Chapter Ten — Part Two: The Book of Acts
By: Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 11/07/2021
Foundation Scriptures:Acts 10:17-33
1. Messengers.
a. Acts 10:17-18 AMPC — Now Peter was still inwardly perplexed and doubted as to what the vision which he had seen could mean, when [just then] behold the messengers that were sent by Cornelius, who had made inquiry for Simon’s house, stopped and stood before the gate. 18 And they called out to inquire whether Simon who was surnamed Peter was staying there.
b. Peter did not doubt what he saw and heard—but he was perplexed—wondering just what it was that the Lord wanted him to see.
c. The Lord will show you something that you might not understand at the time, but if you remain open to allow Him to direct you, you will understand more by and by.
d. Acts 10:19-20 AMPC — And while Peter was earnestly revolving the vision in his mind and meditating on it, the [Holy] Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you! 20 Get up and go below and accompany them without any doubt [about its legality] or any discrimination or hesitation, for I have sent them.
e. Almost immediately, the next step was unfolded to Peter.
f. The Holy Spirit told him to go with the three men, doubting nothing—meaning do not doubt, judge, (attempt to) discern, argue (contend), or waver—but go cheerfully and willingly.
g. Many times, people miss divine appointments because of misconceptions, doubt, and/or arguments in their mind.
h. They try to analyze everything in their head, instead of following the leading of their heart, and they talk themselves out of just obeying God by faith.
i. Just stay in the Spirit and do not try to “help” God—you do not know better than He does.
j. God is looking for people who will just trust and obey, step by step, even when they do not know what, when, where, or why.
k. Acts 10:21-22 NKJV — 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.
l. The purpose of the vision begins to be made clearer.
m. Peter is being sent by the Spirit to preach the Gospel to Cornelius and his household.
n. Acts 10:23 NKJV — Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
o. Even though the visitors were Gentiles, Peter, and his host, showed them kind hospitality.
p. The next day, Peter, and a few other believers, returned with them to Caesarea.
2. Caesarea.
a. Acts 10:24 NKJV — And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.
b. Cornelius, by faith, and fully expecting Peter to show up, called all of his friends and relatives together—a large expectant group!
c. Acts 10:25-26 NKJV — As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
d. Peter, rightfully, would not receive worship to himself.
e. People tend to worship those things they can see, and they must be taught to worship, alone, the God they cannot see.
f. Acts 10:27-28 AMPC — And as [Peter] spoke with him, he entered the house and found a large group of persons assembled; 28 And he said to them, You yourselves are aware how it is not lawful or permissible for a Jew to keep company with or to visit or [even] to come near or to speak first to anyone of another nationality, but God has shown and taught me by words that I should not call any human being common or unhallowed or [ceremonially] unclean.
g. Peter’s words sound like a backhanded compliment—we Jews are not allowed to fellowship with you, but the Lord told me not to call you unholy or unclean!
h. Thankfully they were not offended by Peter’s words—and welcomed his message as from God.
i. Acts 10:29 AMPC — Therefore when I was sent for, I came without hesitation or objection or misgivings. So now I ask for what reason you sent for me.
j. Peter assures them that he came to them without hesitation or objection or misgivings.
k. Acts 10:30-32 NKJV — So 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, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’
l. Acts 10:33 AMPC — So at once I sent for you, and you [being a Jew] have done a kind and courteous and handsome thing in coming. Now then, we are all present in the sight of God to listen to all that you have been instructed by the Lord to say.
m. Cornelius thanks Peter for being so kind and courteous as to come all the way to bring the Word of God to them.
n. He declares that they are present in the sight of God—in an attitude of worship, expectation, and receptivity—to hear and accept Peter’s message from God to them all.
o. We have a responsibility to preach the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (not our own opinions) to ALL people, without discrimination or reservation.
p. People’s eternity depends on our obedience and faithfulness!