November 20, 2011
Morning Service

Acts 10

 

We are studying Peter, his life, and his sermons.  God is using Peter in a mighty way.  Not only Peter but the other Apostles also.

• Mat 10:5-8 KJVR  These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:  (6)  But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  (7)  And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.  (8)  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
• Act 4:33 KJVR  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
• After Peter, and John came down from Jerusalem, to lay hands on those that had believed in Jesus from the preaching of Philip, so that they might receive the Holy Ghost, it is said they went back to Jerusalem, but preached in many cities of Samaria.
• The last we saw of Peter he healed Aeneas, of Lydda.  Then he healed Dorcas, of Joppa.  Then in closing of chapter 9 we see Peter spent many days in Joppa at the house of Simon the Tanner.

We continue our study of Peter this morning in chapter 10 of the book of Acts.

Cornelius sends for Peter.

Act 10:1-48 KJVR  There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,  (2)  A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 

• This Cornelius is the leader of 100 Italian soldiers.
• How he came to fear the God of the Jews we don’t know, but his actions clearly shows that he does.

(3)  He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 

• An angel, or messenger from God.
• This would have been around 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

(4)  And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 

• This should build our faith, that God hears, and knows everything.

(5)  And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:  (6)  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 

• He shall tell you what you need to do.
• This is the plan of the Gospel message, you must hear from one who has been sent, and that knows  God’s message of salvation.

(7)  And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;  (8)  And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 

• I like this about Cornelius, he commanded 100 soldiers, yet was a kind, and understanding man.  He could’ve been like Naaman, and complained.  Cornelius could’ve said why should I want to listen to illiterate fisherman, but he eagerly obeyed the Angel.

Peter sees the great sheet.

(9)  On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 

• So this would have been at noon.

(10)  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,  (11)  And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:  (12)  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.  (13)  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.  (14)  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 

• And what Peter was referring to was the instructions on clean, and unclean animals found in Lev. 11.  God had instructed the children of Israel what they could eat, and what they shouldn’t eat.

(15)  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.  (16)  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 

(17)  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,  (18)  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 

(19)  While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.  (20)  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.  (21)  Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?  (22)  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 

Peter preaches to the gentiles.

(23)  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.  (24)  And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 

• I always liked this in this account.  He called together all his family, and near friends.  Cornelius wanted to share this wonderful experience with others.  It should be very exciting to hear from God.

(25)  And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.  (26)  But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 

• This is the proper attitude of a man of God.  There are many revered in an unholy manner.  You can see how this has changed in some groups.  People are expected to bow down, and kiss the ring of some spiritual leaders.  NOT MEANT TO BE.

(27)  And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.  (28)  And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 

• This is a big statement for Peter to make.   He has been taught all his life that gentiles are unclean, and dirt under their feet.  PETER IS A YIELDED VESSELL FOR GOD.

(29)  Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for:

• Peter says I don’t expect any reward for coming, and telling you what you want to hear.  REFRESHING

I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?  (30)  And 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, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.  (32)  Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.  (33)  Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.  (34)  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:  (35)  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.  (36)  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)  (37)  That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;  (38)  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.  (39)  And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  (40)  Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;  (41)  Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  (42)  And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.  (43)  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.  (44)  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  (45)  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  (46)  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  (47)  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?  (48)  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

1.   In this sermon there is no pointing the finger of guilt.  Peter just explains what happened, and gives glory and honor the Name of Jesus.

2.   He speaks of His resurrection, and how they had eaten with Him, and were told to tell others of His acts.

3.   that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.  This statement thrilled them so, that they began to glorify God in their own language.  This out pouring of joy caused the ones who came with Peter to remark, the Holy Ghost is poured out on them as on us at the beginning.

4.   Very important to build our faith;  vs47-48;