Acts 10

10:1-48-. Cornelius.

10:1-24-. Preparation.
10:-24-48-. Conference.

10:1-24-. Preparation.

1-4. Vision.
5,6. Command.
7,8-. Obedience.
-8,9-. Messengers sent.
-9-19-. Vision.
-19,20. Command.
21,22. Obedience.
23,24-. Messengers sent.

Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius,

(= of a horn. A horn is usually symbolic of power.)

a centurion

(= a captain over 100 men.)

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 alway.

(He, a Gentile, searched for the truth.

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.)

3 He saw in a vision evidently

(I.e. objectively.)

about the ninth hour

(3 p.m.)

of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, "Cornelius."

(The angel of God was speaking to a Gentile!)

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, Lord?"

(Gr. Kurios = Owner. It represents the authority and Lordship arising from and pertaining to ownership. Hence, when it is used of each Person of the Trinity, it is similarly used of the lower and human relationship of "master". So much depends on the presence or absence of the Greek Article [ho], when used of Divine relationship. Used as in John 4:11, where it is rendered "Sir".)

And he said unto him, "Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

(God does notice. It makes His day, i.e. genuine love.

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.)

5 And now send men to Joppa,

(= beautiful.)

and call for one Simon,

(= heard.)

whose surname is Peter:

(= a rock or stone. This was a beautiful day!

Peter is building God's church. Christ is that Rock, the Church, the many membered body, not Peter. 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.)

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner,

(See 9:43.)

whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do."

(God always guides and directs.)

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;

(See 1:14. This soldier was his personal armor bearer = trust at your back.)

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

(He's obeying God!)

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:

(Noon, midday prayer, the same hour as was Christ's Crucifixion.)

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

(Lit a trance fell upon him. God put him in this mode. The text read, "came upon him". Ekstasis is sometime translated "amazement", as in 3:10. It is akin to existêma [2:7; 8:9 &c.]. This was not an objective vision, as in the case of Cornelius.)

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners,

(The text omits. Read "Sent down by the four corners".)

and let down to the earth:

(Peter is hungry and now at midday this sheet full of food is lowered from heaven before Peter.)

12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things,

(Bugs, insects.)

and fowls of the air.

(All unclean animals. They were all scavengers, and not fit to be eaten by man.)

13 And there came a voice to him, "Rise, Peter; kill,

(As in sacrifice.)

and eat."

(Cp. Lev.11:4. If it seems to you God is countermanding His own rules and regulations, PAY ATTENTION, God is telling you something else in symbology! Or it's not from God.

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.)

14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean."

(Gr. akathartos. The previous 21 occ. all apply to evil spirits. Here the reference is to the ceremonial uncleanness of the Levitical law.)

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

(This would leave you in a quandary, yes, no!?)

16 This was done thrice:

(Cp. Peter's 3 denials, and Father's 3 time demand for him to "Feed the sheep".

Jesus' lambs are the Christians that are new converts, and need the milk of the Word, they need to be taught the basics.)

and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

(The sheep are those that are seasoned in the Word, the more mature sheep that desire more meat from the Word. God is telling Peter to teach all his sheep, even the more mature Christians. God spoke to Peter three times for emphesis 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 our animals, but 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 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 peoples.)

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,

(God had everything timed right.

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.

Many times we think that God is a bit slow, but on God's schedule, He is always in perfect time.)

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision,

(He was mulling it over.)

the Spirit

(I.e. the Angel of Yahaveh in v.3.)

said unto him, "Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing:

(He's reassuring him, "It's OK Peter, they are going to obey God.)

for I have sent them."

(This proves that it is the Angel of Yahaveh that is speaking.)

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?"

(I.e. "What are you here for?"

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 sent 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.)

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,

(= Ethnic people in Judea.)

was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee."

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.

(He had a crowd waiting. Do not shut out a man because of his race. But respect with dignity the difference and his customs. Thus opening the Church and the way to Christ to all people!)

-24-48-. Conference.

-24-27. Expectation.
28,29. Peter.
30-33. Cornelius.
34-43. Peter.
44-48-. Realization.

And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

(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.)

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

(= did homage or reverence. Downfall of many a person. Don't abuse a gift from God. It is God that touches people.)

26 But Peter took him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself also am a man."

(We are only slaves and servants of God, and let no man make more of you then that position. We must decrease so 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 word. It is God that placed the gift in you in the first place and all the credit goes to Him.)

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

(Remember these are all Gentiles that Peter is conversing with.)

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;

(= aliens = different race and kindred.)

but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

(See vv.14,15. Man symbolic of the sheet. It has nothing to do with food!)

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying,

(He didn't dispute this. Neither should you.)

as soon as I was sent for: 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.

(God appreciated him.

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 enough about people to help them in need? God remembers all this that you do for Him.)

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."

(God does not exhibit partiality.

We are all here now for the sole purpose of hearing the Word of God. Cornelius loved God, and tried to always please Him, and now He and the others wanted to hear what God had to say to them.)

34-43. Peter.

34-38. The Lord's Life.
39-. Witnesses.
-39,40. The Lord's Death and Resurrection.
41. Witnesses.
42. The Lord the Judge.
43. Witnesses.

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

(Lit. One Who takes faces [i.e. persons] into account. God does not operate that way. Cp. James 2:9. 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.)

35 But in every nation he that feareth

(Or reveres, loves.)

Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.

(In other words, God will accept anyone who will seek Him, and it matters not what race of nation "ethnos" they are from. This is a race matter, and any person from any race that reverse God, and worketh the righteousness of Christ, is acceptable to God. They demonstrate their love for the Father through their love and believe in Jesus Christ the anointed one. When you seek God, He will receive you through His Son Jesus.

Righteousness is to love Jesus, the Son God the Father sent, and to do His commandments, as best as you can. Then when you do accept Christ, you have the full knowledge that your sins are forgiven by the Father. When you fall short again, which you will do, those sins are also forgiven upon your repentance in Jesus name. Just because God has opened salvation to all mankind, God still sticks to His rules set forth in His Holy Word. God knows the intent of your mind, and He knows the sincerity of your heart.)

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all:)

(He is Lord of all. Not just Judah, or Israel, but of all races and tongues and nations, Jesus is Lord over all mankind. He is Lord of all because He created all peoples and races. On the sixth day God created the races, and on the eighth day God created man [Adam], in the Greek, "eth'-Ha' adham", "the particular adam". God had no man to till the soil, He had only hunters and fishermen, and that is why this one particular Adam was created.

From the six day creation we have the Gentile nations, He had no man to tend to the soil so God created "Ha' adham", the man to do the work of the soil. For a companion to the man Adam, God created Eve. Eve is called the mother of all living. Why? Because through Eve, according to God's purpose, the Messiah would come. This one that is Lord of all mankind, and through His blood would bring all people to the throne of God. This is of both the living and the dead, for those that are dead in flesh are living in spirit, and are present with God.

At that moment that any person of any race would believe on Jesus Christ and repent in His name, the throne of God is open to that repented soul.)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

(All of his miracle were spoken of, and what He was teaching passed on from mouth to mouth.

Peter is telling them that this was the beginning of the story that God would have you hear.)

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power:

(Gr. Dunamis, were our word "dynamite" comes from.)

who went about doing good,

(Cp. Luke 22:25, and see Acts 4:9.)

and healing

(See Luke 6:17.)

all that were oppressed of the devil;

(See James 2:6. Cp. Luke 13:16. 2 Cor.12:7. Rev.2:10.)

for God was with Him.

(Power always accompanies the Holy Spirit. He defeated Satan to show how it is done.)

39 And we are witnesses

(Gr. martur, see 1:8.)

of all things which He did both in the land of the Judea, and in Jerusalem; Whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

(The Kenites accomplished this, and the apostles witnessed the acts taking place. They were there to see Jesus handing on that cross, with the malfactors hanging on both sides of Him. Peter was also there as Jesus went throughout the land of Judaea doing the many miracles and things that He did.)

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly;

(He didn't hide it. Lit. gave Him to be manifest, i.e. to be openly seen.)

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God,

(Documentation, cp.9:15. See also 14:23.)

even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead.

(Gr. ek nekrõn. With Preposition, but without Article, which may be latent in the Preposition [ek nekrõn], it denotes out from among dead people.

This is just as God's deeper truths are only given to those that have the eyes to see and the ears to hear and understand those truths. This is not talking about salvation, but the deeper meanings of God's Word.

Why did Jesus do this with His twelve disciples? They were to be witness, with seals to the promises of God, that this event truly happened.)

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

(Cp. Isa.53:11.)

of quick and dead.

(Gr. nekrõs. Without the Article [nekroi] it denotes the persons who were once alive, but who are alive no longer: i.e. dead persons as distinct from dead bodies.

"Quick" is the "living, and the dead, are the spiritually dead. It is God that ordained Jesus and ordained him with that authority to be the judge over the living and the dead, physically. Those that died in the flesh and were held prisoners in the heart of the earth, Jesus was able to release part of those lost souls that would believe.

Then what we are witnessing is the teaching of the real word, right in the home of the Gentiles. This is the start of God opening His promises to all His children.)

43 To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins."

(Probably the strongest prophets to bring this to light is in Isaiah 53:11, to the end of the chapter. It tells us how Jesus would suffer. There would be a first advent, and there also would be a second. This is made clear in this chapter of Isaiah.)

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word.

(I.e. the gospel message. Remember, they are at a Gentiles house.)

45 And they of the circumcision

(I.e. of Judah. Cp. 11:2. Rom.4:12; 15:8. Gal.2:12. Col.4:11. Tit.1:10. These were Judean Christians, called "brethren", v.23, 11:12.)

which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles

(Same as "nation", vv.22,35.)

also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.

(See John 4:10. Well, how could Gentiles have this? Well, they’re all God’s children!)

46 For they heard them speak with tongues,

(Same as on Pentecost Day. Cp. 2:7,8. NOT UNKNOWN TONGUES!)

and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?"

(Not something different. In other words, they received the same as Peter and the others did on Pentecost day. Christ told him, don’t leave Jerusalem; stay there until you receive it. So it was exactly like they spoke on Pentecost day, which means what? The voice that is heard in every dialect of the world, and no man can copy it. See 11:15.)

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

(Cornelius and his family and friends wanted to hear more about Jesus Christ, and the Word of God. See John 8:7 [continue].)

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