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Acts 10:1-33.

Peter visits a Roman Centurion, Cornelius

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BACKGROUND• Caesarea was built by Herod the Great, an

excellent harbour, the seat of the Roman proconsul and a Roman military garrison.

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Cornelius• Cornelius was in

command of 100 soldiers.

• He is “devout and God-fearing”, that is he takes part in synagogue worship (as far as a non-Jew would be allowed) and is generous to those in need.

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This story can be seen in 3 scenes

Cornelius’ vision

1. About the 9th hour (3pm) Cornelius has a vision to send for Peter. This message shows clearly that it is God at work, Cornelius nor Peter know what is about to happen. A Jew in a gentile’s house...unheard of!

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• The centurion sends his servants off on the 30 mile journey, which they’ll complete at noon the next day.

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Peter’s Vision

2. As the messengers approach , Peter goes onto the roof to pray (6th hour, 12 noon) and becomes hungry. He has a strange vision regarding Jewish food laws. (Peter is still keeping the Jewish law)

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Yet it is soon obvious to Luke’s readers what the vision is about. Peter is still confused by the vision.

It is clear that the Church has no intention of a mission to the Gentles… it is God’s intention led by the Spirit.

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All is made clear

3. Cornelius has called together his family and friends. Peter arrives and understands the meaning of the vision. It is about racial issues, and religious issues (i.e.. Jewish/Gentile relationships) not, as he first thought, kosher and non-kosher foods. Peter makes this explanation clear, v.27-30. (Luke presents the Gentile as familiar with biblical terms)

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Acts 10:34-43 Peter’s address in the House of Cornelius

• This speech is similar to Acts 2;

• Anyone is acceptable to God vrs. 34-35

• the good news of Jesus (kerygma) vrs. 36-41

• scriptural proof v.43

• Salvation is for all peoples, regardless of race, culture, or religion...God will reject no one.

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Acts 10:44-48 Baptism of the First Pagans

• Everyone who believes receives forgiveness of sins (10:43). Not only were the listeners stunned by the message, but the Holy Spirit came upon them all.

• Men, women and children baptised.

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Luke’s purpose …

1. Luke shows that God himself is the instigator of this INCLUSIVE faith; God is for all peoples and all times.

2. Luke is writing to show that there was sound theological basis for this direction. It is the Holy Spirit who has prompted the followers to accept Gentiles.

3. The Gentile mission is a major concern to Luke and a huge problem for many of the first Christians.