P
ParkerD
Guest
If a Bible student re-reads Acts 10, they will note that an angel told Cornelius to go to Peter to know “what thou oughtest to do” since he was a “devout man”, though a Gentile.
Peter has a vision prior to Cornelius’ visit. It is a prophetic vision, a revelatory vision about the Gentiles’ acceptance in the eyes of God: “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (v. 15)
Peter and Cornelius finally meet, and Cornelius kneels because he misunderstands Peter’s role, and Peter corrects him:
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Peter soon realizes that this assembly of Gentiles has had the Holy Ghost poured out on them, and realizes that they need to be baptized, so he says:
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
This experience was very important in the primitive Church. Christ was (and still is) the leader of the Church, its living Head, but Peter was the one whom Christ had selected as the first apostle, and had had the vision with James and John which no other apostles had (Matthew 17:1-9). Peter received the doctrinal change that the gospel should now be freely given to the Gentiles. This was the pattern for revelation to guide the Church. Visions, ministry of angels, prophetic doctrine…important precedents and patterns to guide believers.
Peter has a vision prior to Cornelius’ visit. It is a prophetic vision, a revelatory vision about the Gentiles’ acceptance in the eyes of God: “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (v. 15)
Peter and Cornelius finally meet, and Cornelius kneels because he misunderstands Peter’s role, and Peter corrects him:
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Peter soon realizes that this assembly of Gentiles has had the Holy Ghost poured out on them, and realizes that they need to be baptized, so he says:
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
This experience was very important in the primitive Church. Christ was (and still is) the leader of the Church, its living Head, but Peter was the one whom Christ had selected as the first apostle, and had had the vision with James and John which no other apostles had (Matthew 17:1-9). Peter received the doctrinal change that the gospel should now be freely given to the Gentiles. This was the pattern for revelation to guide the Church. Visions, ministry of angels, prophetic doctrine…important precedents and patterns to guide believers.
It’s too complicated!