St. Peter goes to Cornelius
The
Passage: Acts 10:24-48
Structure:
a. 10:23b-24a trip to Cornelius’ home
b. 10:24b-27, Cornelius
fell at the feet of Peter
c. 10:28-29, Peter’s initial enquiry
d.
10:30-33, Cornelius describes his vision
c’. 10:34-43, Peter’s answer/sermon
b’. 10:44-47a,
Holy Spirit fell upon them
a’. 10:47,
staying at Cornelius’ home
Historical
and geographical context:
Theology:
St. Peter
did not travel alone this time. We noticed two lessons ago that Peter undertook
the whole visitation journey by himself [singlehandedly]. It is important to
pay attention to the fact that this time he is escorted not only by messengers
from Cornelius but also by some brothers from Joppa congregation. I personally
believe it is recorded to contrast these facts. Do know exactly why – that’s
for the next generation of Bible students.
Cornelius is
a complicated character. On one hand, he has leftovers of pagan habits (even
though he was introduced to a reader as a God-fearing gentile). Yet, seeing Peter he bows down, and Luke has
no hesitation to add that he worshiped the apostle (10:25). Note how Peter
responds to this situation – no chewing up, at the same time no pride
exhibition. He simply corrects his mistake (that’s how he takes it), lifting
him with his own hands. Good leaders lift up people, not put them down.
At the same
time Cornelius “walks by faith” – the only commandment he got from an angel is
to send for Simon-Peter. Similar to the situation of Abraham – father of our
faith – when God told him to go to the land which he doesn’t know. In a sense
the story of Cornelius is a NT retelling of a guy who was raised as a pagan and
called by God to walk into an unknown situation – land or unfamiliar house,
being fully transformed through this experience into faith heroes.
Peter’s
initial statement goes back to the idea of unity within the community of
believers. He does not interpret his vision on the roof (10:9-16) as a
delicatessen challenge. His immediate interpretation is a challenge of
associating with gentiles and God’s encouragement “not to call any person
common or unclean” (10:28). As Cornelius describes his vision (10:30-33), Peter
comes to an understanding that God has no partiality, because in Jesus Christ
all the people of all the nations can be accepted to God for He – Jesus – is
the Judge of the living and the dead (note the usage of this phrase in the
Creed). Also, all the prophets prepared the OT Church by bearing witness about
Jesus who is the reason for forgiveness of sins of the believers (10:43).
Outpouring
of the Holy Spirit on Gentiles was a big surprise to the circumcised believers.
Two things about that: first, they used to have converts in the community
(proselytes, cp. 2:11) and God-fearing Gentiles (who were not allowed to come
to Passover celebration). Now, when the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles, there
should be no distinction between the believing Jews and Gentiles. Second, it is
very interesting to notice the contrast between the First Church and current
situation. Now the Gentiles have no problem to discuss the work of the Holy
Spirit (one way or another), while the conversion of a single Jew leads people
to shock (positive or negative).
The baptism
of those who are converted by the preaching of the Word is a seal of God’s
promises. This historical account is accurate – the Bible is the Word of God,
but it doesn’t contradict the statements of St. Paul (Col. 2:11-12) and St.
Peter (1 Pet. 3:21) on efficacy of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Other
themes:
Coordinated prayers – angel of God appears to Cornelius at the same time when Peter prays on the roof-top. Which tells us about the grandiose plan of Almighty God Who brings people to salvation then and there He desires (AC V).
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