10:1This Caesarea, sometimes called Palestinian Caesarea, was ocated on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, 32 miles north of Joppa. The largest and most important port city on the Mediterranean in Palestine, Caesarea served as the capital of the Roman province of Judea. This was the first city to have Gentile Christians and a non-Jewish church.
Life Application Study BibleActsChapter 10
Acts 10
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842
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10Acts 10
Cornelius Calls for Peter
1In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer* named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his GREAT ESCAPES IN THE BIBLE And the angel replied, “ Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5SNow send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.” 7As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants. 8He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa.
Peter Visits Cornelius
99The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, '@and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” 14"No, LORD,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.*” 1SBut the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 1The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven. 17Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, 18they asked if aman named Simon Peter was staying there. 19Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. 20Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.” 21So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?” 22They said, “ We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” 23So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa. 24They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” 27So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled. 28Peter told them, “ You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” 30Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o'clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. 31He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! 32Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ 33So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the LORD has given you.”
The Gentiles Hear the Good News
3434Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is LORD of all. 37You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39” And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,* 40but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, 4*not to the general public,* but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
4444Eyen as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45The Jewish believers* who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 4°For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47“Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” 48So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.
Textual footnotes
- 10:1 Greek a centurion; similarly in 10:22.
- 10:14 Greek anything common and unclean.
- 10:39 Greek ona tree.
- 10:41 Greek the people.
- 10:45 Greek The faithful ones of the circumcision.
Life Application Notes 11 notes
10:1This Roman officer was a centurion—a commander of 100 soldiers. Although stationed in Caesarea, Cornelius would probably return soon to Rome. Thus, his conversion was a major stepping-stone for spreading the Good News to the empire’s Capital city.
10:2What will happen to the heathen who have never heard about Christ? This question is often asked about God’s justice. Cornelius wasn’t a believer in Christ, but he was seeking God and was reverent and generous. Therefore, God sent Peter to tell Cornelius about Christ. This shows that God “rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Cornelius’s story demonstrates God’s willingness to use extraordinary means to reach those who desire to know him. Those who sincerely seek God will find him! God made Cornelius’s knowledge complete.
10:3Cornelius had a vision featuring a heavenly messenger. God spoke to other Bible characters through a variety of means— the burning bush of Moses (Exodus 3:1-4); the talking donkey of Balaam (Numbers 22:21-30); the gentle whisper heard by Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-14); the strange object lessons of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 13:1-11). Simply put, God speaks to his people in remarkably different ways—through the written Scriptures, through the words of others, through circumstances and events. It is up to us to listen, to be perceptive, to be alert. What is God trying ta say to you today?
10:12According to Jewish law, certain foods were forbidden to be eaten (see Leviticus 11). The food laws made it difficult for Jews to eat with Gentiles without risking defilement. In fact, the Gentiles themselves were often seen as “unclean.” Peter's vision meant that he should not look upon the Gentiles as inferior people whom God would not redeem. Before having the vision, Peter would have thought that a Gentile Roman officer could not become a follower of Christ. Afterward he understood that it was his responsibility to go with the messengers into a Gentile home and tell Cornelius the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.
10:15,16Steeped in Jewish tradition and filled with certain biases, Peter was convinced his views on the Gentiles were correct. It took a three-part heavenly vision for God to change
10:34,35Perhaps the greatest barrier to the spread of the Good News in the first century was the Jewish-Gentile conflict. Most of the early believers were Jewish, and they thought it scandalous even to think of associating with Gentiles. But God told Peter to take the Good News to a Roman, and Peter obeyed despite his background and personal feelings. (Later Peter struggled with this again—see Galatians 2:11-14.) God was making it clear that the Good News of Christ is for everyone! We should not allow any barrier-—language, culture, race, geography, economic level, or educational level—to keep us from telling others about Christ.
10:35Every nation has people who are restless for God, ready to receive the Good News—but someone must take it to them.
10:43Two examples of prophets testifying about Jesus and his forgiveness of sins are Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and Ezekiel 36:25, 26.
10:47,48in this case, the people were baptized after they received the Holy Spirit, publicly declaring their allegiance to Christ and identification with the Christian community.
10:48Cornelius wanted Peter to stay with him for several days. He was a new believer and realized his need for teaching and fellowship. Are you as eager to learn more about Christ? Recognize your need to be with mature Christians, and strive to learn from them.
Charts, profiles & sidebars from the printed pages
Study feature · page 1839
household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 3One afternoon about three o'clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. 4Comelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel.
Study feature · page 1839
Reference
What happened
What the escape accomplished Allowed Jacob to return home for Isaac’s death and for reconciliation with Esau, his brother Saved his own life and began another part of God’s training
Application A time away from home often puts the really important things into perspective God fits even our mistakes into his plan s
Who escaped
Flied from his father-in-law, Laban, after almost 20 years of service Fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian in defense of a fellow Israelite Escaped Egypt after 430 years, most of that time in slavery Escaped searchers in Jericho by hiding in Rahab’s house
Jacob
Moses
God confirmed his choice of Abraham’s descendants Prepared the destruction of Jericho and preserved Rehab, who would become one of David’s ancestors—as well as an ancestor of Jesus Broke the control of Moab over Israel and began 80 years of peace Merely postponed Samson’s self-destruction because of his lack of self-control Preserved Elijah’s life but also displayed his human weakness Saved this new Christian for great service to God Saved Peter for God’s further plans for his life Pointed out the powerlessness of humans before God
God will not forget his promises God’s plan weaves lives together in a pattern beyond our understanding
Israelites Spies
Punishments by God are often swift and deadly Without dependence on God and his guidance, even great ability is wasted Even at moments of real success, our personal weaknesses are our greatest challenges God has a purpose for every life, which leads to a real adventure for those willing to cooperate God can use extraordinary means to carry out his plan—often when we least expect it When our dependence and attention are focused on God rather than our problems, he is able to offer help in unexpected ways
Judges 3:15-30 Judges 16:1-3
Escaped undetected after assassinating the Moabite king Eglon Escaped a locked city by ripping the gates from their hinges
Ehud Samson
Elijah
1 Kings 19:1-18
Fled into the wildemess out of fear of Queen Jezebel
Saul (Paul)
Lowered over the wall in a basket to get out of Damascus
Peter
Freed from prison by an angel
Paul and Silas
Acts 16:22-40
Chains loosened and doors opened by an earthquake, but they chose not to leave the prison
Study feature · page 1840
Peter’s mind. One of the most basic and practical lessons from this encounter is that when God speaks, we must not challenge what he says. Doubting God is the rebellion of Eden. When God says something is so, we must not debate with him. The right response is humble submission to his revealed truth. Are you trying to argue with God over some point that he has already made clear? 10:21, 22 Cornelius was religious, devoted, generous, respected, and sincere (10:1, 2). However, he was still spiritually separated from God. Because he needed to understand the gospel, God sent Peter to present to him the truth about salvation. Be careful not to equate earnestness with righteousness before God. We are brought into right standing with God by faith in Christ alone. Have you trusted in Jesus? Are you sharing with others—even those who seem religious—the truth that Christ is the only way to God?
Personality profile · page 1841
Profile: Cornelius
The early days of Christianity were exciting as God’s Spirit moved and people’s lives were changed. Converts were pouring in from surprising backgrounds. Even the dreaded Saul (Paul) became a Christian, and non-Jews were responding to the Good News about Jesus. Among the first of these was the Roman captain Cornelius. Because of frequent outbreaks of violence, Roman soldiers had to be stationed throughout Israel to keep the peace. But most Romans, hated as conquerors, did not get along well in the nation. As an army officer, Cornelius was in a difficult position. He represented Rome, but his home was in Caesarea. During his years in Israel, he himself had been conquered by the God of Israel. He had a reputation as a godly man who put his faith into action, and he was respected by the Jews. Four significant aspects of Cornefius’s character are noted in Acts: (1) He actively sought God, (2) he revered God, (3) he was generous in meeting other people’s needs, and (4) he prayed. God told him to send for Peter, because Peter would give him more knowledge about the God he was already seeking to please. When Peter entered Cornelius’s home, Peter broke a whole list of Jewish rules. Peter confessed he wasn’t comfortable, but here was an eager audience, and he couldn't hold back his message. He had no sooner started sharing the gospel when God gave overwhelming approval by filling that Roman family with his Holy Spirit. Peter saw he had no choice but to baptize them and welcome them as equals in the growing Christian church. Another step had been taken in carrying the gospel to the whole world. Cornelius is a welcome example of God's willingness to use extraordinary means to reach those who desire to know him. He does not play favorites, and he does not hide from those who want to find him. God sent his Son because he loves the whole world—and that includes Peter, Cornelius, and you.
Strengths and accomplishments
• A godly and generous Roman
• Well-respected by the Jews even though he was an officer in the occupying army
• He responded to God and encouraged his family to do the same
• His conversion helped the young church realize that the Good News was for all people, both Jews and Gentiles
• God reaches those who want to know him
• The gospel! is for all people
• There are people everywhere eager to believe
• When we are willing to seek the truth and be obedient to the fight God gives us, God will reward us richly
Lessons from his life
• Where: Caesarea • Occupation: Roman army officer • Contemporaries: Peter, Philip, the apostles
Vital statistics
“He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God” (Acts 10:2).
Key verse
Cornelius’s story is told in Acts 10:1-11:18.
Seeking God is not enough—people must find him. How then shall seekers find God without someone to point the way? Is God asking you to show someone the way to him? (See Romans 10:14, 15.) 10:37-43 Peter's brief and powerful sermon contains a concise statement of the Good News: Jesus’ perfect life of servanthood; his death on the cross; his resurrection, personally witnessed and experienced by Peter; Jesus’ fulfillment of the Scriptures; the necessity of personal faith in him. A sermon or witness for Christ does not need to be long to be effective. It should be Spirit led and should center on Christ, the way and the truth and the life.
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