Skip to content
Logo Devotion Header

Acts 10 The Conversion of Cornelius

1 Cornelius Calls for Peter
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.

2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.

5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.

6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.

8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

9 Peter’s Vision
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.

10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.

12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air.

13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate.

18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you.

20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”

22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.”

23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Peter at Cornelius’s House
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along.

24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.

26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

27 Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.

28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.

29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

30 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me

31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.

32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’

33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism

35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.

36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

37 You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—

38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree,

40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.

41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.

43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Then Peter said,

47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Previous Chapter Acts 9 Next Chapter Acts 11

Analysis of Acts Chapter 10

Acts Chapter 10 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament, marking a significant turning point in the early Christian movement. This chapter focuses on two main figures: Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles. The events of this chapter highlight the early church’s grappling with the inclusion of Gentiles into the previously Jewish-centric Christian community. The narrative is crucial for understanding the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries and its embrace of a universal message. This analysis will explore the key themes, events, and theological insights presented in Acts Chapter 10.

The Vision of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8)

Acts 10 begins by introducing Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Regiment. Described as “devout and God-fearing,” Cornelius’s character is established right from the onset. He is a man of prayer and charity, respected by many Jews, despite being a Gentile.

In verses 3-6, Cornelius experiences a divine vision. An angel of God appears to him and instructs him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter. The angel’s message to Cornelius is significant for several reasons:

  • Divine Initiative: This vision underscores the divine initiative in the process of Gentile inclusion. It is not just a human decision but a divinely orchestrated plan.
  • Faith and Prayer: Cornelius’s faith and prayers are recognized by God, signifying that God values the piety of individuals regardless of their ethnic background.
  • Providence: The vision sets the stage for the interaction between Peter and Cornelius, highlighting God’s providential arrangement in expanding the mission of the church.

Following the vision, Cornelius immediately obeys the angel’s instructions and sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa, emphasizing his obedience and earnestness.

Peter’s Vision (Acts 10:9-16)

While Cornelius’s men are on their way to Joppa, Peter has his own transformative experience. In verses 9-16, we see Peter praying on the rooftop when he falls into a trance and receives a vision of a large sheet coming down from heaven filled with all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish dietary laws. A voice tells him to “kill and eat.”

Peter, being a devout Jew, is initially resistant, saying, “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice responds, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happens three times, emphasizing the importance of the message.

Peter’s vision carries multiple layers of meaning:

  • Breaking Barriers: The command to eat unclean animals symbolizes breaking away from Jewish dietary restrictions and by extension, the barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
  • Divine Redefinition: God is redefining what is considered clean and unclean, signaling the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. This redefinition is pivotal for the early church’s understanding of its mission.
  • Preparedness: The vision prepares Peter for the arrival of Cornelius’s men and sets the theological foundation for what is about to transpire.

The Meeting of Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10:17-33)

After his vision, Peter is puzzled about its meaning. Meanwhile, Cornelius’s men arrive at Simon the Tanner’s house looking for Peter. Led by the Spirit, Peter welcomes these Gentile men, breaking Jewish custom. The next day, he accompanies them to Caesarea.

When Peter meets Cornelius, an interesting interaction happens: Cornelius falls at Peter’s feet in reverence, but Peter lifts him up, saying, “I am only a man myself.” This highlights Peter’s humility and the unity of believers regardless of their background.

As Peter enters Cornelius’s house, he explains his presence by recounting his vision and its divine revelation. He acknowledges that God has shown him not to call any person impure or unclean. This acknowledgment is monumental because it signifies Peter’s understanding and acceptance of the theological shift that God is orchestrating.

Cornelius, in turn, shares his own vision and the angel’s message, adding divine validation to their encounter. Both visions seamlessly align, indicating God’s hand at work in bringing Peter and Cornelius together.

Peter’s Sermon and the Outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:34-48)

Peter begins his sermon with the profound declaration: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” This verse (Acts 10:34-35) encapsulates the central message of the chapter and the early church’s theological shift.

Peter goes on to preach about Jesus Christ, summarizing His life, death, and resurrection. He emphasizes that Jesus is Lord of all and that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name. Peter’s message is inclusive, proclaiming the universality of the gospel.

While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit descends upon all who are listening, including the Gentiles. This event, often referred to as the “Gentile Pentecost,” parallels the original Pentecost event in Acts Chapter 2, but now includes Gentiles. The Jewish believers who came with Peter are astounded to see Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God, signifying that they have received the Holy Spirit.

Peter then commands that these Gentile believers be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, affirming their full inclusion into the Christian community. The chapter ends with Peter staying with Cornelius for several days, further breaking traditional Jewish-Gentile barriers.

Theological and Practical Implications

Acts Chapter 10 is rich with theological significance and practical implications for the early church and for contemporary Christian practice:

  1. Divine Inclusivity: The chapter profoundly teaches that God’s salvation is available to all, transcending ethnic, cultural, and religious boundaries. It reaffirms that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right. This theme is crucial for understanding the mission of the church and its outreach to all people.
  2. Unity in the Holy Spirit: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Gentiles signifies the unity of all believers in the Spirit, regardless of their backgrounds. This event emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in breaking down barriers and fostering unity among diverse believers.
  3. Obedience to Divine Guidance: Both Cornelius and Peter demonstrate obedience to divine guidance through their visions. Their willingness to follow God’s instructions leads to a significant breakthrough in the early church. This underscores the importance of being sensitive and obedient to God’s leading in one’s life.
  4. Breaking Cultural Norms for the Gospel: Peter’s actions, such as welcoming Gentiles into his home and entering Cornelius’s house, break Jewish cultural norms and laws. This shows that the gospel transcends cultural traditions and barriers, calling believers to prioritize the mission of the gospel above cultural prejudices.
  5. The Role of Visions and Revelations: The chapter underscores the importance of visions and divine revelations in guiding the early church’s mission. It challenges contemporary believers to be open to God’s guidance, even when it challenges existing norms and beliefs.

Conclusion

Acts Chapter 10 is a watershed moment in the history of the early church, marking the official inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith. Through the figures of Cornelius and Peter, the chapter teaches profound lessons on divine inclusivity, unity in the Holy Spirit, obedience to divine guidance, and the transcendence of the gospel above cultural barriers. These themes remain relevant for contemporary Christianity, challenging believers to embrace a universal vision of God’s salvation and to be open to God’s leading in all aspects of life. The chapter beautifully portrays how God orchestrates events and revelations to further His redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the expansion of His kingdom to all nations.