By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
INCLUDING
Acts 10:34–48
Acts 10 is one of the most important chapters in the Book of Acts because it tells how a gospel that was thought of in exclusively Jewish terms came to be understood as a gospel for the whole world.
Today, Gentiles do not have to come to church wearing head coverings. They do not have to eat kosher food. They do not have to make yearly pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the required feasts.
Acts 10 is of crucial importance for the way in which Christianity has become not a Jewish religion but a world religion.
Offered to All (34–36)
Before God arranged for a Jewish Christian and a Gentile soldier to meet together, He worked in both of their hearts. God communicated for Cornelius to send for Peter, and God instructed Peter to go with the Gentiles.
After arriving in Caesarea and hearing Cornelius’ testimony (vv. 30–33), Peter understood why the Lord had directed him to these Gentiles. God had sent him to share the message of Jesus with them. This was a revolutionary concept for Peter. He was so prejudiced against Gentiles that he did not believe a Jew should associate with them at all. In this incredible story, we see God transforming Peter’s heart before he ever saved Cornelius.
The peoples of the world will be in heaven worshipping Jesus (Rev. 5:9–10; 7:9–10). The big question for us is will we be a part of what God is doing to save a people for Himself? Beloved, these are our marching orders given by Jesus Himself (Matt. 28:18–20).
God had sent the message of salvation to the Jews first so they would declare that glorious message of hope to all the peoples of the world. Peace — reconciliation with God — is found only through Jesus Christ.
Through Faith (37–43)
Cornelius knew about Jesus but did not know Him yet as Savior and Lord. As a Roman officer, he was aware of reports about Jesus and how God had been with Him and empowered Him to do good deeds and heal the sick.
Peter quickly moved to his main point about Jesus: The Jews crucified Him, but then God resurrected Him on the third day.
The Anointed One of God was killed by crucifixion but declared to be the Son of God by power in His resurrection. After His resurrection, Jesus spent time with His apostles, eating and drinking with them.
He who had paid the penalty of sin and defeated death for all who believe in Him commanded them to preach to all people that He had been appointed by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. The Promised One whom the prophets had testified about has come and offers forgiveness of sins to everyone who believes in Him through faith.
Acceptance Found (44–48)
As Peter was preaching, he was interrupted by a special working of the Holy Spirit. God saved Cornelius and the people in his house.
Peter and the other Jewish believers who had accompanied him were amazed that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit and were speaking in other languages just as the Jews had done on Pentecost. It was important for the Jews to understand that the Gentiles and Jews were on equal ground.
The new Christians were baptized. The baptism did not save them but did identify them as Christians to be welcomed into the Church. The gospel is for all people who will repent of their sins and believe in Christ.
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