Cornelius Sends for Peter 1At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. 2He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. 3One day at about the ninth hour,a he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” 4Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.b” 7When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. 8He explained what had happened and sent them to Joppa. Peter’s Vision 9The next day at about the sixth hour,c as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. 13Then a voice said to him: “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” 14“No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impured or unclean.” 15The voice spoke to him a second time: “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” 16This happened three times, and all at once the sheet was taken back up into heaven. Peter Called to Caesarea 17While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate. 18They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying there. 19As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.e 20So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” 21So Peter went down to the menf and said, “Here am I, the one you are looking for. Why have you come?” 22“Cornelius the centurion has sent us,” they said. “He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation. A holy angel instructed him to request your presence in his home so he could hear a message from you.” 23So Peter invited them in as his guests. And the next day he got ready and went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa. Peter Visits Cornelius 24The following day he arrived in Caesarea, where Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. 26But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” 27As Peter talked with him, he went inside and found many people gathered together. 28He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. 29So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?” 30Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this, the ninth hour.g Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me 31and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God. 32Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ 33So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us.” Good News for the Gentiles 34Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, 35but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. 36He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. 39We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although they put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree, 40God raised Him up on the third day and caused Him to be seen— 41not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 42And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit 44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. 45All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!” 48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days. Footnotes: 3 a That is, about three in the afternoon; also in verse 30 6 b TR includes He will tell you what you need to do. 9 c That is, about noon 14 d Literally common; similarly in verses 15 and 28 19 e ECM and TR; NE and WH two men are looking for you; SBL and BYZ men are looking for you 21 f TR the men sent to him by Cornelius 30 g BYZ and TR Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Acts 10 Summary Peter and CorneliusVerses 1–8 – Cornelius’s Vision Verses 9–16 – Peter’s Vision Verses 17–23 – Messengers Arrive Verses 24–33 – Peter Meets Cornelius Verses 34–43 – Peter’s Message Verses 44–48 – Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit Acts 10 is a groundbreaking chapter that marks the expansion of the Gospel message beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles. It begins with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, experiencing a divine vision. Subsequently, Apostle Peter also receives a vision that challenges the traditional Jewish dietary laws, signifying that the Gospel is for all, without any discrimination. Historical Background of Acts 10 About a decade after Jesus’s resurrection, the early church remains centered in Judea and Galilee. Rome governs the land, with Caesarea Maritima as its provincial capital. The city’s harbors, theater, and palace attract a diverse population—perfect soil for the gospel’s spread beyond Judaism. Cornelius: A Roman Officer Who Feared God • Centurion of the “Italian Cohort,” likely 80–100 soldiers. • “God-fearing” Gentiles attended synagogue, prayed, and gave alms without full conversion (see Acts 13:16; 16:14). • His household faith echoes Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Roman Military and Archaeology Inscriptions at Caesarea mention the “Cohors II Italica Civium Romanorum,” aligning with Luke’s detail. Excavated barracks and baths reveal daily life for officers like Cornelius. Caesarea Maritima: Crossroads of Cultures Built by Herod the Great, the city blended Jewish, Samaritan, Greek, and Roman communities. The setting anticipates Jew-Gentile reconciliation through Christ. Joppa and Simon the Tanner Thirty miles south, Joppa is an ancient port famed for supplying cedar for Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16). Lodging with a tanner—considered ritually unclean—already stretches Peter’s cultural boundaries. Clean and Unclean Foods—The Heart of the Vision Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 define clean and unclean animals. Peter’s three refusals show lifelong habit. God’s response is about more than food—it redefines people. Mark 7:19 notes Jesus “declared all foods clean,” foreshadowing Acts 10. Threefold Repetition—God’s Emphasis • Vision repeated three times. • Three messengers from Cornelius. • Mirrors Peter’s past three denials and reinstatement (Luke 22; John 21). Repetition seals importance. Guidance of the Holy Spirit The Spirit says, directs, and finally falls (10:19, 44). Peter later recalls, “the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning” (11:15). The Spirit marks genuine inclusion (Ephesians 1:13). Prophetic Roots of Peter’s Sermon • Isaiah 53: Suffering servant. • Isaiah 61: Anointed to heal (10:38). • Joel 2:28–29: Spirit on all people. • Isaiah 49:6: Light to the nations. • Amos 9:11–12: Gentiles called by God’s name—cited at the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). Baptism in Jesus’ Name Spirit baptism precedes water, proving salvation is God’s work. Peter’s question, “Can anyone withhold water?” silences prejudice (compare Acts 2:38; 8:36). Jewish and Gentile Unity Six Jewish believers accompany Peter (11:12) as eyewitnesses. Their shock turns to praise. Romans 10:12 later states, “There is no difference between Jew and Greek.” Archaeological Glimpse of Everyday Purity Jewish homes show stone vessels and ritual baths; Gentile quarters do not. Peter’s entry into Cornelius’s house crosses that visible line. Divine Timing • Angel at 3 p.m.—afternoon prayer (Psalm 55:17). • Vision at noon—Peter is hungry, so food imagery resonates. • Men arrive as the vision ends. • Four-day timeline (10:30) highlights God’s orchestration. Acts Connections • Acts 8: Ethiopian official trusts Jesus. Acts 10 is the first Spirit outpouring on Gentiles with Jewish witnesses present. • Acts 9: Peter’s miracles in Joppa lead directly into this episode. Practical Takeaways • God hears sincere seekers (Jeremiah 29:13). • Prejudice collapses when God speaks. • Obedience often comes before full understanding—Peter goes without hesitating. • The Spirit arranges divine appointments. • One believer’s faith can open doors for an entire network of family and friends. Key Verses Acts 10:34–35—“Truly I now understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right.” Acts 10:43—“All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” Acts 10:44—“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.” Looking Ahead Acts 10 swings the door wide for Gentile mission. Peter will defend the event in Acts 11, and Paul’s journeys will carry the same message to the ends of the earth. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 12:3God’s promise to Abraham that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles. Matthew 28:19 The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Ephesians 2:14 Paul speaks of Christ as our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility. Teaching Points Cornelius' DevotionCornelius is described as a devout man who feared God with all his household (Acts 10:2). Despite being a Gentile, his prayers and alms were recognized by God, demonstrating that God honors sincere faith and devotion. Peter’s Vision Peter receives a vision of a sheet with unclean animals and hears a voice saying, What God has cleansed, you must not call common (Acts 10:15). This vision signifies the removal of traditional barriers and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan. Divine Orchestration The simultaneous visions given to Cornelius and Peter highlight God’s sovereignty and His active role in guiding His people to fulfill His purposes. Peter’s Realization Upon meeting Cornelius, Peter acknowledges, I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34). This marks a significant shift in Peter’s understanding of God’s impartiality. The Holy Spirit’s Confirmation As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit falls on all who hear the message, confirming God’s acceptance of Gentiles without the need for them to first become Jews (Acts 10:44-46). Practical Applications Embrace DiversityRecognize and celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ, understanding that God’s love and salvation are for all people. Break Down Barriers Actively work to remove any prejudices or barriers that may hinder the Gospel from reaching different communities. Be Open to God’s Leading Like Peter, be open to God’s guidance, even if it challenges your preconceived notions or traditions. Share the Gospel Boldly Follow Peter’s example in sharing the Gospel with those who may be different from you, trusting that God is at work in their hearts. People 1. CorneliusCornelius is described as "a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment" (Acts 10:1). He is a devout man who fears God, gives generously to the people, and prays continually. The Greek term for centurion, "ἑκατοντάρχης" (hekatontarchēs), indicates his role as a commander of a hundred soldiers. 2. An Angel of God An angel appears to Cornelius in a vision, instructing him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-6). The Greek word for angel, "ἄγγελος" (angelos), means messenger, indicating a divine envoy. 3. Simon Peter (Peter) Peter is one of Jesus' apostles, staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner (Acts 10:5-6). He receives a vision from God that prepares him to meet Cornelius and understand the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith. 4. Simon the Tanner Simon is the host of Peter in Joppa. His occupation as a tanner is noted, which involves working with animal hides (Acts 10:6). The Greek term "βυρσεύς" (byrseus) refers to his trade. 5. Cornelius' Servants and a Devout Soldier Cornelius sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to bring Peter (Acts 10:7-8). The Greek word for servant, "δοῦλος" (doulos), implies a bondservant or slave, while "στρατιώτης" (stratiōtēs) refers to the soldier. 6. The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding Peter and confirming the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith (Acts 10:19, 44-45). The Greek term "Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον" (Pneuma Hagion) is used for the Holy Spirit. 7. The Brothers from Joppa These are the Jewish believers who accompany Peter to Cornelius' house (Acts 10:23). The Greek term "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi) is often used to denote fellow believers or brethren. 8. Cornelius' Relatives and Close Friends Cornelius gathers his relatives and close friends to hear Peter speak (Acts 10:24). The Greek word "συγγενής" (syngenēs) refers to relatives, and "φίλος" (philos) to friends. Places 1. CaesareaActs 10:1: "At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment." Description: Caesarea was a significant port city on the Mediterranean coast, serving as the Roman administrative capital of Judea. The Greek name "Καισάρεια" (Kaisareia) reflects its dedication to Caesar Augustus. 2. Joppa Acts 10:5: "Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter." Description: Joppa, known today as Jaffa, was an ancient port city located south of Caesarea. It is one of the oldest functioning harbors in the world. The Greek "Ιόππη" (Ioppē) is derived from the Hebrew "יָפוֹ" (Yāfō), meaning "beautiful." 3. Simon the Tanner's House Acts 10:6: "He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." Description: This location in Joppa is significant as the place where Peter was staying. Tanners worked with animal hides, and their homes were typically located near water sources due to the nature of their work. Events 1. Cornelius' VisionCornelius, a centurion in Caesarea, is described as a devout man who feared God. He receives a vision from an angel of God instructing him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter. ^"About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God who came to him and said, 'Cornelius!'"^ (Acts 10:3) 2. Cornelius Sends Messengers Following the angel's instructions, Cornelius sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to find Peter. ^"When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants."^ (Acts 10:7) 3. Peter's Vision The next day, as the messengers approach Joppa, Peter goes up on the roof to pray and falls into a trance. He sees a vision of a sheet descending from heaven with all kinds of animals, and a voice tells him to kill and eat. ^"He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners."^ (Acts 10:11) 4. Peter's Initial Refusal Peter refuses to eat, citing Jewish dietary laws, but the voice tells him not to call anything impure that God has made clean. This happens three times. ^"The voice spoke to him a second time: 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'"^ (Acts 10:15) 5. The Arrival of Cornelius' Men While Peter is pondering the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrive and the Holy Spirit tells Peter to go with them without hesitation. ^"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you.'"^ (Acts 10:19) 6. Peter Goes to Caesarea Peter invites the men in and the next day he goes with them to Caesarea, accompanied by some of the believers from Joppa. ^"The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along."^ (Acts 10:23) 7. Peter Meets Cornelius Upon arrival, Cornelius falls at Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter tells him to stand up, as he is only a man. ^"But Peter helped him up. 'Stand up,' he said, 'I am only a man myself.'"^ (Acts 10:26) 8. Peter's Sermon Peter addresses the gathered people, explaining that God does not show favoritism but accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. He shares the message of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. ^"Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism...'"^ (Acts 10:34) 9. The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles While Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit comes upon all who hear the message, and the Jewish believers are astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out even on the Gentiles. ^"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message."^ (Acts 10:44) 10. Baptism of the Gentiles Peter orders that the new believers be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, recognizing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had. ^"So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days."^ (Acts 10:48) Topics 1. Cornelius' VisionCornelius, a centurion in Caesarea, is described as a devout man who feared God. He receives a vision from an angel instructing him to send for Peter. ^"About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God who came to him and said, 'Cornelius!'"^ (Acts 10:3) 2. Peter's Vision Peter experiences a vision while praying on a rooftop, where a sheet with various animals is lowered from heaven, and he is told to eat. This vision challenges Jewish dietary laws. ^"He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners."^ (Acts 10:11) 3. The Arrival of Cornelius' Men Cornelius' men arrive at Peter's location, and the Holy Spirit instructs Peter to go with them without hesitation. ^"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you.'"^ (Acts 10:19) 4. Peter at Cornelius' House Peter travels to Caesarea and enters Cornelius' house, which is significant as it breaks Jewish customs of associating with Gentiles. ^"He said to them: 'You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.'"^ (Acts 10:28) 5. Peter's Sermon Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household, emphasizing that God shows no favoritism and that the message of Jesus Christ is for all people. ^"Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.'"^ (Acts 10:34-35) 6. The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit comes upon all who hear the message, demonstrating that Gentiles are also recipients of God's grace. ^"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message."^ (Acts 10:44) 7. Baptism of the Gentiles Peter commands that the new believers be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, marking their full inclusion into the Christian community. ^"Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!"^ (Acts 10:47) Themes 1. Divine Revelation and GuidanceActs 10 highlights the theme of divine revelation as God communicates with Cornelius and Peter through visions. Cornelius, a centurion, receives a vision instructing him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-6). Similarly, Peter receives a vision that challenges his understanding of Jewish dietary laws (Acts 10:9-16). The Greek word for "vision" (ὅραμα, horama) underscores the supernatural aspect of these revelations. 2. Breaking Down Cultural Barriers The chapter emphasizes the breaking down of cultural and ethnic barriers. Peter's vision and subsequent visit to Cornelius' house signify the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith. Peter states, "God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean" (Acts 10:28), highlighting the theme of unity and equality in Christ. 3. The Universality of the Gospel Acts 10 underscores the universality of the Gospel message. Peter declares, "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34-35). This theme is rooted in the Greek word for "nation" (ἔθνος, ethnos), indicating all ethnic groups are included in God's plan of salvation. 4. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the events of Acts 10. As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit falls upon all who hear the message, leading to the baptism of the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48). This demonstrates the Spirit's work in affirming the inclusion of Gentiles and empowering believers. 5. Obedience to God's Command Obedience is a key theme, as both Cornelius and Peter respond to God's instructions without hesitation. Cornelius sends for Peter as directed (Acts 10:7-8), and Peter goes to Cornelius' house despite initial reservations (Acts 10:23-29). This obedience reflects a commitment to God's will over cultural norms. 6. Witness and Testimony The chapter highlights the importance of witness and testimony. Peter shares the Gospel with Cornelius and his household, recounting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36-43). The Greek word for "witness" (μάρτυς, martys) emphasizes the role of believers in testifying to the truth of the Gospel. Answering Tough Questions 1. Acts 10:3 – How can we verify Cornelius’s angelic vision when there is no external historical or scientific evidence for such events? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the account of Cornelius and Peter's visions illustrate the theme of divine intervention and revelation? 2. What significance do Peter’s and Cornelius’ visions hold in the context of the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles? 3. How does Peter's interaction with Cornelius challenge the societal and religious norms of his time? 4. In today's context, what are some ways we can challenge and overcome cultural or societal barriers to spread the Gospel? 5. What does the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles imply about God’s acceptance of all people? 6. How does Peter's obedience to the Spirit's instruction demonstrate his faith and surrender to God's will? 7. How does Cornelius' character and his acceptance of the Gospel message challenge our biases and preconceived notions about people from different cultures or religions? 8. Why was the acceptance of Gentiles into the church significant in early Christian history? 9. How can we apply the lesson of inclusion and acceptance from Acts 10 in our daily lives? 10. How does Peter's sermon to the Gentiles help you understand the essence of the Gospel? 11. What does Peter mean when he says, "God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right" (Acts 10:34-35)? 12. How does the concept of equality in God's eyes challenge the way we perceive and interact with others? 13. How do the reactions of the Jewish believers to the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles reflect on their understanding of God's plan? 14. How does the story of Cornelius encourage believers to remain faithful and prayerful? 15. In what ways does the baptism of the Gentiles symbolize the breaking of religious and cultural barriers? 16. How does this chapter influence your understanding of God’s willingness to accept all who come to Him? 17. What can we learn from the hospitality and respect Cornelius showed to Peter and his companions? 18. How does the conversion of Cornelius and his household reflect on the power of collective faith? 19. How can Peter's willingness to learn, understand, and change be a model for us today when facing new perspectives? 20. How does Acts 10 challenge your current understanding of inclusivity and acceptance in the faith community? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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