5-6. “And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.”
It is vitally important that we receive ministry, direction and wisdom from God’s Word and through God’s chosen vessels. There were two Simons dwelling in the house at Joppa, but only one was selected of God to tell Cornelius what he was to do.
7-8. “And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; and when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.”
Cornelius, in the obedience and energy of faith, immediately acts upon the command of the angelic messenger. What beautiful consistency is seen in the centurion. His family life was in keeping with his testimony as a devout man, for there were two of his household (JND) whom he was able to send. His work life was morally consistent too, for his personal piety also had its happy effect on those under his military command.
9. “On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour.”
The heat of the day would be felt at its greatest intensity at the sixth hour (12 noon). It was at this very time that Peter separated himself (he went up to the housetop) from all the pressing cares of this world to pray—a wonderful pattern for believers!
10. “And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance.”
Something was more important than the natural needs of life. This presents a moral pattern of the spirit of fasting—something believers may still do today and with real profit (see Mark 9:2929And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9:29)).
11-13. “And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.”
God graciously provided a full, complete supply for Peter’s need. But involved in that free giving was a vitally important spiritual lesson for him to learn.
14. “But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”
The Gentile centurion, though not understanding, immediately obeyed the angelic command. Dear Peter, not understanding, immediately reasons. What a humbling mirror of our own hearts!
15-16. “And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.”
17-18. “Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, and called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.”
At the very time that Peter was puzzled about the Lord’s message, the answer to his perplexity was standing at the door of the house. “Before they call, I will answer” (Isa. 65:2424And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24)).
19-20. “While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.”
Still pondering the vision which troubled him, the Lord graciously gives Peter further instructions. “Arise . . . get thee down . . . go with them . . . doubting nothing. . . . I have sent them.” Oh that our faith might act according to this beautiful pattern—energy, humility, obedience, confidence and assurance.
21. “Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?”
Faith obeys without reasoning—Peter meets Cornelius’ servants without knowing why.
22. “And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.”
What a wonderful letter of commendation these were able to provide for Cornelius! How happy if those who know us best could give such a testimony, as these gave to Peter, concerning our life.
23. “Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.”
Here we are presented with a helpful principle for extending fellowship (Peter goes with them) to others—obedience to God’s Word (Peter and Cornelius), a good testimony (Cornelius), and need (Cornelius and his household).
We also see an important principle for the Lord’s servants in visiting among strangers who profess a desire to learn the way of God more perfectly. Peter did not go alone—other brethren went with him.
24. “And the morrow after they entered into Cæsarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.”
25-26. “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.”
What grace! A member of God’s beloved earthly people comes to a Gentile who had no claim on God’s blessing. Though an apostle as well as a Jew never defiled with the common or unclean, still Peter was a man, and worship is for God alone.
27. “And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.”
One glorious effect of the Lord Jesus’ death at Calvary—breaking down the middle wall of partition between the Jew and Gentile, which under Judaism could never have happened—bears precious fruit here. Peter comes to Cornelius; he talks with him, and then he enters his house.
We also see again the happy effects that Cornelius’ life of godly living, according to the light he had, produced. Would the many that had gathered together in his home have come there, had Cornelius’ life been one of words rather than acts?
Ed.