Acts 10:9–15, 43–48

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Accepting 

Acts 10:9–15, 43–48

The Vision (9–15)

From Jesus’ ministry it is easy to see that the gospel is for all people. Time and again in the Gospels, Jesus interacts with those whom the Jews saw as unworthy — Samaritans, Gentiles, lepers, tax collectors, etc. 

However, Peter believed that in order for non-Jews to be followers of Christ, they needed to follow the Old Testament ceremonial laws.

Peter saw a vision of a sheet being lowered to earth and on this sheet were all types of unclean foods as prescribed by the Jewish Law. God told Peter to eat these unclean animals, much to Peter’s surprise. He had been a devout Jew — he would not eat such food. But God said, “What God has made clean you must not call common” (v. 15).  

As Peter pondered this vision, Cornelius’ messengers arrived at the door. Cornelius, a Gentile, was a devout follower of God. He was told in a vision by an angel to find Peter, so he sent messengers to find him.

The Declaration (43)

Peter obeyed the Holy Spirit and went with the messengers to meet Cornelius, who was waiting to hear what God would say through this disciple. Peter began to preach from the Old Testament, showing that Christ is the fulfillment of these prophecies and that all who believe in Christ, no matter their ethnic or national background, will receive forgiveness of sins. 

He was certain to include the key gospel message — that Christ was the Messiah — the anointed One who was prophesied about in the Old Testament. He lived a life in complete accord with the Old Testament Law, being fully obedient to God the Father. In spite of this, He was arrested, crucified, buried and rose again. This Christ will return and be the Judge of the living and the dead, and all who believe in Him will have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. 

It is crucial to tell the whole gospel story, especially the resurrection of Christ. We do not worship a dead savior — after all, a dead man cannot save us since he couldn’t save himself. But Jesus defeated death, which means death has no hold over Him. And if death has no hold over Christ, then Christ has power over death and He can grant us resurrection as well. 

The Sign (44–46a)

When Peter preached the gospel to these Gentiles the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to speak in foreign languages, just like what happened on the day of Pentecost. 

This confirmed to all of the Jews there that the Gentiles could receive the Holy Spirit of God just as the Jews did at Pentecost. Therefore they could be accepted by God just as they were. 

The gospel of Christ was for all nations in fulfillment of the Old Testament, not just for Israel (see for example prophecies in Isa. 42:6; 49:6).

The Acceptance (46b–48)

Since the Gentiles with Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit, they did the next logical thing — they were baptized. It is evident in this passage that baptism did not give them the Holy Spirit, as they obviously had received it already. 

Some Christians believe that you need to be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit; this passage clearly shows this is not the case. Reception of the Holy Spirit precedes baptism, and followers of Christ follow Him in baptism.