Church History: 1The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." 4Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: 5"I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.' 8"I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9"The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. 11"Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.' 15"As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" 18When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."
The preaching of the gospel to Cornelius was a thing which we poor sinners of the Gentiles have reason to reflect upon with a great deal of joy and thankfulness; for it was the bringing of light to us who sat in darkness. Now it being so great a surprise to the believing as well as the unbelieving Jews, it is worthwhile to enquire how it was received, and what comments were made upon it.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Peter At Cornelius’s House; Acts 10:24 – 48 – Part 3
Church History: Cornelius declares the directions God gave to him to send for Peter, and that it was purely in obedience to those directions that he had sent for him. Cornelius gives an account of the angel's appearing to him, and ordering him to send for Peter; not making light of it, but he wanted to know what his expectation should be, having received a message from heaven. He tells how this vision found him engaged: Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, this hour of the day that it is now when Peter came, about the middle of the afternoon. He describes the messenger that brought him this message from heaven: There stood a man before me in bright clothing, as Christ's was when he was transfigured, and that of the two angels who appeared at Christ's resurrection (Luke 24:4), and at his ascension (Acts 1:10), showing their relation to the world of light. He repeats the message that was sent to him just as we had it. Only here it is said, thy prayer is heard. We are not told what his prayer was; but if this message was an answer to it, and it should seem it was, we may suppose that finding the deficiency of natural light, and that it left him at a loss how to obtain the pardon of his sin and the favor of God, he prayed that God would make some further discoveries of himself and of the way of salvation to him. "Well," said the angel, "send for Peter, and he will give you such a discovery." He declares his own and his friends' readiness to receive the message Peter had to deliver: I sent for you immediately as I was directed, and you have come to us, though we are Gentiles.
Because they were Gentiles to whom Peter preached. He shows that, notwithstanding this, they were interested in the gospel of Christ, which he had to preach, and they were entitled to the benefit of it, upon an equal footing with the Jews. God never did, nor ever will, justify and save a wicked Jew that lived and died impenitent, though he was of the seed of Abraham, and a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and had all the honor and advantages that attended circumcision. He does and will render indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil; and of the Jew first, whose privileges and professions, instead of screening him from the judgment of God, will but aggravate his guilt and condemnation. See (Romans 2:3,8-9,17). Though God had previously favored the Jews, above other nations, with the dignities of visible church-membership, yet he will not accept any particular persons of that dignity, if they allow themselves in immoralities contradictory to their profession; and particularly in persecution, which was now, more than any other, the national sin of the Jews. He never did, nor ever will, reject or refuse an honest Gentile, who, though he did not have the privileges and advantages that the Jews had, yet, like Cornelius, feared God, and worshiped him, and worked righteousness, that is, is just and charitable towards all men, who lives up to the light he has, both in a sincere devotion and in a regular conversation. No matter what nationality he is, or how far remote he is from the kindred seed of Abraham. God judges men by their hearts, not by their country or parentage; and, wherever he finds an upright man, he will be found an upright God, (Psalms 18:25).
God confirmed Peter's word, by bestowing the Holy Spirit upon the hearers of it, and immediately upon the hearing of it. While Peter was yet speaking these words, and perhaps designed to say more, he was happily superseded by visible indications that the Holy Spirit, even in his miraculous gifts and powers, fell on all those who heard the word, even as he did on the apostles at first. The Holy Spirit fell upon others after they were baptized, for their confirmation; but upon these Gentiles before they were baptized: as Abraham was justified by faith, being yet in uncircumcision, to show that God is not tied to a method, nor confines himself to external signs. The Holy Spirit fell upon those that were neither circumcised nor baptized; for it is the Spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing. They spoke with tongues which they never learned, praising God.
Desiring both Peter's word and God's work for further advantage, they prayed for him to stay with them several days. They could not press him to reside constantly among them, they knew that he had work to do in other places, and that for the present he was expected at Jerusalem; yet they were not willing for him to go away immediately, but earnestly begged he would stay for some time among them, that they might be further instructed by him in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Because they were Gentiles to whom Peter preached. He shows that, notwithstanding this, they were interested in the gospel of Christ, which he had to preach, and they were entitled to the benefit of it, upon an equal footing with the Jews. God never did, nor ever will, justify and save a wicked Jew that lived and died impenitent, though he was of the seed of Abraham, and a Hebrew of the Hebrews, and had all the honor and advantages that attended circumcision. He does and will render indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that does evil; and of the Jew first, whose privileges and professions, instead of screening him from the judgment of God, will but aggravate his guilt and condemnation. See (Romans 2:3,8-9,17). Though God had previously favored the Jews, above other nations, with the dignities of visible church-membership, yet he will not accept any particular persons of that dignity, if they allow themselves in immoralities contradictory to their profession; and particularly in persecution, which was now, more than any other, the national sin of the Jews. He never did, nor ever will, reject or refuse an honest Gentile, who, though he did not have the privileges and advantages that the Jews had, yet, like Cornelius, feared God, and worshiped him, and worked righteousness, that is, is just and charitable towards all men, who lives up to the light he has, both in a sincere devotion and in a regular conversation. No matter what nationality he is, or how far remote he is from the kindred seed of Abraham. God judges men by their hearts, not by their country or parentage; and, wherever he finds an upright man, he will be found an upright God, (Psalms 18:25).
God confirmed Peter's word, by bestowing the Holy Spirit upon the hearers of it, and immediately upon the hearing of it. While Peter was yet speaking these words, and perhaps designed to say more, he was happily superseded by visible indications that the Holy Spirit, even in his miraculous gifts and powers, fell on all those who heard the word, even as he did on the apostles at first. The Holy Spirit fell upon others after they were baptized, for their confirmation; but upon these Gentiles before they were baptized: as Abraham was justified by faith, being yet in uncircumcision, to show that God is not tied to a method, nor confines himself to external signs. The Holy Spirit fell upon those that were neither circumcised nor baptized; for it is the Spirit that quickens, the flesh profits nothing. They spoke with tongues which they never learned, praising God.
Desiring both Peter's word and God's work for further advantage, they prayed for him to stay with them several days. They could not press him to reside constantly among them, they knew that he had work to do in other places, and that for the present he was expected at Jerusalem; yet they were not willing for him to go away immediately, but earnestly begged he would stay for some time among them, that they might be further instructed by him in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Peter At Cornelius’s House; Acts 10:24 – 48 – Part 2
Church History: This is the first interview between Peter and Cornelius, in which he gave profound and indeed undue respect and honor to Peter: He met him as he was coming in, and instead of taking him in his arms, and embracing him as a friend, which would have been very acceptable to Peter, he fell down at his feet, and worshipped him; some think, as a prince and a great man, according to the usage of the eastern countries; others think, as an incarnate deity, or as if he took him to be the Messiah himself. His worshipping a man was indeed culpable; but, considering his present ignorance, it was excusable. It was an evidence of something in him that was very commendable. Peter's was modest and indeed just and pious in his refusal of this honor that was given him. He took him up into his arms, with his own hands, saying, "Stand up, I myself also am a man, and therefore not to be worshipped this way." How careful was Paul that no man should think of him above what he saw in him!
Peter declares the direction God gave to him to come to the Gentiles. They knew it had never been allowed by the Jews, but always looked upon as an unlawful thing, an abomination, for a man that is a Jew, a native Jew as I am, to keep company or come unto one of another nation, a stranger, an uncircumcised Gentile. It was not made so by the law of God, but by the decree of their wise men, which they looked upon to be no less binding. They did not forbid them to converse or traffic with Gentiles in the street or shop, or upon the exchange, but to eat with them. Even in Joseph's time, the Egyptians and Hebrews could not eat together, (Genesis 43:32). They might not come into the house of a Gentile, for they looked upon it to be ceremonially polluted. The Jews looked scornfully upon the Gentiles, who were not backhanded with them in contempt, as appears by many passages in the Latin poets. "But now," saith Peter, "God has shown me, by a vision, that I should not call any man common or unclean, nor refuse to converse with any man for the sake of his country." Peter, who had taught his new converts to save themselves from the previous generation of wicked men, is now himself taught to join himself with the future generation of devout Gentiles. Ceremonial characters were abolished, that more regard might be had to moral ones. Peter thought it necessary to let them know how he came to change his mind in this matter, and that it was by a divine revelation. God has taken down the partition-wall. He assures them of his readiness to provide all the help he could; that, when he kept at a distance, it was not out of any personal disgust to them, but only because he wanted instruction from heaven, and, having now received permission, he was at their service: "Therefore I came to you without hesitation, as soon as I was sent for, ready to preach the same gospel to you that I have preached to the Jews." The disciples of Christ had some notion of the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, but they imagined it must be only to those Gentiles that were first converted to the Jewish religion, which mistake Peter acknowledges was not rectified. He enquired as to where he might be of service to them: "I ask, for what intent have you sent for me? What do you expect from me, or what business have you with me.
Peter declares the direction God gave to him to come to the Gentiles. They knew it had never been allowed by the Jews, but always looked upon as an unlawful thing, an abomination, for a man that is a Jew, a native Jew as I am, to keep company or come unto one of another nation, a stranger, an uncircumcised Gentile. It was not made so by the law of God, but by the decree of their wise men, which they looked upon to be no less binding. They did not forbid them to converse or traffic with Gentiles in the street or shop, or upon the exchange, but to eat with them. Even in Joseph's time, the Egyptians and Hebrews could not eat together, (Genesis 43:32). They might not come into the house of a Gentile, for they looked upon it to be ceremonially polluted. The Jews looked scornfully upon the Gentiles, who were not backhanded with them in contempt, as appears by many passages in the Latin poets. "But now," saith Peter, "God has shown me, by a vision, that I should not call any man common or unclean, nor refuse to converse with any man for the sake of his country." Peter, who had taught his new converts to save themselves from the previous generation of wicked men, is now himself taught to join himself with the future generation of devout Gentiles. Ceremonial characters were abolished, that more regard might be had to moral ones. Peter thought it necessary to let them know how he came to change his mind in this matter, and that it was by a divine revelation. God has taken down the partition-wall. He assures them of his readiness to provide all the help he could; that, when he kept at a distance, it was not out of any personal disgust to them, but only because he wanted instruction from heaven, and, having now received permission, he was at their service: "Therefore I came to you without hesitation, as soon as I was sent for, ready to preach the same gospel to you that I have preached to the Jews." The disciples of Christ had some notion of the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles, but they imagined it must be only to those Gentiles that were first converted to the Jewish religion, which mistake Peter acknowledges was not rectified. He enquired as to where he might be of service to them: "I ask, for what intent have you sent for me? What do you expect from me, or what business have you with me.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Peter At Cornelius’s House; Acts 10:24 – 48 – Part 1
Church History: 24The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." 27Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?" 30Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.' 33So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us." 34Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 39"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." 44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
He went with them to Cornelius, who was ready and waiting to receive and entertain him. Peter was accompanied by certain brethren from Joppa, where he now was. Six of them went along with him. Either Peter desired their company, that they might be witnesses of his proceeding cautiously with reference to the Gentiles, and of the good ground on which he went, and therefore he invited them, or they offered their service to attend him, and desired they might have the honor and happiness of being his fellow travelers. This was one way in which the primitive Christians showed their respect to their ministers: they accompanied them in their journeys, to show their approval, to be their guard, to minister to them and with a further prospect not only of doing them service, but of being edified by their conversation. It is a pity that those who have skill and will to do good to others by their discourse should want an opportunity for it by travelling alone. Cornelius, when he was ready to receive him, had gotten some friends together from Cesarea. It was more than a day's journey, nearly two, from Joppa to Cesarea; for it was in the afternoon of the day after they set out that they entered into. It is probable that they travelled on foot; the apostles generally did so. Now when they came into the house of Cornelius Peter found that he was expected, and this was an encouragement to him. Cornelius waited for them, and such a guest was worth waiting for. He cannot be blamed if he became impatience, longing to know what that mighty thing was which an angel bade him expect to hear from Peter. As Peter brought some with him to partake of the spiritual gift he had now to dispense, so Cornelius had called together, not only his own family, but kinsmen and near friends, to partake with him of the heavenly instructions he expected from Peter, which would give Peter a larger opportunity of doing good.
He went with them to Cornelius, who was ready and waiting to receive and entertain him. Peter was accompanied by certain brethren from Joppa, where he now was. Six of them went along with him. Either Peter desired their company, that they might be witnesses of his proceeding cautiously with reference to the Gentiles, and of the good ground on which he went, and therefore he invited them, or they offered their service to attend him, and desired they might have the honor and happiness of being his fellow travelers. This was one way in which the primitive Christians showed their respect to their ministers: they accompanied them in their journeys, to show their approval, to be their guard, to minister to them and with a further prospect not only of doing them service, but of being edified by their conversation. It is a pity that those who have skill and will to do good to others by their discourse should want an opportunity for it by travelling alone. Cornelius, when he was ready to receive him, had gotten some friends together from Cesarea. It was more than a day's journey, nearly two, from Joppa to Cesarea; for it was in the afternoon of the day after they set out that they entered into. It is probable that they travelled on foot; the apostles generally did so. Now when they came into the house of Cornelius Peter found that he was expected, and this was an encouragement to him. Cornelius waited for them, and such a guest was worth waiting for. He cannot be blamed if he became impatience, longing to know what that mighty thing was which an angel bade him expect to hear from Peter. As Peter brought some with him to partake of the spiritual gift he had now to dispense, so Cornelius had called together, not only his own family, but kinsmen and near friends, to partake with him of the heavenly instructions he expected from Peter, which would give Peter a larger opportunity of doing good.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Peter’s Vision; Acts 10:9 – 23 – Part 3
Church History: He was ordered by a voice from heaven to make use of this plenty and variety which God had sent him: "Rise, Peter, kill and eat: without putting any difference between clean and unclean, take which thou hast most mind to." The distinction of meats which the law made was intended to put a difference between Jew and Gentile, that it might be difficult to them to dine and sup with a Gentile, because they would have that set before them which they were not allowed to eat; and now the taking off of that prohibition was a plain allowance to converse with the Gentiles, and to be free and familiar with them. Now they might fare as they fared, and therefore might eat with them, and be fellow-commoners with them. He stuck to his principles, and would by no means give in, though he was hungry. Temptations to eat forbidden fruit must not be parleyed with, but peremptorily rejected; we must startle at the thought of it: Not so, Lord. The reason he gives is, "For I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean; until know I have kept my integrity in this matter, and will still keep it."
God, by a second voice from heaven, proclaimed the repeal of the law in this case: “What God hath cleansed, that call thou not common”. He that made the law might alter it when he pleased, and reduce the matter to its first state. God had, for reasons suited to the Old-Testament dispensation, restrained the Jews from eating such and such meats, to which, while that dispensation lasted, they were obliged in conscience to submit; but he has now, for reasons suited to the New-Testament dispensation, taken off that restraint, and set the matter aside. He has cleansed that which was before polluted to us, and we ought to make use of, and stand fast in, the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and not call that common or unclean which God has now declared clean.
Peter is directed by the Spirit to go along with Cornelius's messengers. He is told, before any of the servants could come up to tell him, that three men below want to speak with him. and he must arise from his musings, stop thinking of the vision, and go down to them. He is ordered to go along with the messengers to Cornelius, though he was a Gentile, doubting nothing. He must not only go, but go cheerfully, without reluctance or hesitation, or any scruple concerning the lawfulness of it; not doubting whether he might go, no, nor whether he ought to go; for it was his duty. He then went down and received them as his guests.
God, by a second voice from heaven, proclaimed the repeal of the law in this case: “What God hath cleansed, that call thou not common”. He that made the law might alter it when he pleased, and reduce the matter to its first state. God had, for reasons suited to the Old-Testament dispensation, restrained the Jews from eating such and such meats, to which, while that dispensation lasted, they were obliged in conscience to submit; but he has now, for reasons suited to the New-Testament dispensation, taken off that restraint, and set the matter aside. He has cleansed that which was before polluted to us, and we ought to make use of, and stand fast in, the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and not call that common or unclean which God has now declared clean.
Peter is directed by the Spirit to go along with Cornelius's messengers. He is told, before any of the servants could come up to tell him, that three men below want to speak with him. and he must arise from his musings, stop thinking of the vision, and go down to them. He is ordered to go along with the messengers to Cornelius, though he was a Gentile, doubting nothing. He must not only go, but go cheerfully, without reluctance or hesitation, or any scruple concerning the lawfulness of it; not doubting whether he might go, no, nor whether he ought to go; for it was his duty. He then went down and received them as his guests.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Peter’s Vision; Acts 10:9 – 23 – Part 2
Church History: Peter went to the house-top to pray, about noon, about the sixth hour, according to David's example, who, not only morning and evening, but at noon, addressed himself to God by prayer, (Psalms 55:17). He prayed upon the house-top; where he retired for privacy, where he could neither hear nor be heard, and so might avoid both distraction and ostentation. There, upon the roof of the house, he had a full view of the heavens, which might assist his pious adoration of the God he prayed to; and there he had also a full view of the city and country, which might assist his pious compassion of the people he prayed for. He had this vision immediately after he had prayed, as an answer to his prayer for the spreading of the gospel, and because the ascent of the heart to God in prayer is an excellent preparative to receive the discoveries of the divine grace and favor. He became very hungry, and was waiting for his dinner. Now this hunger was a proper inlet to the vision about meats, as Christ's hunger in the wilderness was to Satan's temptation to turn stones into bread.
The vision itself was not as plain as the one given to Cornelius, but more figurative and enigmatical, to make a deeper impression. He fell into a trance or ecstasy, not of terror, but of contemplation. He saw heaven opened, that he might be sure that his authority to go to Cornelius was indeed from heaven, that it was a divine light which altered his sentiments, and a divine power which gave him his commission. The opening of the heavens signified the opening of a mystery that had been hidden, (Romans 16:25). He saw a great sheet full of all manner of living creatures, which descended from heaven, and was let down to him to the earth, that is, to the roof of the house where he now was. Here were not only beasts of the earth, but fowls of the air, which might have flown away, laid at his feet; and not only tame beasts, but wild. There were no fishes of the sea, because there were none of them in particular unclean, but whatever had fins and scales was allowed to be eaten. Some interpret this sheet, to represent the church of Christ. It comes down from heaven, from heaven opened, not only to send it down (Revelation 21:2), but to receive souls sent up from it. It is knit at the four corners, to receive those from all parts of the world that are willing to be added to it; and to retain and keep those safe that are taken into it, that they may not fall out; and in this we find some of all countries, nations, and languages, without any distinction of Greek or Jew, or any disadvantage put upon Barbarian or Scythian, (Colossians 3:11).
The vision itself was not as plain as the one given to Cornelius, but more figurative and enigmatical, to make a deeper impression. He fell into a trance or ecstasy, not of terror, but of contemplation. He saw heaven opened, that he might be sure that his authority to go to Cornelius was indeed from heaven, that it was a divine light which altered his sentiments, and a divine power which gave him his commission. The opening of the heavens signified the opening of a mystery that had been hidden, (Romans 16:25). He saw a great sheet full of all manner of living creatures, which descended from heaven, and was let down to him to the earth, that is, to the roof of the house where he now was. Here were not only beasts of the earth, but fowls of the air, which might have flown away, laid at his feet; and not only tame beasts, but wild. There were no fishes of the sea, because there were none of them in particular unclean, but whatever had fins and scales was allowed to be eaten. Some interpret this sheet, to represent the church of Christ. It comes down from heaven, from heaven opened, not only to send it down (Revelation 21:2), but to receive souls sent up from it. It is knit at the four corners, to receive those from all parts of the world that are willing to be added to it; and to retain and keep those safe that are taken into it, that they may not fall out; and in this we find some of all countries, nations, and languages, without any distinction of Greek or Jew, or any disadvantage put upon Barbarian or Scythian, (Colossians 3:11).
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Peter’s Vision; Acts 10:9 – 23 – Part 1
Church History: 9About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. 13Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." 14"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." 15The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." 16This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. 17While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. 19While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." 21Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?" 22The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.23Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along.
Cornelius had received positive orders from heaven to send for Peter, whom otherwise he had not heard of, or at least not heeded; but here is another difficulty that lies in the way of bringing them together. The question is whether Peter would come to Cornelius when he is sent for; not as if he thought it beneath him to come when beckoned, or as if he were afraid to preach his doctrine to a polite man as Cornelius was: but it sticks at a point of conscience. Cornelius is a very worthy man, and has many good qualities, but he is a Gentile, he is not circumcised; and, because God in his law had forbidden his people to associate with idolatrous nations, they would not keep company with any but those of their own religion, though they were ever so deserving, and they carried the matter so far that they made even the involuntary touch of a Gentile to contract a ceremonial pollution, (John 18:28). Peter had not gotten over this stingy bigoted notion of his countrymen, and therefore would be hesitant to come to Cornelius. Now, to remove this difficulty, he has a vision, to prepare him to receive the message sent him by Cornelius, as Ananias had to prepare him to go to Paul. The scriptures of the Old Testament had spoken plainly of the bringing the Gentiles into the church. Christ had given plain intimations of it when he ordered them to teach all nations; and yet even Peter himself, who knew so much of his Master's mind, could not understand it, until it was revealed by vision, that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, (Ephesians 3:6).
When the messengers sent from Cornelius was near the city, Peter still didn’t know of their approach, and they knew nothing of his praying; but he that knew both of them was preparing things for the interview, and facilitating the end of their negotiation. To all God's purposes there is a time, a proper time; and he is pleased often to bring things to the minds of his ministers, which they had not thought of, just then when they have occasion to use them.
Cornelius had received positive orders from heaven to send for Peter, whom otherwise he had not heard of, or at least not heeded; but here is another difficulty that lies in the way of bringing them together. The question is whether Peter would come to Cornelius when he is sent for; not as if he thought it beneath him to come when beckoned, or as if he were afraid to preach his doctrine to a polite man as Cornelius was: but it sticks at a point of conscience. Cornelius is a very worthy man, and has many good qualities, but he is a Gentile, he is not circumcised; and, because God in his law had forbidden his people to associate with idolatrous nations, they would not keep company with any but those of their own religion, though they were ever so deserving, and they carried the matter so far that they made even the involuntary touch of a Gentile to contract a ceremonial pollution, (John 18:28). Peter had not gotten over this stingy bigoted notion of his countrymen, and therefore would be hesitant to come to Cornelius. Now, to remove this difficulty, he has a vision, to prepare him to receive the message sent him by Cornelius, as Ananias had to prepare him to go to Paul. The scriptures of the Old Testament had spoken plainly of the bringing the Gentiles into the church. Christ had given plain intimations of it when he ordered them to teach all nations; and yet even Peter himself, who knew so much of his Master's mind, could not understand it, until it was revealed by vision, that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, (Ephesians 3:6).
When the messengers sent from Cornelius was near the city, Peter still didn’t know of their approach, and they knew nothing of his praying; but he that knew both of them was preparing things for the interview, and facilitating the end of their negotiation. To all God's purposes there is a time, a proper time; and he is pleased often to bring things to the minds of his ministers, which they had not thought of, just then when they have occasion to use them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)