Another powerful chapter!
One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.
Acts 10:3,5
It is interesting that the angel could have told the good news of Jesus to Cornelius but 1) God chooses to use people in his mission and 2) God had a work to do in Peter and the church in general for them to know that Jesus came to save the whole world, not just Jewish believers.
As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
Acts 10:25-26
Peter would not allow a man to worship him because he knew he was not God but a mere man.
He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"
Acts 10:28-29
It was against the Jewish law to associate or visit with a gentile. God wanted to change that and make it clear that he came to save gentiles as well and that he and other Jewish believers should not have a separation between them. Jesus came to make the two people one!
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Acts 10:34-35
Amen!
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
Acts 10:43-44 NIV
I like how the Holy Spirit didn't wait for Peter to finish, but came in the middle of Peter's speaking.
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