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.”
Caesarea was a beautiful harbor city 30 miles north of Joppa, build by Herod the Great. It was the capital of Judea under the Roman procurators. This was different from Caesarea Philippi. Rome stationed a special regiment there, a cohort, the tenth of a Roman Legion. An ordinary cohort had six hundred soldiers under a tribune. But this was an auxiliary cohort of 1,000 men. These were volunteer soldiers, Roman citizens, known as the Italian Regiment.
Cornelius was a centurion commanding a 100-man infantry. He and his family/servants were God-fearing, but not converts to Judaism. They attended synagogue and sat in the back.
Cornelius was “God-fearing, having reverence for God, as did his household both family and servants. Through his influence, they all believed in God. They had not accepted circumcision and did not keep the dietary laws. But he gave generously to the poor and prayed to God regularly. He looked to the Lord to lead him in all of life. From later statements by Peter (v. 37) some believe that Cornelius was already a believer in Christ and wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit but was told that he would have to become a Jew first. If true, the outpouring at Cornelius’ house was an empowering experience, not a delayed salvation experience.
Smith. Caesarea was the seaport capital of the Roman governor who ruled over Judea and surrounding area. You can sit in the theater where Paul defended himself. Smith has the Roman army divided differently than Horton. A Roman legion was 6,000 men. A legion was made up of 10 cohorts of 600 men each. A cohort was divided into 6 groups of 100 men called centuries, commanded by a centurion. Cornelius had at some point come to believe in one God, following the Jews on that point.
Womack. A Roman “centurion” commanded one hundred men. Per 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, God doesn’t call many mighty or noble men. But Cornelius was both. Most people who “have it all together” and have all that the world can offer don't acknowledge their need for God. But Cornelius did.
Cornelius is only mentioned by name here in Acts 10. However, his conversion is mentioned again in Acts 11:4-17 and referred to in Acts 15:14 and Galatians 2:11-12. The conversion of Cornelius, his kinsmen, and his friends is one of the most important events recorded in Acts – a Gentile converted to Christianity (with the possible exception of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:27-38 was first).
Prior to this event, the church consisted of Jews or Jewish proselytes. The Jewish Christians thought it impossible for anyone to become a Christian without being circumcised or becoming a Jew first. Through this miraculous set of circumstances, God convinced Peter that the Gentiles were also God’s people and candidates for salvation (Acts 10:34-35). Although Peter related this incident to the Jerusalem church, it was still not resolved among all the brethren that Gentiles could become Christians, as can be seen in Acts 15:1.
At the Jerusalem conference recorded in Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas argued for the conversion of Gentiles without circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses. James, the head of the Jerusalem church, agreed with Paul and cited the conversion of Cornelius as precedent. Without Cornelius’ conversion, the Jerusalem church might have rejected the Gentiles as being heirs of salvation with them in Acts 15. Paul later brought up the instance of Cornelius’ conversion when Peter visited him in Antioch and was reproved by Paul for his hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-14).
The Old Testament scriptures deal primarily with God’s dealings with His covenant people. But the Lord always sought to have relationship Jew and Gentiles alike (John 3:16). Many of Isaiah’s prophecies concerning the Gentiles coming into relationship with the Lord through Jesus. The Lord also sent Jonah to Nineveh, a Gentile city, and saved tens of thousands of Gentiles through his preaching.
Cornelius was a Gentile, but he sought the Lord and liveda godly life. The Lord heard his prayers and made provision for him to be saved. As Peter said in this chapter (Acts 10:34-35), “in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Cornelius was a godly man, but that was not enough. He had to believe the Gospel, and that’s why the angel instructed him to send for Peter. His holiness paid dividends in the sense that the Lord responded and sent someone who shared with him the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. However, if he had refused to believe on Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, trusting instead in his performance to make him accepted by God, he would have “split hell wide open.”
Verse 3.
About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
Three o’clock in the afternoon was the regular hour of Jewish evening prayer. This was also the hour of the evening sacrifice (see Ex. 29:39; Num. 28:8). God spoke to Cornelius was observing his regular devotions. He was fasting and praying at this time. This was not a dream or vision; it was an angel.
Smith. There are three times for public prayer for Jews: 9 a.m.; 12 noon; 3 p.m. The Jewish day began at sunrise or 6 a.m.
Womack. This happened in the middle of the afternoon. Cornelius was seeking the Lord (Acts 10:30). If we seek, we find (Matthew 7:7-8) but being preoccupied with the affairs of this life will choke God’s Word (Mark 4:19).
Wesley. And there was a certain man - The first fruits of the Gentiles, in Caesarea - Where Philip had been before, Acts 8:40 ; so that the doctrine of salvation by faith in Jesus was not unknown there. Caesarea was the seat of the civil government, as Jerusalem was of the ecclesiastical. It is observable, that the Gospel made its way first through the metropolitan cities. So, it first seized Jerusalem and Caesarea: afterward Philippi, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome itself. A centurion, or captain, of that called the Italian band - That is, troop or company. Who gave many alms to the people — That is, to the Jews, many of whom were at that time extremely poor. He saw in a vision — Not in a trance, like Peter: plainly, so as to leave one not accustomed to things of this kind no room to suspect any imposition.
Verse 4-6
“And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord? “So, he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”
AMP. And he, gazing intently at him, became frightened and said, What is it, Lord? And the angel said to him, Your prayers and your generous gifts to the poor have come up as a sacrifice to God and have been remembered by Him.
And now send men to Joppa and have them call for and invite here a certain Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.”
Horton. Cornelius, although afraid, spoke to the angel who he took to be a divine manifestation. The angel directed his attention back to the Father. See Lev. 2:2; Num. 5:26 for memorial offerings.
Smith. See Mal. 3:16. Cornelius is like the Ethiopian – God met seeking hearts. God used human instruments like Peter and Philip to share the gospel. God was also working in Peter’s heart to break down racial barriers.
Wesley. Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God — Dare any man say, These were only splendid sins? Or that they were an abomination before God? And yet it is certain, in the Christian sense Cornelius was then an unbeliever. He had not then faith in Christ. So certain it is, that everyone who seeks faith in Christ, should seek it in prayer, and doing good to all men: though in strictness what is not exactly according to the Divine rule must stand in need of Divine favor and indulgence.
Womack. Cornelius was not Jewish and did not offer the Jewish sacrifices to the Lord. But his manner of life was a pleasing sacrifice to God. The angel’s words paint a word picture that Cornelius’ prayers and alms were a sweet sacrifice to God that ascended to Him.
Although Cornelius was a godly man, he was not a proud, self-righteous man who depended on good works for salvation. When told the truth about making Jesus his Savior, he readily believed and was born again.
Cornelius’ gifts to the poor were a “memorial before God.” Those who give to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him (Proverbs 19:17). The Lord repaid Cornelius’ giving by bringing him the message of salvation. Peter had recently raised Dorcas from the dead in Joppa (Acts 9:36-40), and it is supposed that he was still with the disciples there when Cornelius received these instructions.
It is interesting that this angel told Cornelius to send to Joppa to get Peter to come preach Jesus to him. Didn’t the angel know how to tell Cornelius to be born again? Of course he did, but he didn’t have the authority to preach the Gospel. The Lord Jesus gives us, and us alone, power (or authority) to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). If we don’t witness, the angels won’t do it for us. See Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in Luke 10:7. They were not to go from house to house as though they were imposing on people. They were to remain in one house as long as they were in an area.
Verse 7-8.
When the angel who spoke to him had left, Cornelius called two of his servants and a God-fearing soldier from among his own personal attendants. And having rehearsed everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Horton. These were his household slaves who were God-fearers, or perhaps Jews. He also called a devout soldier-a true worshipper of God. He sent them on the 30 miles trip to get Peter.
Smith. Apparently, Cornelius sent them immediately. So, Cornelius saw and heard the angel’s instructions about 3:00-4:00 p.m. He called his servants and soldier and let’s assume that they were able to leave by 5:00 p.m. It would have been 10 hours 40 minutes of continuous walking to Joppa. Let’s assume that they rested 2 hours of that 10 hours, 40 minutes. They arrived in Joppa about noon the next day. 6 hours of walking on that day. 6 hours that night? They make a hard, quick journey. Instant and complete obedience.
Wesley. A devout soldier — How many such attendants have our modern officers? A devout soldier would now be looked upon as little better than a deserter from his colors.
Womack. Cornelius was a centurion, a Roman military officer with one hundred men under his command. He chose one soldiers under his charge and two personal servants to fetch Peter.
Cornelius had servants or slaves and yet the angel of the Lord called him devout, one who feared God, and one who was a giver (Acts 10:2). God deals with us according to our knowledge (1 Timothy 1:13).
The angel told Cornelius to send men to Joppa and bring Peter back to where Cornelius was. Would Cornelius going to Peter been easier or more respectful? Doing it as the angel instructed allowed all of Cornelius’ family to be present and receive salvation too. It also might be possible that having this take place in Cornelius’ home avoided some of the problems that would have existed if a Gentile had come into a Jewish home.
Verse 9-10.
“About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up to the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.”
About noon, the three men from Cornelius were approaching Joppa. God is faithful to work on Cornelius’ end and Peter’s end. God had already worked to break down prejudice in Peter’s heart by bringing him to the Hellenized coast to say with an unclean tanner. Most Jews considered noon one of the hours of prayer. He went to the flat roof of the house by outside stairway. (Ps.55:17; Dan. 6:10). He fell into a trance.
Smith. The Greek word for “trance” is “ecstasis,” (ecstasy). It’s an ecstasy that comes from God’s manifest presence.
Wesley. And he became very hungry — At the usual mealtime. The symbols in visions and trances, it is easy to observe, are generally suited to the state of the natural faculties.
Womack. Womack has a different take on the time for the journey. The journey from Caesarea to Joppa was about thirty-five miles, more than one day’s travel. Cornelius’ servants evidently left the next day and arrived at Simon’s house around noon two days after Cornelius had seen the angel. When Peter left with the messengers, they departed on the third day after the vision and arrived at Cornelius’ house about 3:00 p.m. on the fourth day (Acts 10:30).
Houses had flat roofs with outside stairways, and people used that space to relax or pray. Trances are when people are so dominated by the Spirit of God that their minds are not functioning in their normal states but are seeing, hearing, and thinking only on the divine images and messages being given to them by God. From this verse and Acts 10:19, trances and visions are the same things.
Verses 11-14.
“He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter, Kill and eat.’ Surely not, Lord, Peter replied. I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’”
In the vision Peter say descending from heaven a large sheet or sailcloth (this is the main port). It was tied at the corners and filled with all manner of unclean animals, reptiles, and birds. Peter knew that the voice telling him to kill and eat was Jesus, but the had his prejudices. “Not at all – Never!” He had never eaten anything non-kosher. Mk. 7: 15-19. Jesus was preparing his disciples for abolishing of the food laws. This is one way that Jews showed obedience to the law was by following the dietary laws.
Smith. The four corners of the sheet perhaps represented the 4 corners of the world. In the Greek, when instructed by the Lord to kill and eat, Peter says “I’ll have none of it.” All Orthodox Jews and many other Jews still observe the Lev. 11 dietary laws. Rabbis watch animals being butchered in the slaughterhouses to be sure that all blood is extracted and then they stamp it kosher.
Wesley. Tied at the corners — Not all in one knot, but each fastened as it were up to heaven. But Peter said, In nowise, Lord — When God commands a strange or seemingly improper thing, the first objection frequently finds pardon. But it ought not to be repeated. This doubt and delay of St. Peter had several good effects. Hereby the will of God in this important point was made more evident and incontestable. And Peter also, having been so slow of belief himself, could the more easily bear the doubting of his brethren, Acts 11:2
Womack. God showed Peter through this vision that the Gentiles were henceforth fellow heirs and no longer unclean (Ephesians 3:6). Gentiles were recipients of God’s mercy and salvation through Jesus (Acts 10:28). The vision offered Peter all types of unclean animals to eat (Leviticus 11:1-23 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21). Peter refused to eat, as any good Jew would, but the voice of the Lord was insistent that God had cleansed them, and that Peter should eat. This was done three times, to establish the fact that the Lord was making a change in what was considered clean and unclean.
The Lord followed up this vision with a word of knowledge that three men were at the door seeking Peter and that he was supposed to go with them. When he found out that these men were Gentiles, the meaning of the vision became obvious. Leviticus 11:1-23 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21 forbade the eating of many animals that were present in this vision. This was only a vision, but it is inconceivable that the Lord would have instructed Peter to do something that was displeasing to Him, even in a vision. Therefore, killing and eating meat is not wrong. On the contrary, 1 Timothy 4:1-4 says it is a demonic doctrine to command anyone to abstain from eating meats. Peter was often characterized as not being a very good Jew. It’s true he wasn’t as strict as one of the Pharisees, but he had always followed the dietary laws of the O.T.
Verse 15-16. “The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.”
When Peter refused at first to ‘kill and eat,” the Lord strongly rebuked him. Mk. 7: 18-19.
Smith. Peter still did not understand fully. But then the Holy Spirit spoke about the men at the door which would further explain the vision. He still didn’t understand the vision fully, but he obeyed what the Holy Spirit said.
Wesley. What God hath purified — Hath made and declared clean. Nothing but what is clean can come down from heaven. St. Peter well remembered this saying in the council at Jerusalem, Acts 15:9. This was done thrice — To make the deeper impression.
Womack. This was a huge leap of faith in departing from the Old Testament scriptures. This really didn’t contradict the Old Testament dietary laws if a person understood that they were symbolic (Colossians 2:16-17). The shadow was now past, and the full image of Jesus was in clear view for all to see.
It is not necessary to observe the Old Testament dietary laws anymore. Those who claim that the dietary commands were for health reasons only are incorrect. There were health benefits, but Colossians makes it clear that their true purpose was symbolic.
We don’t have to wonder about the meaning of this vision. Peter explained in Acts 10:28 that this was the Lord showing him not to call any person common or unclean. That this vision repeated three times is significant. Joseph said that when a dream is repeated it is because it is established by the Lord and cannot be changed.
This vision did not deal with unclean animals but rather symbolized that the Gentiles were henceforth clean.
Verses 17-20.
While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter as staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Simon, three men are looking for you So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.’”
Horton. Peter had enough wisdom to know that this vision spoke of more than eating non-kosher food. He was at a loss on how to understand it. He was to get up, go downstairs but the outside stairway and go with the men.
Smith. How did the Holy Spirit speak to Peter? By a strong impression or clear thoughts, perhaps. I Ki. 19: 11-13. The still, small voice.
Wesley. While Peter doubted in himself, behold the men — Frequently the things which befall us within and from without at the same time, are a key to each other. The things which thus concur and agree together, ought to be diligently attended to. Behold three men seek thee, arise therefore and go down, and go with them, doubting nothing — How gradually was St. Peter prepared to receive this new admonition of the Spirit! Thus, God is went to lead on his children by degrees, always giving them light for the present hour.
Womack. The timing of Peter’s vision and the arrival of Cornelius’ messengers ordained by God. The angel gave Cornelius the first and last name of Peter, along with the name of the man he was staying with, that man’s occupation, and where he lived (Acts 10:5-6). God spoke specifically. The Spirit of the Lord gave Peter details also. The same can happen to us too. We have the same precious faith (2 Peter 1:1). Peter may not have gone with Cornelius’ servants without the specific leading that came through the vision and the timing of the messenger’s arrival.
Verse 21-22.
Then Peter went down to the men and said, I am the man you seek; what is the purpose of your coming? And they said, Cornelius, a centurion who is just and upright and in right standing with God, being God-fearing and obedient and well-spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, has been instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house; and he has received in answer to his prayer a warning to listen to and act upon what you have to say.
Horton. The visiting men relayed the angel’s message to Peter.
Smith. The Jews felt that only Jews could be saved, and that Gentiles could not unless they converted to Judaism. Some rabbis taught that God created the Gentiles only to fuel hell. That’s the question of Acts 15: Could a Gentile be saved apart from Judaism. Judaizers traveled to Antioch from Jerusalem and taught that Gentiles who were accepting Christ couldn’t be saved unless they became a Jew by keeping the law and being circumcised. See Paul’s teaching at Ep. 2:14; Col. 3:11.
God also broke down the walls in Peter’s heart. Just be inviting the men into the house, Peter broke Jewish law. Gentiles were considered unclean; if they came into a Jewish home, everything they touched was unclean. Pharisees would hold their robes close to them as they walked down the street lest they touch a Gentile or a woman (and thus the Pharisee would be unclean).
Womack. The Lord prepared Peter for the arrival of Cornelius’s servants, but He left it up to Peter to connect the dots. The Lord speaks to us in ways that take faith to respond and obey (Hebrews 11:6).
The Lord told Peter (Acts 10:19-20) that three men had come to see him. Peter came down and told Cornelius’s servants that he was the one they sought. The Lord orchestrated this whole encounter. The Jews didn’t believe that God would accept a Gentile without converting to Judaism and being circumcised. But the circumstances were so miraculous that Peter recognized God as orchestrator of the events.
Verse 23-24.
So, Peter invited them in to be his guests for the night. The next day he arose and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for and expecting them, and he had invited together his relatives and his intimate friends.
Horton. Ordinary, a Jew would not invite a Gentile into his home. Peter must have explained his vision to Simon the Tanner so that Simon would allow the Gentile visitors inside the house. Or it could have been the slaves were Jews and the solider a proselyte. Peter took six of the Jewish Christians from Joppa with him to Caesarea. See Acts 11:12. He took double the normal 2-3 requirement. Mt. 18:6; Dt. 19:15. When they arrived at Caesarea. Cornelius had filled the house with friends and family. They came with expectant hearts.
Wesley. Cornelius was waiting for them — Not engaging himself in any secular business during that solemn time but being altogether intent on this one thing.
Womack. It was against Jewish law to eat with Gentiles (Galatians 2:12), it was also against Jewish law to have Gentile’s sleep in a Jewish house. Peter was already interpreting the vision to mean that the Gentiles were no longer unclean.
In Peter’s rehearsal of this event in Acts 11:12, there were six brethren who went with him. The angel who instructed Cornelius to send for Peter did not tell him to bring his relatives and friends to hear what Peter had to say. Cornelius did this of his own, and they too believed and received. Even before his conversion, Cornelius was a witness. He continued to be a witness after receiving the born-again experience and the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:8).
Verse 25-26.
As Peter arrived, Cornelius met him, and falling down at his feet he made obeisance and paid worshipful reverence to him. But Peter raised him up, saying, Get up; I myself am also a man.
Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet when he walked in. Peter made him get up. See also 14: 14-17; Rev. 22:8-9. But Jesus accepted worship. Mt. 14:33; Jo. 9:38. This event makes it unlikely that Peter would ever accept the position of top leader in the church.
Worship. I myself also am a man — And not God, who alone ought to be worshipped, Matthew 4:10. Have all his pretended successors attended to this?
Smith. Men can be destroyed by success. Peter was mightily used of God, but he did not seek worship, glory, or honor for himself. And thus, God was able to continue to use Peter. If God uses, you don’t accept credit or glory for what God has done.
Womack. Cornelius was a godly man, but he didn’t understand salvation. That’s why the angel sent Peter to him. Moral living doesn’t necessarily mean maturity. Peter refused Cornelius’ worship, knowing that worship is reserved for God alone, thereby setting a precedent that all ministers should adhere to. It is easy for people to think too highly of the one who brings God’s Word to them, but a minister who is truly preaching Jesus will make it clear, as Peter did, that Jesus is the only one to be worshiped.
Verse 27-29.
And as Peter spoke with him, he entered the house and found a large group of persons assembled. And he said to them, you yourselves are aware how it is not lawful or permissible for a Jew to keep company with, visit, come near or to speak first to anyone of another nationality, but God has shown and taught me by words that I should not call any human being common, unhallowed or ceremonially unclean. Therefore, when I was sent for, I came without hesitation, objection or misgivings. So now I ask for what reason you sent for me.
Horton. Peter was surprised at the number of people in the house. It was against (illegal, forbidden, a taboo) for a Jew to associated with or visit a foreigner. Jewish law and custom did not accept hearsay evidence. Peter asked again for the reason for the invitation so the six witnesses could hear it directly.
Smith. Peter had never been in a Gentile home before. “Here I am. I’m a Jew and I shouldn’t be here, but the Lord told me to come.”
Wesley. But God hath showed me — He speaks sparingly to them of his former doubt, and his late vision. I ask for what intent ye have sent for me? — St. Peter knew this already. But he puts Cornelius on telling the story, both that the rest might be informed, and Cornelius himself more impressed by the narration: the repetition of which, even as we read it, gives a new dignity and spirit to Peter’s succeeding discourse.
Womack. Peter went for the salvation of a large Gentile group. He started a Gentile church in one day. This truth extends far beyond Jew and Gentile. It applies to all races of the earth. Anyone who will put faith in Jesus for complete salvation can and will be saved (Romans 10:13). Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words says the Greek word that translated “without gainsaying” means “unquestioningly.”
Verse 30-33.
And Cornelius said, this is now the fourth day since about this time I was observing the three o’clock in the afternoon prayer in my lodging place; suddenly a man stood before me in dazzling apparel. And he said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and harkened to, and your donations to the poor have been known and preserved before God, so that He heeds and is about to help you. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is surnamed Peter; he is staying in the house of Simon the tanner by the seaside. So, at once I sent for you, and you, being a Jew, have done a kind, courteous and handsome thing in coming. Now then, we are all present in the sight of God to listen to all that you have been instructed by the Lord to say.\
Horton. That day was the 4thd day. Cornelius recounted the angel’s visit and his words.
Smith. He commended Peter for coming. No one is more important to God than you. Dt. 10:17.
Wesley. Four days ago, I was fasting — The first of these days he had the vision; the second his messengers came to Joppa; on the third, St. Peter set out; and on the fourth, came to Caesarea. Thy prayer is heard — Doubtless he had been praying for instruction, how to worship God in the most acceptable manner. Now therefore we are all present before God — The language of every truly Christian congregation.
Womack. It was a thirty-five-mile, or two-day, trip between Caesarea and Joppa. The Lord heard the prayer of a man who wasn’t born again. That’s why the angel had him send for Peter. No one can be in right standing with God apart from faith in Jesus (John 14:6 and Acts 4:12), but God can hear the prayers of people who are sincerely seeking Him, and He will send them someone to guide them in the right direction.
Notice that Cornelius’s alms were part of bringing this blessing into his life.
In Cornelius’s rehearsal of this visitation he quoted the angel as saying, “Thine alms are had in remembrance . . .” but in Acts 10:4 the angel was quoted as saying, “are come up for a memorial . . .” So, we see that memorial and remembrance are used interchangeably. Acts 10:6 quotes the angel as saying, “He shall tell thee what thou ought to do.”
This was a specific word of knowledge given to a man who wasn’t born again. There may have been some doubt on Cornelius’ part as to whether or not Peter would come to him. I’m sure he knew of the Jewish customs that forbade the association of the Jews with Gentiles. Cornelius was pleased that Peter had overcome those prejudices.
Verse 34-35.
And Peter opened his mouth and said: most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons. But in every nation, he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed by Him.
Peter now understands the import of the vision. God is impartial. Dt. 10;17; 2 Sam. 14:14; 2 Chron. 19:7; Amos 9:7; Ro. 2:11; I Pe. 1:17; Mt. 3: 8-9; Mal 4:2.
Smith. When we believe in Jesus, God imputes righteousness to us. 2 Cor. 5:21. God will restore Israel at some point to favor and prominence. The offer of salvation was first to the Jews.
Wesley. That God is not a respecter of persons — Is not partial in his love. The words mean, in a particular sense, that he does not confine his love to one nation; in a general, that he is loving to every man, and all men will be saved. But in every nation he that fears God and worketh righteousness — He that, first, reverences God, as great, wise, good, the cause, end, and governor of all things; and secondly, from this awful regard to him, not only avoids all known evil, but endeavors, according to the best light he has, to do all things well; is accepted of him - Through Christ, though he knows him not. The assertion is express and admits of no exception. He is in the favor of God, whether enjoying his written word and ordinances or not. Nevertheless, the addition of these is an unspeakable blessing to those who were before in some measure accepted. Otherwise, God would never have sent an angel from heaven to direct Cornelius to St. Peter.
Womack. This is a truth that is well established in scripture (Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:11, 25; James 2:9; and 1 Peter 1:17). But the commands about separation and uncleanness had obscured this truth so that the church, up to this point, had excluded Gentiles from salvation. Christianity had only been perceived as being for the Jews. This was a major shift in the preaching of the Gospel that forever changed the makeup of the body of Christ. Proverbs 8:13 says that the fear of the Lord is to hate evil.
The only righteousness that is acceptable to the Lord is a faith righteousness (Romans 10:1-4).
Here Peter understood that the Gentiles were completely accepted by God into His family through belief in Jesus and not by becoming a proselyte to Judaism. Since God had accepted them, Peter accepted Cornelius and his kinsmen and even ate with them (Galatians 2:12). But when men were sent from James at the Jerusalem church to obtain a firsthand report, Peter and the six men who were with him (Acts 11:12) withdrew from Cornelius and separated themselves for fear of what the Jews might think. Peter could not claim ignorance when Paul rebuked him (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter was the first apostle to receive the revelation that the Gentiles could be saved.
Verse 36.
You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all…
Horton. Ps. 107:20. Peace with God only comes through Jesus Christ. Jesus is lord of all. He removed the barriers between Jew and Gentile.
Wesley. This is the word which God sent — When he sent his Son into the world, preaching - Proclaiming by him-peace between God and man, whether Jew or Gentile, by the God-man. He is Lord of both, yea, Lord of and overall.
Womack. When Peter made this statement, he had a new appreciation for this. It was not only the Jews whom Jesus was Lord over, but He was Lord over all men of every nation.
Verse 37-38.
The same message, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee after the baptism preached by John. How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with strength, ability and power; how He went about doing good and, [a]in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of the devil, for God was with Him.
They knew the facts about Jesus, including the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Smith. Is. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; Mt. 3: 16-17.
Womack. Cornelius and his friends had heard of Jesus. Although there is no record of Jesus ministering in Caesarea, all who lived in Israel had heard of Jesus. It is interesting that someone who was seeking truth, as Cornelius was, didn’t investigate the claims of Jesus as the Jewish Christ before this time. Healing people is doing good. Therefore, leaving them sick would be doing evil, especially if we had been given the power to heal. Notice also that these sick people were oppressed of the devil, not of God.
All sickness has its root in Satan and his influence. But some sickness is simply a result of living in a fallen world, while other sickness is a direct demonic influence. There are 10 times in the Gospels where Jesus cast demons out of people to heal them.
Peter gave a brief, descriptive, summary of Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus was anointed with power and with the Holy Ghost. He used this power to do good, not evil. This is one of the main characteristics of God and is one of the easiest ways to discern what is from God and what is from the devil. God is a good God, and the devil is a bad devil. If it’s bad, it’s from the devil. If it’s good, it’s from God. Jesus healed all who were oppressed of the devil. Therefore, Jesus showed us the perfect will of the Father by healing all. This verse says they “were oppressed of the devil”, not of God. God is not the one who brings sickness; it’s the devil, and he does it only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Wesley. How God anointed Jesus — Particularly at his baptism, thereby inaugurating him to his office: with the Holy Ghost and with power - It is worthy our remark, that frequently when the Holy Ghost is mentioned there is added a word particularly adapted to the present circumstance. So, the deacons were to be full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, Acts 6:3. Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost and faith, Acts 11:24. The disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost, Acts 13:52. And here, where his mighty works are mentioned, Christ himself is said to be anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. For God was with him-He speaks sparingly here of the majesty of Christ, as considering the state of his hearers.
Verse 39-41.
And we are eye and ear witnesses of everything that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And yet they put Him out of the way – they murdered Him - by hanging Him on a tree. But God raised Him to life on the third day and caused Him to be manifest, that is, to be plainly seen. Not by all the people but to us who were chosen and designated beforehand by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.
Wesley. Not now to all the people — As before his death; to us who did eat and drink with him - That is, conversed familiarly and continually with him, in the time of his ministry.
Womack. Peter mentioned his eyewitness account of Jesus’ death to verify that what he said was true. He didn’t glorify himself or his association with Jesus. He only glorified the Lord. We should do the same. Peter preached the sacrificial death of Jesus, and he proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This is equivalent to proclaiming the full Gospel instead of a partial Gospel. There is not one account of Jesus appearing to any unbeliever after His resurrection. He certainly could have made a lot of converts if He had done so. But He only appeared to those who already believed so they could become witnesses. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
There is no record in Scripture of Jesus appearing to any unbelievers after His resurrection. He could have made Pilate or Herod bow the knee, but He couldn’t or wouldn’t make them believe. That is not His way (Hebrews 11:6). Faith has to be voluntary.
Verse 42-43.
And He charged us to preach to the people and to bear solemn testimony that He is the God-appointed and God-ordained Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets testify and bear witness that everyone who believes in Him, who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him, giving himself up to Him, receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
Wesley. It is he who is ordained by God the Judge of the living and the dead — Of all men, whether they are alive at his coming, or had died before it. This was declaring to them, in the strongest terms, how entirely their happiness depended on a timely and humble subjection to him who was to be their final Judge. To him give all the prophets witness — Speaking to heathens he does not quote any in particular; that everyone who believeth in him - Whether he be Jew or Gentile; receives remission of sins - Though he had not before either feared God or worked righteousness.
Womack. This is a clear reference to life after life. Jesus is the Judge of the living and the dead. The dead are still alive; they just aren’t in their corporal form anymore. Remission of sins (Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14) comes through faith in a Savior, Jesus. Our works are not required. Salvation isn’t according to works but according to our faith. Faith alone saves, but true saving faith will never be alone. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
Verse 44-48.
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message. And the believers from among the circumcised the Jews who came with Peter were surprised and amazed, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed and poured out largely even on the Gentiles. For they heard them talking in unknown languages, extolling and magnifying God. Then Peter asked, Can anyone forbid or refuse water for baptizing these people, seeing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? And he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Then they begged him to stay on there for some days.
Womack. Peter didn’t finish his sermon. The people were so ready to receive that they interrupted his message by receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
The Gentiles didn’t go through rituals or repeat doctrinal statements, and they hadn’t been baptized yet, as some people teach as a requirement for salvation; yet God gave them the Holy Ghost. Lost people cannot receive the Holy Ghost. Therefore, we see that the Lord granted salvation on the basis of the faith in their hearts.
In this instance, these Gentiles received the baptism of the Holy Ghost simultaneously with the new birth. In other cases, the Spirit baptism came later. God, who knows the hearts of everyone (Acts 1:24), must have seen that these men were ready for everything the Lord had for them, so He gave it to them all at once. The Lord is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11), and He will do the same for believers today.
Some scholars speculate that this took place as many as ten years after the Day of Pentecost. Certainly, Peter, and possibly some of these other Jews, had been born again and walking with the Lord for a long time in such close relationship that his shadow had healed people (Acts 5:15) and others had been raised from the dead (Acts 9:41). Yet they were totally surprised to see God’s acceptance of the Gentiles, even though it was clearly prophesied in Old Testament scriptures (Isaiah 11:10, 42:6, 49:6, 22, 60:3-16, 62:2, 66:19; Jeremiah 16:19-21; and Malachi 1:11) and Jesus Himself spoke of it (Matthew 8:11-12, 21:42-43; Luke 4:25-27, 13:29; and John 10:16). This illustrates that the Lord doesn’t bring us into all truth instantly; there is a growth process (Isaiah 28:10). All believers have enough “blind spots” that we have no right to adopt a know-it-all attitude. “If any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:2). This outpouring of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by them speaking in tongues. Later Peter used the fact that all of these spoke in tongues as a proof that they had been born again (Acts 11:15-17).
Speaking in tongues was used as a proof here that Cornelius and these other Gentiles had received the Holy Ghost. Jesus said in John 14:17 that unsaved people could not receive the Holy Spirit. Therefore, these people were born again, filled with the Holy Spirit, and then they were water baptized. That’s the correct order. Philip told the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:37 that he had to believe with all his heart before he could be baptized in water. Water baptism is a result of salvation, not a cause of it.
Peter said they had received the Holy Spirit the same as he had, yet there is no record of cloven tongues of fire as Peter experienced on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3-4). It appears that the tongues of fire only happened at the original outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but the gift of tongues continues to accompany the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Water baptism came after their conversion and Spirit baptism. Some people argue that we are supposed to baptize people in the name of the Lord or Jesus only. Yet Jesus told His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:20). Which is it? It’s both. Since all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Jesus (Colossians 2:9), then baptizing in Jesus’ name is like baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Wesley, The Holy Ghost fell on all that were hearing the word — Thus were they consecrated to God, as the first fruits of the Gentiles. And thus did God give a clear and satisfactory evidence, that he had accepted them as well as the Jews. The believers of the circumcision — The believing Jews. Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost? — He does not say they have the baptism of the Spirit; therefore, they do not need baptism with water. But just the contrary: if they have received the Spirit, then baptize them with water. How easily is this question decided, if we will take the word of God for our rule! Either men have received the Holy Ghost or not. If they have not, Repent, saith God, and be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. If they have, if they are already baptized with the Holy Ghost, then who can forbid water? In the name of the Lord — Which implies the Father who anointed him, and the Spirit with which he was anointed to his office. But as the Gentiles had before believed in God the Father and could not but now believe in the Holy Ghost, under whose powerful influence they were at this very time, there was the less need of taking notice, that they were baptized into the belief and profession of the sacred Three: though doubtless the apostle administered the ordinances in that very form which Christ himself had prescribed.