Acts 10:24 “The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. 26 But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” 27 As Peter talked with him, he went inside and found many people gathered together. 28 He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29 So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago, I was in my house praying at this, the ninth hour. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God. 32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, 35 but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. 36 He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
37 You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
39 We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree, 40 God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen— 41 not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard his message. 45 All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.”
This is a long story, but it is a good one and must be told in its entirety. After receiving a divine vision, Peter immediately found himself welcoming a delegation from a local Roman centurion. And Cornelius, the centurion, was no ordinary Roman soldier. Cornelius was a commander attached to the Italian Legion, probably considered as politically influential. And Cornelius was living in Caesarea on the coast. The town of Caesarea was a very important city in those days. Set on the Mediterranean Sea, Caesarea was a wonderful seaport with a specially engineered self – cleaning harbor. This meant that as long as those fortifications stood, the harbor would never silt in. There was a magnificent ampitheater, as well as an aqueduct. Even today, most of the ampitheater and much of the aqueduct are still visible. The photo shows part of the original harbor. So, Cornelius was a highly favored Roman commander, as well as a believer and a generous man with a heart for the poor. And Cornelius had lots of friends, because they were all there at Cornelius’ house, waiting for Peter and the delegation from Joppa.
So, Peter arrived and began preaching. But while Peter was still preaching, the Holy Spirit suddenly descended on the entire group! Everybody in the place spontaneously was speaking in tongues and praising God. And Peter was shocked! Perhaps Peter had anticipated that he would speak, then he and his fellow believers would counsel those present, and then they might lay hands on them. But God had a different idea altogether! God sent his Holy Spirit as a sign of his favor, and Peter was sensitive enough to realize that if God had already given a sign of approval, there was nothing left to do but baptize these new believers with water. We can almost see Peter’s companions looking at him for clues and Peter shrugging those big shoulders and throwing up his hands in surrender to God’s will.
God is forever and always doing new things! And God really doesn’t care about our likes or dislikes or our prejudices. God’s passion is for everyone in the entire world to know the truth about Jesus Christ and to accept him as Savior and Lord. To that end, God is always and everywhere reaching out in many ways. If you are not a believer, please open your heart and ask God to show you his truth. If you are a believer, then the question is this: Are you helping or hindering God? In this story, God sent the Holy Spirit, possibly because the believers might have hesitated. But God knew Cornelius and his friends were ready. Today, ask God to show you where he wants you to be and what he wants you to do. But be prepared for the unexpected! God shook up Peter; he might shake up you as well!
PRAYER: Father, I pray that those reading this who do not know you will come to a saving knowledge of you. And I pray that those of us who know you will follow you and not hinder you with our preconceived notions. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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