INTRODUCTION

1. The Jerusalem Church

a) Largely Jewish

b) It was growing well

2. The Command of the Lord Jesus

a) To be witnesses

i) In Jerusalem

ii) In all Judea

iii) In Samaria

iv) To the end of the earth Acts 1:8

b) Obedience to the Lord

i) Jerusalem and Judea were reached

ii) Samaria was also reached

c) What was lacking?

i) Reaching the Gentiles

ii) Reaching out to people far beyond Israel

 

WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM?

1. Part of the problem lay with the Leadership

a) All of the Apostles were Jews

b) They had a very restrictive Jewish mindset

c) They could not find themselves bearing witness to Gentiles

2. The Lord would have to address and resolve this problem

a) The Lord sent a vision to Peter Acts 10

b) Peter was instructed to eat

c) He resisted for there were “unclean animals” in the great vision

d) The Lord had to rebuke him

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”

16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. Acts 10:15-16

e) Peter did not fully understand this vision

 

A DELEGATION FROM CORNELIUS

1. A description of Cornelius

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household,

who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10:1-2

a) A devout person

b) One who feared God

c) He was also generous

d) He was a man of prayer

e) But he was a Gentile

2. A delegation was sent to the Apostle Peter

17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold,

the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate.

18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you.

20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius,

and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among

all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”

23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them,

and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Acts 10:17-23

a) The delegation praised Cornelius

i) A just man

ii) One who fears God

iii) He has a good reputation among the Jews

iv) He was divinely instructed to send for Peter

b) The Holy Spirit

i) He informed Peter that the delegation was to be welcomed

ii) He had sent them to ask Peter to see Cornelius

iii) Peter is to go to Cornelius

 

REALISATION OF THE APOSTLE PETER

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power,

who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:34-38

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.

45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter,

because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,

47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. Acts 10:44-48

1. Peter finally understood the vision given to him

2. He preached in the home of Cornelius

3. The Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word

4. The Gentiles also received the same gift of the Holy Spirit

5. They were duly baptized

 

CONCLUSION

1. Peter was the leading Apostle

2. He now comprehended that Gentiles were to hear the Gospel too

3. This was the turning point of the Church

4. Gentiles were able to receive the word of God and salvation