Acts 10
Devotional by Brett Mosser
Read Acts 10
Acts 10
Peter and Cornelius
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests.
The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”
30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
Gentiles Hear the Good News
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
Devotional
Many are familiar with the expression “game-changer.” That term describes something new that changes a situation dramatically. Consider the impact of social media, smartphones, and other technological advancements. They have changed the culture in which we live.
Acts 10 provides a “game-changer” in the Church’s early years. In the first nine chapters of Acts, the Holy Spirit’s work in the Church was mostly confined to the Jews. That changed dramatically in chapter 10, where God declared that Jesus came for everyone, including the Gentiles (non-Jews). God used Peter (one of Jesus’ disciples) to lead Cornelius, a Gentile, to faith in Christ. One commentator writes, “Peter took the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven given him by Christ and, in an epoch-changing moment, opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles.” Peter told Cornelius, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Everyone who believes in him (Jesus) receives forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 10:34-35, 43, ESV). There is no favoritism with Christ. He came for all.
Knowing that Jesus desires all to come to him reminds us to be intentional in our encounters with others. Cornelius invited his friends and family to hear Peter even before he was a Christian (Acts 10:24). Similarly, we must strive not to miss opportunities to invite people we know to hear Christ’s “game-changing” message. Always be ready to share your faith or ask someone to attend church. Jesus is for them.
Who has God placed in your circle of influence that you may have a spiritual conversation with, like Peter? Who could you invite to church/Life Group to hear about the ultimate “game-changer?”
Father, shine through my actions, speak through my words. I will be the only GOD that most people see today. May I be aware of what they see and hear. May I not be a stumbling block to any. Here I am, LORD, surrendered to your will.
PRAISE THE LORD OUR GOD!! AMEN!!🙏⛪🙏📖
One thing I started doing a few years ago during my morning Prayer time is asking God what is His assignment for me today. If there is anyone He wants me to share the gospel with please don’t let me miss that opportunity. I believe that God always has a daily plan or opportunity for us that we could miss if we don’t start our day talking with Him🙏🏾
I ask the Lord almost daily to let me be a beacon of his message, allow me to work on my task to show others HIM- I don’t know that I am always in tune to those opportunities once my day gets going to have those spiritual conversations, I pray that I keep that task in the forefront of my mind so I don’t miss the chance… I pray that I am more aware and conscious of others yearning to hear and learn about the gospel and that I have the courage and sense to take time to have the conversation.
Amanda – I am just like you… I pray for opportunities to surface, but many times get caught up in the activities of the day once I get going… Pray, and then pray again that the Lord will clearly show/lead you to an opportunity…
Perhaps try this: wherever you are and there are many people around, intentionally take notice of someone looking sad, upset, puzzled, in need of assistance… Like Walmart, HEB, a restaurant, the mall…..
Now for the big one: ask them if you can help, ask them if you can pray for them, ask them where they go to church… Be the Lord’s servant to that person… You might say something like “I’m sorry, but I just happened to notice you seemed somewhat upset… How can I help you?”
Thankyou for your transparency today Amanda.
Thank you Rick for the reminder.
Verse 15b says” What God has made clean, do not call common. ” In addition to what has been shared, I believe God is basically teaching us today not to judge anyone and to avoid ungodly mindset about others. The prejudice between the Jewish and the Gentiles can also be compared to what we are experiencing today both in the world and in the church as well. God is bringing our attention to it again. Not to look down on anyone no matter their gender, race, level of education and their beliefs. Instead we should love them and pray for them like Peter did to Cornelius. Thank God for the Vision he had.
Also I learned that God deals with us individually. Cornelius was a man that fears God even in the midst of ungodly people. In verses 34 & 35″So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. So God saw the faithfulness of Cornelius and showed him and his household favor. Also Peter was speechless, when Cornelius and his family and friends received the baptism of the Holy Spirit before water baptism. That’s awesomeness of our FATHER…🙏
My neighbor! He does not know Jesus, but we have had multiple conversations about Him. Praying for more opportunities to share the gospel, but even more so that God will go before me and work in his heart. Thank you, Brett, for the reminder to be bold with how we share our faith!
Praying this morning for your neighbor Emory.
For God is at work within you to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) Just believe, trust, and obey. We were created in His image to be like Him. God is Love – so love others just as he loves you. God will transform us – we just surrender.
Thank you, Father for choosing me.
Amen
There’s a dad at my daughter’s school that I’ve had faith conversations with recently. They’ve led me to believe that there is a hunger and longing for God but just unsure how to go about it. I pray that the Lord would help me to steward and be faithful with this friendship and entrust his conversion/salvation story to God.
Durell, the Lord nudge you…and you were obedient… Love on that dad… Love on him as if you were a fireman sent to rescue someone from a blazing fire!
You are equipped… The Spirit is within you… Pray that the Lord will give you the words to say…
Durell, bring him…or better yet, bring his whole family to church – we have a fantastic children’s ministry and student ministry! Pray for the pastor’s message that day…
I pray that you may go down the isle with this man and bring them back to the Prayer/Connection room after the service… Durell, an angel/Spirit has laid this man/family on your heart – just as Cornelius was laid upon Peter’s heart! Who knows the extent of your engagement with this “dad”! Cornelius’ family and entire household believed as a result of Peter’s obedience and the Holy Spirit…and the redeeming blood of our Christ.
Thank you for your comments Durell.
Praying that God opens the door to your friend wide open and works through you Durrell. Thank you for having a heart for him and for God.
Acts 10:24 this verse teach me how the power of one can change the lives of many, when we open the doors of our homes.
….and open the doors of our heart. Oh you really have to love people like He did/does…
Thank you Myrna.
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” [2 Corinthians 10:4-5] … it is challenging for me to see how Peter faithfully preached the word to gentiles regardless of the consequences he would face from his Jewish brethren. Am I willing to do the same at work and with my neighbors regardless of the consequences? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Lord help me to be sold out to you and do what you call me to do…especially doing it in Love and not to win an argument.
Peter could have said, “No, I don’t associate with those people”.
Cornelius could have said, “No, those people are (fill in the blank)”.
Both of these men were willing to do what the Spirit led them to do, and because of it, many lives were changed. God, help me hear your voice. Help me be obedient to the leading of your Spirit. Help me live a life of an open door and open heart.
I am so grateful for the privilege to serve at the CMC every week. It is a joy to see so many neighbors of different ethnic peoples come visit the center. My role as a friend is to invite them into a saving relationship with Jesus. As the Scripture said, God shows no partiality! He wants everyone to be saved! What a mighty God we serve!
Continuing to pray for who God will put in my path to share the góspel. I know that my actions an attitude toward God are being watched by others. My words, actions, thoughts should always glorify God. I may influence others by my obedience. How I interact with the world is not to look, or act like the world but to be more Christ like.
Cornelius showed his faith by making sure that his family and friends were with him waiting for Peter to be brought to his house, even before he knew the Message!
Here I am LORD send me. 🙏🙏🙏
“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15, Amplified Bible)
Upon waking each day, first I thank God for another day, I ask God to give me strength, wisdom and vision to do whatever He has as my assignment for the day. Let me be a light to all. Order my steps and give me the words to speak in all situations. I daily ask to be His vessel whether it’s at work, with family, friends or strangers.
Hymn:
Jesus Is Lord of All
LeRoy McLard
Baptist Hymnal #294 (2008)
You know the message God sent…telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all). Acts 10:36
Jesus is Savior and lord of my life
My hope, my glory, my all;
Wonderful Master in joy and in strife,
On Him, you too may call.
Refrain:
Jesus is Lord of all, Jesus is Lord of all;
Lord of my thoughts and my service each day,
Jesus is Lord of all.
Blessed Redeemer all glorious King,
Worthy of reverence I pay;
Tribute and praises I joyfully bring
To Him, the Life, the Way. Refrain
Will you surrender your all to Him now?
Follow His will and obey,
Crown Him as Sovereign, before His throne bow;
Give Him your heart today. Refrain
”My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.“
James 2:1 ESV
This passage of scripture came to mind as I read Acts 10 today. 🙏🏾
Almost reminds me of Luke when it came to bearing a son and you should call his name Jesus or Immanuel because it helps me link a reference to the scripture to the devotion. This is something that is referencing within the devotion.