Why did Peter question his visit to Cornelius in Acts 10:29? Immediate Context and Word Choice Acts 10:29 : “So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?” The Greek clause ti heneka metapempsasthe me (“for what reason did you send for me?”) can read as an inquiry, not skepticism. Peter obeyed “without objection” (anantirrhētos, “without contradicting”), yet he still needed Cornelius to state the purpose explicitly. Cultural and Legal Tension 1. 1st-century Jewish custom forbade intimate association with Gentiles (cf. Acts 10:28; Leviticus 20:24–26). 2. Roman military households regularly practiced emperor worship; association risked ceremonial defilement (Joshua 23:7). 3. Peter, fresh from Joppa’s tannery (Acts 9:43), had just received the rooftop vision that overturned dietary boundaries (Acts 10:10–16). Coming to a Gentile centurion was unprecedented; asking “why” ensured he was not violating Torah without divine warrant. Verification of Divine Guidance • Acts 10:20 records the Spirit saying, “Go with them without hesitation.” • Mosaic law required two or three witnesses to confirm a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). Cornelius’ own testimony would be the second witness alongside Peter’s vision. • By requesting Cornelius’ reason publicly, Peter created a legally valid, on-the-record confirmation that the initiative was from God, not human presumption. Did Peter Doubt? Peter’s earlier pattern: • Questioning Jesus about washing feet (John 13:6–9). • Objecting to the passion prediction (Matthew 16:22). Yet here Luke emphasizes obedience first, query second. The question expresses prudence, not unbelief—consistent with Peter’s growth post-resurrection (cf. Luke 22:32). Rhetorical Pedagogy Greco-Roman narrative often uses dialogue to set the stage for a revelatory speech. Peter’s question elicits Cornelius’ recounting of the angelic visit (Acts 10:30-33), providing: 1. A catechetical setup for Gentile inclusion. 2. A literary bridge to Peter’s sermon (Acts 10:34-43), climaxing in the Spirit’s outpouring (10:44-48). Theological Milestone Peter’s inquiry becomes the hinge on which the gospel swings to the nations. His subsequent confession—“God does not show favoritism” (Acts 10:34)—fulfills Genesis 12:3 and Isaiah 49:6, confirming the unified biblical storyline. Application Believers today emulate Peter by: 1. Obeying clear revelation. 2. Humbly asking questions to discern God’s broader purpose. 3. Inviting those outside the covenant community to articulate their spiritual hunger—preparing hearts for the message of the risen Christ. Summary Answer Peter asked “Why have you sent for me?” to (1) satisfy Jewish legal-cultural prudence, (2) obtain a corroborating witness to divine initiative, (3) teach his companions and future readers, and (4) pave the way for the epoch-making revelation that Gentiles, too, are cleansed through faith in the resurrected Jesus. |
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