For a time, and following miracles he performed to further the kingdom of God, Peter had been serving the Lord in Joppa, preaching the gospel and sharing the truth about the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Joppa was a seaport city located along the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 50 miles west of Jerusalem.
“1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” (Acts 10:1-2)
Caesarea, a Roman capital located about 100 miles from Jerusalem was the main Palestinian seaport where a Roman military base was host to the Italian Regiment, a group of approximately 600 men of which Cornelius, a God fearing Gentile served as an officer. Cornelius was known to be a generous man who gave to the poor, and a man who was devoted to, and prayed to Yahweh, the God of Israel.
“3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.” (Acts 10:3-4)
The ninth hour coincided with 3 o’clock in the afternoon, a time of prayer among the Jews. As he prayed, God spoke to Cornelius through a vision, revealing to him that his prayers, pleasurable and glorifying to God would soon be answered.
“5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” (Acts 10:5-6)
In a vision brought on by the Lord, Cornelius is instructed to send out a delegation of men to Joppa, where they were commanded to find the apostle Peter, who was staying with Simon, the tanner.
Joppa, also a seaport, was about 30 miles south of Caesarea. Cornelius’ men would find the Simon’s house outside city walls, near water since sanitary laws dictated tanners live accordingly. there, the delegation would receive further instruction from the apostle Peter.
“7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.” (Acts 10:7-8)
Once the angel left, Cornelius summoned his delegation, made of two servants and one soldier, then explained to them their divinely appointed mission to Joppa, where they would find Peter. Cornelius himself did not know the outcome of the endeavor, he was surrendered to God and willing to follow the path drawn before him by the mighty hand of Yahweh, whom he loved and worshipped. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
