Out To the Gentiles
God is preparing an opening for the gospel to reach out to the Gentiles. Peter is the first ‘instrument’ put into action.
We left yesterday with Cornelius receiving a great vision. He is told exactly what to do, where to go, and whom to see. Men are on their way to Peter in Joppa to bring him to a Gentile’s home. Scandalous! The Jews would say. NEVER! Peter would have said if not for God’s preparations. Let’s rejoin our story and see God at work.
Holy Spirit, guide this journey. Open Your stories to me. Let me look inside and see some of the ‘hidden treasures’ contained in them. Show me how to apply it to my life as well.
♥ ♦ ♥
Cornelius’ servants and his most trusted soldier travel one full day and half the next before arriving in Joppa. It is around midday when they start their search for the home of Simon that tanner.
While this group searches out their destination, Peter is on the housetop praying. He spends many hours a day up here with the Lord. His stomach begins to rumble, as it is near the time for the midday meal. Peter listens closely and can hear the preparations of that meal rising up from beneath him. He sighs and smiles. “Soon, but not yet” he tells himself. He returns to his prayers.
As he is praying, Peter enters a state between asleep and awake; a trance like state. While in this state, the Lord gives him a vision.
Working with Peter’s hunger as a base, God ‘sets the scene’. Out of heaven descends a great sheet. It is being let down by the four corners, spread out to accommodate all that it contains. When it touches the surface, the corners drop and all that is contained on it are visible. The contents rivaled Noah’s ark! There are animals of every imaginable kind, including reptiles and birds. The only thing missing are fish, but without water, one would expect that.
Peter gazes on it in wonder. Taking in all the variety and beauty contained.
“Rise, Peter; kill and eat” (Acts 10:13) God calls to Peter
Peter’s eyes go wide in shock and surprise. “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean” (Acts 10:14).
God speaks again. “What God has made clean, do not call common” (Acts 10:15).
While Peter thinks on these words, God speaks again. “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
Peter’s brow furrows. He is certain that God heard his answer. Maybe, He is testing his resolve. “Lord, You know I have never eaten anything that is unclean or common.”
“What God has made clean, do not call common” says the Lord again.
Peter shakes his head. God’s voice speaks again.
“Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”
Still with conviction, but also confusion, Peter answers again. “Lord, far be it from me to eat anything that is unclean or common.”
For the third time, God responds to Peter’s refusal. “What God has made clean, do not call common.”
With God’s final statement, the corners of the sheet begin to rise and it is all carried away into Heaven. Peter sits, watching, and trying to work out what this could mean.
At the same time that Peter’s vision is concluded, Cornelius’ men arrive at the gate of Simon the tanner’s home. They spot someone inside the courtyard.
“Can you tell us where we might find Simon, who is called Peter?”
Hearing his own name, Peter’s attention is drawn to the source. He looks down over the edge of the roof and sees three men, standing on the outside of the gate. Their clothes say much about them. One is obviously in the military, while the other two are dressed as though they may be servants. But their attire also speaks of a generous master. Their robes are fresh and well-tended, even though they are simple in design. One other thing is obvious; they are Gentiles.
As Peter watches them, the Spirit of the Lord speaks to him.
“Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them” (Acts 10:19-20).
Peter learned a LONG time ago NOT to resist the Spirit when He speaks. Peter immediately gets up from his place on the roof and makes his way into the courtyard.
“I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” (Acts 10:21).Peter says as he approaches.
The soldier, the spokesman for the group, bows politely before sharing his story. “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” (Acts 10:22).
Peter is not surprised in the least. Knowing how God often works out things in advance, readily accepts this invitation. “I will certainly go with you, but the day is late. Stay here tonight, eat, and rest. We will leave first thing in the morning.”
“That is most kind of you” the soldier replies.
Peter opens the gate and ushers the men inside. Dinner is simple fare. It is what the women were already preparing while Peter was praying. Conversation consists of the men relating the story of Cornelius’ vision and Peter relating his.
By the time everyone retires to bed, sleep doesn’t come easily. They are all excited, wondering what God is about to do. With this kind of set-up it’s SURE to be good!
Another day and a half walking back to Caesarea both zips along and drags like an anchor. Everyone is eager to get to the home of Cornelius but the company on the trip is entertaining and welcome. Several of the men from Joppa joined in this journey. Stories abound of the works of God in all their lives.
The group goes straight into the city and right to the house of Cornelius. Everyone is surprised to see the number of people in attendance, waiting to welcome them.
The Lord told Cornelius about when to expect Peter, so Cornelius invited ALL of his family and friends. He wants everyone he cares about to share in this experience with the Lord. And the house is FULL and overflowing!
Cornelius rushes out to meet Peter and he falls at his feet, worshiping. Peter puts out his hand and raises him up.
“Stand up; I too am a man” (Acts 10:26).
Cornelius rises without protest and the two walk together into the house.
Peter looks over those gathered in the house and turns to address Cornelius. “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me” (Acts 10:28-29).
It isn’t that Peter hasn’t heard the story several times already, but he wants to hear it from Cornelius. He is not disappointed.
“Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord” (Acts 10:30-33).
Peter is astounded by Cornelius’ testimony. He is certain now that this is EXACTLY what the Lord was saying to him in the vision. “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:34-43).
Before Peter even finishes the last word, the Holy Spirit descends on the whole group, just as He had done on the day of Pentecost with the disciples. Those that accompanied Peter from Joppa are amazed! Without circumcision. Without Jewish blood. Without anything but hearing the word and believing, these Gentiles are speaking in tongues and glorifying God.
Peter spreads his arms wide and declares; “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47).
No one object. All eagerly agree.
“Where shall we go to find water to baptize these people” Peter asks Cornelius.
“The only place I know that would be suitable for such a purpose is the harbor of Sebastos” Cornelius offers.
“Then, that is were we will go” proclaims Peter.
The believers from Joppa assist Peter in baptizing all those who were with Cornelius, and it still takes most of the day. It also brings many spectators who have questions of their own. Peter is able to share the word with these people too. MANY are saved and baptized this day.
“Please remain with us a few days at least” pleads Cornelius to Peter and his companions. “There is so much more we would love to learn.”
“I will remain” Peter says. “Those with me will need to make up their own minds.”
Most of those who came with Peter remain with Cornelius. Only a few have urgent business they need to return to Joppa for. And they bring the testimony of all that has happened to the believers in Joppa. Everyone rejoices!
Peter continues to share the good news with all who will listen during the time he is with Cornelius. And Cornelius is constantly bringing more people to Peter for him to teach.
Before he leaves, Peter takes Cornelius aside. “I cannot stay forever, but the hunger for the gospel is growing here. You have learned much in our time together. You, go and tell others what you have received. Lead them to faith in Jesus and baptize them in Jesus’ name. And pray that the Holy Spirit fall on them as He did on you. HE will give you the words to say when you need them.”
“I am not trained. I didn’t walk with Jesus. I am a man of war. How can I spread the gospel of peace?”
“Trust in the Lord and lean on the Holy Spirit. He will guide your journey and bring those to you who will only receive from someone who understands their place in life. Share your own experience with them. I am confident that the Lord will use you right where you are.”
“Pray for me brother. I will do my best.”
“That is all that the Lord asks of us. And I WILL pray for you and all the believers here in Caesarea.”
Peter bids his host goodbye and makes his way back to Jerusalem. “The brothers HAVE to hear of this!” he tells himself. He wonders how the news will be received though. But he leaves that in God’s hands.
(to be continued)
As the ending of Peter and Cornelius’ time together was flowing onto the page, I was reminded of how true those facts are. The best witness to people is usually someone they can relate to on many levels. Someone from the same social or economic lifestyle. Someone with shared experiences or hardships. They understand the other’s circumstances and can offer hope that others can’t.
The second fact is, when we trust in God to help us be that witness, He is ready, willing, and able to meet our needs. He does not throw us out of the boat and leave us to flounder in the water alone. He teaches us to swim, equips us with the right tools, and even brings the boat to where we need to be at times. TRUST HIM. He has a plan.
Something else that I love about this passage is how God has PERFECT timing. Peter didn’t get his vision until right before he needed the information and inspiration. Who knows what he would have come up with on his own if he had the vision days or even months before the application was needed.
I have two stories of God’s timing that stand out to me the most. I’m pretty sure I have shared them before, but I’m going to do it again anyway. If you have heard them already, feel free to skip over.
My first story involves a check in the mail. While I was living in rural Tennessee, there was a time when my funds were very short. Payday was ‘miles’ away and I needed enough money to at least feel like I had hope. On the way home from work one day, I asked God; “Can you just send me ten dollars to get me through.”
When I got home, I got the mail out of the mailbox and took it in the house, like usual. In the mail was an envelope with a check for ten dollars! I don’t remember if it was a personal check, a rebate, or some other form, but it was EXACTLY what I asked for WHEN I asked for it. God set this answer to my prayer in motion LONG before I even uttered the words!
I have to admit that, after seeing the miracle, I joked that I should have asked for more.
The second story wasn’t an answer to my prayer but someone else across the nation.
The UPS (United Parcel Service) driver showed up at the end of my driveway one afternoon. Nothing unusual as I do a LOT of shopping on line. What was unusual was the size of the box he was unloading. I could tell by the shape and size that it was a large screen TV. I had not ordered one.
I approached him and asked about the package. He showed me the shipping label with my name and address on it. I tried to refuse the package but he asked if I could just call it in and someone would pick it up. I accepted it and took it in my house.
After getting it inside, I began searching for other tags, in hopes of identifying the correct recipient. I found one that had a name and phone number on it. I called the number and got to speak with the right recipient for the package sitting in my home. She was several states away, so there was no running it over to her.
We got to talking and sharing stories. Of course the Lord came up in our conversation. Then she tells me that she had been having a horrible day and asked God to send someone along to help lift her spirits. THAT WAS ME! We prayed together on the phone and shared how good God is.
It took a LOT of setup for that answer to prayer to happen. MANY days before the prayer was even breathed, or the need was even present. God KNOWS even before we do, what we need and when we need it. He is faithful and loves us enough to be ready with the answers.
No. Not even half of my prayers have been answered this obviously. But the fact that He has done even one of them like this gives me hope for the rest of them. They show me how intimately He knows me and how much He loves me. That is enough.
Father God, thank You for ALL the times You have moved in my life. For the times You gave me the words to say, to the times when You met my needs before I even knew I had them. Your love is AMAZING! And I KNOW that I can trust You with ALL of my life as well as my entire family. I put them, once again, in Your hands.
