Acts 10:1-34

Solomon's porch is no longer the stopping point for the Gentiles, for now that Christ has paid that supreme price on the cross; Salvation is open not only to Israel, but all races of God's children. When was all the races of people, On the 6th and 8th day of Creation

As you read Peter fell into a trance, and God dealt with Peters about judging people, not eating swine's flesh, as a clean food. As we will learn God never let's Peter eat or touch any of theses " Scavengers " for food.

* Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

Cornelius was an army officer that was over anywhere from one hundred to five hundred men. Cornelius was over a Roman regiment.

* Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.

Cornelius was a religious man, and he as well as his entire family were just as religious minded as Cornelius. Remember Tabitha, or Dorcas from Acts 9 was blessed with the gift of almsgiving also. Alms giving is the giving and expecting nothing in return. "the people", in the Greek, is "laos", which are the poor people. So we see that Cornelius is a Gentile that love God, gave much to the poor, and was a man who held much power.

* Acts 10:3 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.

The day started at 6:00 A.M. in the morning, and so this vision came to Cornelius about 3.00 p.m. in the afternoon. This is very special, for God sent this Angel to speak to Cornelius, this Gentile.

* Acts 10:4 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.

It can be a frightful thing to be around the Supernatural. God has seen the alms giving of Cornelius, and heard his prayers. Father was pleased with him. When you do your alms, and give in the name of the Lord, not expecting anything in return, God sees your heart and knows the intent of your mind. He hears your prayers when you speak to our heavenly Father. God always hears. Then He will do what is best for you, even though at the time you may not think so.

What will you be judged upon, Your motive of your thinking. The word motive means to, An inner drive to act, Causing motion in your mind, To bring forth.

* Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

"Simon" means "heard", and "Peter" in the Hebrew means "rock". Peter is the foundation of the church, and Cornelius is told to send for that man. Remember that Peter had a little difficulty with Paul, because Paul wanted to preach to the Gentiles. Peter had a little problem with that, because he had been trained in the school prior to the crucifixion, and Peter was trained and set in his ways. In the old school, you couldn't even spend time in a house where unclean things had been cooked, or even carry on a friendship with them. So Peter is now going to be asked by Cornelius to come and preach to his entire household.

* Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Remember at the close of Acts chapter nine, Peter had just been called in to pray over the dead body of Dorcas, and after the Holy Spirit of God healed Dorcas, Peter stayed in the area, in Joppa, preaching and living in the house hold of this Simon the Tanner. This Angel of God is giving directions of where Peter is, and how to get there. This angel of God is telling Cornelius to send
for Peter and he will instruct you what you ought to do.

* Acts 10:7 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;

This "devout soldier" was an armor bearer that Cornelius trusted so well that even with his armor off, he would trust him even to his back.

* Acts 10:8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Cornelius is obeying God's command given through the angel.

* Acts 10:9 "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.

We are back in Joppa here, in the house of Simon the Tanner where Peter is staying. Peter is up on the house top praying at midday.

* Acts 10:10 "And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,"

While Peter was on the roof praying, Peter became very hungry, and while they were fixing the meal, Peter fell into a trance. The Holy Spirit is going to deal with Peter, and he's about to learn a lesson.

* Acts 10:11 "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:"

Peter had a vision, and in this vision Peter saw a great sheet, that was tied at the four corners. Peter is hungry and now at midday this sheet full of food is lowered from heaven before Peter.

* Acts 10:12 "Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air."

There were all sorts of animals, and insects, and birds within this sheet, and they were all considered unclean and not to be eaten as the law of Moses would stipulate as unclean for eating. They were all scavengers, and not fit to be eaten by man.

What is a Scavenger ? Theses animals were created to clean up the earth, of other dead animals that has died. if a swine ( hog ) eats a poison snake that would kill a man, it would not hurt the swine, because it has the same amount of poison in its on blood stream.

* Acts 10:13 "And there came a voice to him, "Rise, Peter; kill, and eat."

Many people take this and say that God takes this hereby and makes all thing's edible. If this is what you think it says, and if your preacher has told you this, you miss the whole point. This has nothing to do with food, but God is using this as an analogy. God will not allow Peter to touch these wild creatures.God did not allow Peter to eat any part of this filth, for God is using these animals to teach Peter something entirely different.

The word kill means here, to slay or to sacrifice

* Acts 10:14 "But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."

The word "common" also means "unclean". Where the previous uses of the word "unclean" were in reference to evil spirits, here it is in reference to the Ceremonial uncleanness of the Leviticus law. Every one of these animals and fowl were listed as unfit from the mouth of God Himself.

The word eaten means to " eat "
The word never means to " not even at any time "

* Acts 10:15 "And the voice spake unto him again the second time, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."

Remember back when Christ was speaking to Peter, after Peter had denied Jesus three times, and Christ told Peter " feed My Sheep" three times.

John 21:15 John 21:15 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?" He saith unto Him, "Ye Lord; You knowest that I love Thee." He saith unto him, "Feed My lambs"

Christ lambs are the Christian's that are new converts, and need the milk of the Word, they need to be taught the basics.

John 21:16 "He saith to him again the second time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" He saith unto Him, "Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee."

These sheep in the Greek text are "probation" they are not the real young sheep, but ones that need more then just milk. They need meat. The deeper meanings of the Words.

John 21:17 "He saith unto him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, "Lovest thou Me?" and he said unto Him, "Lord, thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Jesus saith unto him, "Feed My sheep"

The sheep mentioned here are those that are seasoned in the Word, the more mature sheep that desire the more meat of the Word. God is telling Peter to teach all his sheep, even the more mature Christians. God spoke to Peter three times for emphasis to make a point, and that is what is He is doing here also to Peter.

What this is referring to here in Acts, is not eating unclean animals, this is about People, Gentile people that had been considered polluted and unclean before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

God is not talking about the food you eat, nor has He changed any part of His Health Dietary Laws. Scavenger food, and swine and the sorts, that were not to be eaten, are still not to be eaten.

This is an analogy that has to do with the Gentile People.

* Acts 10:16 Acts 10:16 "This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven."

Each time was a witness from God to Peter, to instill within Him that the Gospel of Christ is now even for the Gentiles. After the point was made, each time God took it up into heaven, before Peter even had a chance to touch the creatures.

( Note ) Now where did Peter touch or eat any of these animals, Did Christ eat any of the swine ?

* Acts 10:17 "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 enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,"

Peter knew that something was strange about this vision, and he did not know what it was. Peter knew that God would not expect him to eat of that polluted and filthy animals. Then we see the perfect timing of God, right on time. The vision to Cornelius, the time to travel from Cornelius' house to Joppa, and the timing for the visions of the three times of the sheet to be lowered, all were right on time for the visit at Simon's house.

The word behold means, you listen and see what is about to take place.

* Acts 10:18 "And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter were lodged there."
* Acts 10:19 "While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, "Behold, three men seek thee."

While Peter was on the roof trying to think what this vision of those filthy animals on the sheet could mean, Peter knew they was unfit to eat, but he still didn't get the message just yet. the men from Cornelius were knocking at the front door below. Then the Holy Spirit told Peter, there is three men that are seeking you.

* Acts 10:20 "Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them."

Then the Holy Spirit told Peter, you go down and meet them and go with them, and stop your doubting. I showed you three times, not let that be sufficient, don't you dare doubt. If God should reveal something to you from the Scriptures, don't doubt what the Holy Spirit of God has placed within you. This then is a very strange thing in the eyes of Peter, and a new thing as far as acceptance of the Gentile.

* Acts 10:21 "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?" "

Don't get things mixed up here, though it was Cornelius that sent the three men to get Peter, it was the Angel of God that instructed Cornelius to send these three men there. Cornelius did not send the men on his own. God is totally in charge of this entire action that is to take place.

* Acts 10:22 "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 an Holy Angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee."

Cornelius was a honest and just man, and one that reverence, Loved God, and all those in Judea that knew Cornelius thought highly of him.

This word "nation" in the Greek, can even include Israel, as it is "ethnos". In the singular it can be Israel, but in the plural, it can never include and mean Israel. This will be important to understand a little later in this chapter as we get to it.

* Acts 10:23 "Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him."

These believers were of the house of Israel that had believed and were followers of Christ through Peter.

* Acts 10:24 "And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends"

To Cornelius this was the greatest thing that could happen to him. God had spoken to him, and now this man from God is coming to him. Cornelius let all his friends know who was coming, and wanted them to here also what Peter would have to say. Cornelius wanted to share what ever he had with everybody, especially his friends. He was a giver and a lover of people.

* Acts 10:25 "And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him."

Peter would not stand for this by Cornelius. What did he tell him.

* Acts 10:26 "And as he talked with him, "Stand up; I myself also am a man."

Don't worship me, worship God. We are only Slaves and Servants of God, and let no man make more of you then that position. We must decrease that God may increase. You can lose the blessings of God quicker by getting on an ego trip and elevating yourself higher then what you are, A servant of God, set forth to do His will. It is God that placed the gift in you in the first place and all the credit goes to God, Not any man !

* Acts 10:27 "And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together."

Cornelius had the place full of family and friends, and they all loved the Lord Thy God.

( Note ) Here is the answer to the chapter 10:1-34 verse 28 is the subject of the people in question.

* Acts 10:28 Acts 10:28 "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 on of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man "common" or "unclean."

Peter now understands what the Holy Spirit was trying to show him, back on the roof top in Joppa, when the Sheep's, of the unclean were lowered three times. It wasn't a lesson about animals and birds, and unclean things, but "any man common or unclean". This is the basis of the matter.

God created the Gentile races as is recorded in Genesis 1:26-27; "And God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

God created all the races after their kind, and in the image of God, and all of them were God. God loved all of His children.

Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him: male and female created He them."

No race need to apologize for his race to any man, for God created your ancestors exactly as He wanted them. So now we see that the church of Christ, the anointed one, is open to all races of the ethnos, that in believing on Jesus all people have the of receiving salvation. It is natural that one cares for his race and his people, and God takes that truth and says, if your proud of them, then teach His Word to them. It is natural that one stands up for his own kindred, God has placed this desire in all men. It is not a racist statement, but a statement of fact. Be a realist, and get away from the games of religion.

What is a " religion " it is a man made organize system of men. such as the traditions of men. We are to follow God, and his Words. If you be a Christian, then your Christ-like. Christ is about Christianity. He is the one we follow. Not a system.

* Acts 10:29 "Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?"

Peter came to Cornelius' house and he did not dispute, as soon as I was sent. Peter said, I know now that I am not suppose to call any man polluted, so why did you send for me?

* Acts 10:30 "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,"

The Angel of the Lord didn't mind going into a Gentiles house.

* Acts 10:31 "And said, `Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God."

God doesn't miss anything. God will bless you, when you bless Him. What have you done for Him, have you spread His word and told Him that you love Him? Do you care about his people or to help them in need? God remembers all this that
you do for Him

The word " Alms " mean a Charitable gift, giving to the poor people. and expect nothing in return.

In the book of Matthew Christ called the religious leaders a bunch of hypocrites because they wanted the peoples to know just how self religious or righteous they were. in there minds they was above the poor and needy.

The Word " hypocrite " means to be a play actor, with a mask on.
Hiding your true identity, your pretending to be something your not.

* Acts 10:32 "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."

This is what the angel told Cornelius.

* Acts 10:33 "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."

Cornelius is saying that he obeyed immediately, and didn't waste any time. We are all here now for the sole purpose of hearing the Word of God. Cornelius did care to hear Peters fancy words, but only what God had to say. Cornelius love God, and tried to always please Him, and now He and the others wanted to hear what God had to say to them. Its is a beautiful thing to hear truth,
when its told

* Acts 10:34 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecters of persons:"

Peter now understands fully what it is that God was trying to tell him through that sheep with all those animals in it. God wants Peter to teach all these people and share the commandments of the Living Word with them. "Call no man common or unclean"; if they have a question about the Word, share it with them. For we all belong to God.

Rodofiron <> Bible Studys