The Book of
Acts 10
48 verses≈ 8 min2 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Cornelius Sends for Peter
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly.
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One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
Cornelius
Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?”
The angel
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. He explained what had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Stylised map · locations approximate
Where it happened
Caesarea to Joppa
Cornelius’ three men travel south down the coast from Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea, to Joppa, about thirty miles away. Jerusalem lies inland, up in the hills. The gospel is about to cross from the Jewish world into a Roman household.
Peter’s Vision
The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air.
The voice from heaven
Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!”
Peter
“No, Lord!”
Peter answered.
Peter
“I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice from heaven
The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
This happened three times, and all at once the sheet was taken back up into heaven.
Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.
Acts 10:15
Live it
What God has made clean
Peter had kept the food laws all his life, and he said so: “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” But the voice answered, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Is there a person or a group you have quietly decided is outside God’s reach? Write down their name, and what it would look like to go to them.
Peter Called to Caesarea
Peter Visits Cornelius
The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
As Peter talked with him, he went inside and found many people gathered together.
Peter
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.
Peter
So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?”
Cornelius
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 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God. Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’
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.”
Question
Quick question
Both the angel and Cornelius take care to say exactly where Peter can be found.
Whose house was Peter staying in at Joppa?
Good News for the Gentiles
I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism
Acts 10:34–35
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. 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.
0:14
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,
Peter
“Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!”
So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
How the door opened
Whiteboard
God worked at both ends. He prepared a Roman officer in Caesarea and a Jewish apostle in Joppa, then brought them into one room. Before Peter had finished speaking, the Holy Spirit settled the question.
Pray
Lord of all
Peter called Jesus “Lord of all” and learned that God “welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” Thank God that the door was opened to you. Then ask Him to open your home, your table and your heart to the people He is already drawing to Himself.
You’ve experienced
Acts 10
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A verse to carry with you
All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.
Acts 10:43
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