Peter Meets Corneilius
October 17, 2022
Commentary
As we read this passage, we must remember that the Jews believed that other nations were outside the mercy of God. The strict Jew would have no contact with a Gentile, or even with a Jew, who did not observe the Law. In particular, he would never have a guest nor ever be the guest of a man, who did not observe the Law. Cornelius asked them in and gave them hospitality (vv. 23-26). When Peter arrived at Caesarea, Cornelius met him at the door, no doubt wondering if Peter would cross his threshold at all, and Peter came in (vv. 27-29). In an amazing way the prejudices were being broken down.
Cornelius’ close friends and relatives were waiting to meet and hear Peter. He had great faith to have called together these people to hear someone he had never met before. Cornelius came to meet Peter and fell at his feet as if to worship him. However, Peter took his hand and raised him up. He then told him not to knell before him. He emphasized the fact that he was a man just like Cornelius and not to be worshiped. Peter then stood before the crowd of people and told how, by tradition, the Jews had nothing to do with anyone who was not a Jew, but God had showed him that he was not to feel that way anymore. That was the reason he had come to them as they had asked.
Then Peter asked why they had sent for him. Cornelius told how four days before, while he was praying in his house, a man in shining clothes, stood before him and told him to send for Peter, and that he would tell, him what he needed to know (vv. 30-33). Cornelius told Peter, that he had sent for him and was glad he’d come. Now they were all ready for a message.
Application
We (Jews and Gentiles) become God’s child by being born into His family. I was born-again by hearing God’s Word, believing it, and opening my heart to receive Him.
Acts 10:23– 33 (NET)
23 So Peter invited them in and entertained them as guests.
24 The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting anxiously for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 So when Peter came in, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter helped him up, saying, “Stand up. I too am a mere mortal.” 27 Peter continued talking with him as he went in, and he found many people gathered together. 28 He said to them, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile, yet God has shown me that I should call no person defiled or ritually unclean. 29 Therefore when you sent for me, I came without any objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this very hour, at three o’clock in the afternoon, I was praying in my house, and suddenly a man in shining clothing stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your acts of charity have been remembered before God. 32 Therefore send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest in the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ 33 Therefore I sent for you at once, and you were kind enough to come. So now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to say to us.”