Cornelius Calls For Peter
Acts 10:1-8
This is the only chapter where Cornelius is mentioned. His story is a powerful one, but we hear nothing else about him after Chapter 10. Cornelius was a centurion. That means he was in charge over at least 100 men. The word is related to the word “century” that means 100 years. Cornelius and his family were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day about three in the afternoon, Cornelius had a vision. A vision is seeing and hearing things while being awake as in a trance.
In the vision, Cornelius had a conversation with an angel of God. The angel commended Cornelius for his prayers and gifts to the poor. Now God wants to use Cornelius to help Peter change his views about the Gentiles. Therefore, Cornelius does as he is told and sends two men to go for Peter.
Peter’s Vision
Acts 10:9-23
While God is dealing with Cornelius in a vision, he is also dealing with Peter in the same manner. When Peter went up on the rooftop to pray he fell into a trance. He saw a great sheet with all kinds of unclean animals. Since Peter was hungry when he went into his trance, God told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Because Peter was a Jew, he used that to tell God he has never eaten anything unclean. God spoke to him a second time and told him not to call anything unclean that He has made clean. While Peter was still thinking about the vision and wondering what it meant, the men that Cornelius had sent arrived. The Spirit told him not to hesitate to go with the men that had been sent to get him.
Questions
1. Describe Cornelius according to Acts 10:1-2 and 10:22.
2. Explain how God used Cornelius to help Peter.
3. Notice and explain how Cornelius and Peter’s visions were intertwined.
4. Why was Peter on the rooftop? The rooftop was not like our pointed rooftops. Rooftops there were flat and ideal for gardens, dining, and other activities. Remember, Bathsheba was on the rooftop taking a bath when David saw her and wanted her for himself. (See 2 Samuel 11:2).
Peter at Cornelius House
Acts 10:23b-48
When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house, the centurion was expecting him. Cornelius must have had a lot of faith because he had called together his relatives and close friends. Peter made it known to the large gathering that it was unlawful for him to be there because Jews did not associate with Gentiles. Peter also made it known that he was sent by God. Then Cornelius said why he had sent for Peter. Read his account in Acts 10:30-33.
Clearly, you can see that while Peter was on the rooftop having a vision, Cornelius was 30 miles away having a vision for the two men to meet. God had set things up for the two men to meet to benefit both of them.
Peter learned that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. In Verses 34-43, Peter preached Jesus Christ. While he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. They began speaking in tongues and praising God. They were baptized in the name of Jesus. Cornelius became the first Gentile convert. He is not mentioned anymore in the Bible. He had served his purpose for our study.
Questions
1. What did Cornelius do to indicate he had faith about what was going to happen?
2. Why do you think Peter was so detailed in his speech?
3. Think back to Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost in Chapter 2 and make a comparison using Acts 10:44 as a good example.
4. Review the main purpose God used Peter to speak to Cornelius.
5. Why do you think Cornelius is not mentioned any more in the Bible?
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