What role does communication play in fulfilling God's will as seen in Acts 10:8? Setting the Scene: Acts 10:8 “ ‘And after explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.’ ” (Acts 10:8) • Cornelius has just received a startling angelic vision (vv. 3-6). • The moment he understands God’s directive, his very next act is to pass the message on. • The text highlights two verbs—“explaining” and “sent.” Both are communication terms: first verbal, then missional. Communication as a Divine Chain Reaction • God speaks to Cornelius through an angel. • Cornelius speaks to his household servants and a trusted soldier. • Those men carry the message to Peter. • Peter will speak to Cornelius’s gathered household, and the Holy Spirit will fall (vv. 34-44). Communication, therefore, is the human conduit that God uses to move His will from revelation to realization. Without Cornelius clearly conveying God’s word, the gospel bridge between Jew and Gentile would stall at the first span. Key Aspects of God-Honoring Communication in the Verse 1. Clarity – “Explaining everything” implies nothing was withheld or muddled. – Compare Proverbs 15:23: “A man has joy in an apt reply.” 2. Promptness – Cornelius speaks and acts “after” the vision—no delay. – See Psalm 119:60: “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” 3. Faithfulness to the Original Message – He repeats exactly what the angel said, not his own embellishments. – 1 Corinthians 4:2: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 4. Purposeful Sending – Words alone were not enough; messengers had to move. – Romans 10:15: “And how can they preach unless they are sent?” Principles for Our Lives Today • Receive God’s word accurately—be in Scripture so you can hear Him clearly (John 10:27). • Relay His word faithfully—speak what He says, not personal spin (Jeremiah 23:28-29). • Act on what you share—communication should propel obedience (James 1:22). • Expect God to use your words as part of a larger plan—your faithful communication may open doors you never see (Ephesians 3:20-21). Supporting Scriptures • Acts 8:26-40 – Philip communicates the gospel to the Ethiopian after angelic direction. • Acts 16:9-10 – Paul responds to the Macedonian call only after “concluding” (communicating with his team) that God had spoken. • Romans 10:14-17 – Faith comes by hearing; hearing requires a messenger. • Ephesians 4:29 – Speech should build up, giving grace to those who hear. • Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” |
    |