28. “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”
Peter was a faithful, righteous Jew. Nothing could have induced him to defile himself by being found in company of Gentiles—except “God hath showed me.” To God alone Peter submitted. We ought also always to submit to His wisdom, even at times when things naturally seem opposed to His Word.
29. “Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?”
The Word of God settled everything with Peter. He didn’t understand what was happening, but God had given him a command, and without hesitation or reasoning, he obeyed. This is the way to blessing in our lives—immediate, unquestioned obedience to God.
30-32. “And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.”
Cornelius was an earnest seeker. He was willing to lay aside his natural desires (he fasted and prayed) in order to know the mind of God. God will never disappoint such faith. He sends instructions to Cornelius which will bring the peace he so desires.
33. “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”
Unlike Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2) who demanded, upon threat of death, the interpretation of his dream, Cornelius makes no attempt to use his position of power and authority to demand anything of Peter. What a beautiful spirit—“Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth”! May we ever have this spirit before Him.
34-35. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”
Peter’s understanding is now opened. Such understanding of God’s ways is the result of obedience to Him. Peter further learns that a true heart walking in the fear of God, not a privileged position, is the key to divine blessing.
36-37. “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached.”
Peter begins his message with the Lord Jesus, giving Him His rightful place as Lord of all. Though it was published in all Judea, the Gentiles well knew its testimony, for they too had heard the message of John the Baptist (see Luke 3:1414And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. (Luke 3:14)). Now, years after his death, John’s message is still bearing fruit. How happy when a believer’s life has been such that he “being dead yet speaketh” (Heb. 11:44By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4)).
38. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”
That despised name carries infinite power unknown to man. In an earlier day, Nicodemus gave this same testimony: “No man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with Him” (John 3:22The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (John 3:2)). It’s wonderful for mankind to realize that God is with Him—far more precious to know this lowly, blessed Jesus is “Emmanuel . . . God with us.”
39. “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree.”
Here is the measure of the awful depth of man’s alienation from God: That One who went about doing good was judged worthy to be slain upon a tree. Oh that we might ever recognize the total moral ruin of sinful man who would willingly slay His Creator who loves him!
40. “Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly.”
What an infinitely grand and glorious vindication! The worst man could do to God’s beloved Son is answered in His victorious resurrection from among the dead. For the believer, the Lord’s glorious resurrection has flooded this dark valley of the shadow of death with divine light and joy.
41. “Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead.”
What an awesome experience! Cornelius, his household and friends, sat in the very presence of a person who had seen, talked to and been with the Lord Jesus after He rose from the dead. Even so, they must believe Peter’s testimony by faith. We have something even better—God’s eternal Word. But it must be received and believed by faith.
42. “And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.”
Peter, preaching a risen Christ to the Gentiles, was being obedient to the Lord’s command. Are we being likewise obedient to our Lord Jesus? “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”
43-44. “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.”
The Spirit of God acts—confirming the truth of Peter’s words—on those who had come to hear. Unlike those in Matthew 13:1313Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (Matthew 13:13) who heard but did not understand because of unbelief, these Gentiles, because they believed, received the truth they heard.
45. “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
The reality of this work astonished the Jewish believers. How much better if it had given them joy.
46-48. “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
Here is simple proof that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Though these Gentiles were already baptized with the Spirit, we see it is God’s mind that they take the public position of Christianity through water baptism. They desire to learn more of the Lord, as is normal where there is a true work of God.
Ed.