Introduction
Peter preaches to a Roman centurion and his household (v 34).
Cornelius is told in a vision to send for Peter to hear his message.
Questions
1. What does the record tell us about the character of Cornelius?
v 2 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God.
2. What is Peter's conclusion after Cornelius tells him why he sent for him?
v 34 and 35 Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favouritism; 35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
3. What finally convinced Peter that he should baptise these Gentiles?
v 47 "Can anyone forbid these people from being baptised with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us."
Summary Points
- v 1 to 8 Cornelius a Roman soldier who believes in and serves God is told by an angel to send men from Caesarea to Joppa for Peter
- v 9 to 16 As the men from Cornelius approach Joppa, Peter has a vision. He sees all kinds of animals which he is invited to kill and eat. After he declines because the animals are unclean. he is told not to regard as unclean what God has cleansed
- v 17 to 24 Peter is told to go with the men who have arrived. He then goes to the house of Cornelius who is waiting for Peter
- v 25 to 33 Peter explains that the vision he had was telling him that he should no longer regard non-Jews as unclean. Cornelius explains why he sent for Peter
- v 34 to 43 Peter realises that salvation is for non-Jews too. He then preaches some first-century beliefs to Cornelius and his household.
- v 44 to 48 While Peter is still speaking Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Spirit and are then baptised.