Peter, Cornelius, and the Gentile Connection

TBC Book 3, Chapter 15
Acts 10:1-29
Something about Cornelius set him apart from the other Roman centurions stationed in the coastal city of Caesarea. His whole family had a reputation as God-fearing people, caring for those in need. Cornelius gave generously to the poor and prayed to God regularly, embracing set times for prayer, much like his Jewish counterparts. But today was not a regular day.
As he knelt down for his three o’clock prayers, he was startled by the sudden appearance of a brightly glowing figure. Then a voice called out, “Cornelius!”
Fear gripped his heart. “What is it, sir?” he asked.
“Your prayers have been heard,” the angel replied, “and your gifts for the poor have come up as a memorial before the Lord. You are to send men to Joppa. Have them bring back a man named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is near the sea.”
When the angel disappeared, Cornelius called two of his servants and one of his personal attendants, a devout soldier. After telling them what happened, he sent them off to Joppa.
The next day at about noon, as the three continued toward Joppa, Peter went to the roof of Simon’s home so he could pray. When he began to feel hungry, he requested food, and while it was being prepared, he returned to prayer. But as he prayed, he fell into a trance.
It was like being in a dream. He saw heaven opening up before him, and something like a large open sheet drifted down to him, with all kinds of animals in it—four-footed creatures, reptiles, and birds. Then he heard a voice commanding him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
But the animals he was being told to kill were clearly “unclean,” the kind forbidden by Mosaic Law. So Peter said, “No, sir! Never have I eaten food that is unclean.”
The voice replied, “Do not call anything impure or unclean that God has made clean.”
This dream-like episode happened three times. Then the image disappeared.
Meanwhile, as Peter pondered the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrived. Standing by the gate, they called out, asking if Peter was there. For Gentiles—considered unclean by Jews— were not permitted to enter a Jewish home. But Peter had no idea anyone was requesting him.
Still thinking about the vision, Peter heard the Spirit, speaking within him. “Simon, three men are here seeking you. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them to you.”
So Peter went to them and said, “I’m the one you are seeking. What brings you here?”
“We were sent by Cornelius the centurion,” said one of the servants. “He is a righteous, God-fearing man, respected by all the Jewish people. An angel appeared to him at his home in Caesarea, telling him to send for you, so he and his household can hear what you have to say.”
Seeing that it was late to begin their journey, Peter invited them to spend the night as his guests. Early the next morning they departed, along with Peter and six brothers in the faith.
After two days of travel they reached Caesarea, where Cornelius was eagerly waiting for them. He had invited a number of relatives and close friends to his home. When Peter arrived, Cornelius met him as he entered the house, dropping to his knees and bowing down in homage. But Peter refused the gesture. “Stand up,” he said, “for I too am only a man.”
As they made their introductions and walked further inside, Peter noted that Cornelius had assembled a large gathering. Turning toward them, he addressed the entire audience.
“You know it is against our law for Jews to associate with Gentiles or even enter their homes. But God has revealed to me that it is wrong to regard any person as impure or unclean. So I did not hesitate to accept your request, Cornelius. Now tell me, why have you sent for me?”
The guests of Cornelius leaned in, eager to hear again the story that brought them there.
TBC 308
Acts 10:1-29
Something about Cornelius set him apart from the other Roman centurions stationed in the coastal city of Caesarea. His whole family had a reputation as God-fearing people, caring for those in need. Cornelius gave generously to the poor and prayed to God regularly, embracing set times for prayer, much like his Jewish counterparts. But today was not a regular day.
As he knelt down for his three o’clock prayers, he was startled by the sudden appearance of a brightly glowing figure. Then a voice called out, “Cornelius!”
Fear gripped his heart. “What is it, sir?” he asked.
“Your prayers have been heard,” the angel replied, “and your gifts for the poor have come up as a memorial before the Lord. You are to send men to Joppa. Have them bring back a man named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is near the sea.”
When the angel disappeared, Cornelius called two of his servants and one of his personal attendants, a devout soldier. After telling them what happened, he sent them off to Joppa.
The next day at about noon, as the three continued toward Joppa, Peter went to the roof of Simon’s home so he could pray. When he began to feel hungry, he requested food, and while it was being prepared, he returned to prayer. But as he prayed, he fell into a trance.
It was like being in a dream. He saw heaven opening up before him, and something like a large open sheet drifted down to him, with all kinds of animals in it—four-footed creatures, reptiles, and birds. Then he heard a voice commanding him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
But the animals he was being told to kill were clearly “unclean,” the kind forbidden by Mosaic Law. So Peter said, “No, sir! Never have I eaten food that is unclean.”
The voice replied, “Do not call anything impure or unclean that God has made clean.”
This dream-like episode happened three times. Then the image disappeared.
Meanwhile, as Peter pondered the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrived. Standing by the gate, they called out, asking if Peter was there. For Gentiles—considered unclean by Jews— were not permitted to enter a Jewish home. But Peter had no idea anyone was requesting him.
Still thinking about the vision, Peter heard the Spirit, speaking within him. “Simon, three men are here seeking you. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them to you.”
So Peter went to them and said, “I’m the one you are seeking. What brings you here?”
“We were sent by Cornelius the centurion,” said one of the servants. “He is a righteous, God-fearing man, respected by all the Jewish people. An angel appeared to him at his home in Caesarea, telling him to send for you, so he and his household can hear what you have to say.”
Seeing that it was late to begin their journey, Peter invited them to spend the night as his guests. Early the next morning they departed, along with Peter and six brothers in the faith.
After two days of travel they reached Caesarea, where Cornelius was eagerly waiting for them. He had invited a number of relatives and close friends to his home. When Peter arrived, Cornelius met him as he entered the house, dropping to his knees and bowing down in homage. But Peter refused the gesture. “Stand up,” he said, “for I too am only a man.”
As they made their introductions and walked further inside, Peter noted that Cornelius had assembled a large gathering. Turning toward them, he addressed the entire audience.
“You know it is against our law for Jews to associate with Gentiles or even enter their homes. But God has revealed to me that it is wrong to regard any person as impure or unclean. So I did not hesitate to accept your request, Cornelius. Now tell me, why have you sent for me?”
The guests of Cornelius leaned in, eager to hear again the story that brought them there.
TBC 308
"Take up the shield of faith, . . . the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
—Ephesians 6:16-17