Peter had been staying with Simon, the tanner, in Joppa when he received a message from God in a vision, that he should no longer separate that which was considered common and uncommon, or clean and unclean according to Jewish tradition.
As the same time, a delegation of men had been sent from Caesarea by a Roman officer named Cornelius to meet with Peter in Joppa, and summon him back to the Roman capital where the gospel would be preached, and God’s plan fulfilled.
“24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.” (Acts 10:24)
The previous day, Peter was visited by the delegation outside Joppa, at the house where he was staying with a believer, Simon the tanner. After he greeted the men sent by Cornelius, he joined them on a 2 day journey to Caesarea where the Roman centurion, a God fearing man was waiting for the delegation, along with like minded individuals he had assembled.
“25 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.” (Acts 10:25-26)
As the apostle approached Cornelius, the Roman officer cast himself at Peter’s feet in worship. However, Peter, a humble servant of the Lord, identifies himself as an equal to Cornelius, a mere, fellow man under God’s authority unworthy or worship..
“27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation.” But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” (Acts 10:27-28)
Peter shares with those present the Law of Moses, which forbids Jews to interact with Gentiles or eat with them. In doing so, the apostle disobeyed tradition, however he did so after he was instructed to do so by the Lord in a vision during prayer. In the vision, the Lord called on Peter to step over the Mosaic boundary and consider all God’s creation holy, and acceptable to His servants.
“29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” 30 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.” (Acts 10:29-32)
Demonstrating his obedience to God, after He commanded the apostle to do so, Peter tells those present he willingly accompanied Cornelius’ delegation, in spite of the fact they were Gentiles.
Also, Cornelius shared how he too was called upon by the Lord, to fulfill God’s perfect plan for the Roman centurion and those with him in Caesarea.
“33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” (Acts 10:33)
Peter’s mission, as planned out by the mighty hand of God, would have him preach the gospel and share the good news about Jesus to a group of devout men in Caesarea, where in turn, each converted Gentile would spread the hope and truth that comes along faith in the risen Christ. 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
