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Acts 10:1-8 KJV
“1 There was a certain man in Cæsarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.”
Cornelius- a man of Caesarea; a centurion of the band.
* Caesarea a Roman Administrative capital in Judea, built by King Herod in honor of Cesar Augustus. The center-point of Romans and the entering place of Christianity to the Gentiles.
* Centurion is the commanding officer of around 100 Italian volunteer soldiers, whose assignment is peace-keeping of the region.
The Bible mentioned that he is a devout man, feared God with all his house, bountiful giver to the people and prayed to God Always. This could not be written if this was not revealed by God Himself to the author of this book. For no one is able to specifically detailed his nature and his positive character, without knowing his inner qualities.
And who is able to precisely commend and approve one’s spiritual standing other than the Almighty God Who knows everything? That even his personal encounter with the LORD, giving him specific instruction what to do, was written here with accuracy.
From these, was given to us understanding that all of ourselves: our doings, our motives and the contents of our thoughts are known to GOD. He knows our need, and He will speak to us in His own personal way, on His own time and in His chosen place, to give us instructions.
We just have to open our hearts to listen, while GOD is talking to us as we also talk to Him in prayers, like Apostle Peter more like of Cornelius, and be ready to follow The LORD’s direction to us.
Acts 10:9-22 KJV
“[9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
[10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
[11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
[17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
[18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
[19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
[20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
[21] Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
[22] And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.”
No unclean, no common.
Which means: no boundaries, no selection.
GOD knows the heart’s desires of them, who in prayer to Him fervently called.
And as He has spoken to Peter His apostle:
He insinuated to share His words to whomever needed to hear, using significant vision.
Peter felt that extreme hunger for him to understand, that there is indeed meat to satisfy his soul.
And that is to share GOD’s words to Cornelius who earnestly seek to know,
the truth about GOD to whom he prayed always, and the reason of the good deeds he did, for this man believed He loves him so.
The love of GOD knows no boundaries.
It reaches to the uttermost part that no man’s mind comprehend.
So when our heart is burdened with so much cares and concern for a soul.
Do not ignore nor hesitate, but take head in prayer, and be ready to go; it might be GOD who calls.
Acts 10:23-43 KJV Words from these verses we should ponder:
1. Willingness- Apostle Peter’s willingness to obey the LORD’s instruction spare no room for hesitation, to go with them of whom are the men from Cornelius: a Roman Centurion; of whom might be his people were awkward to be with and not wanting to mingle or even to be around. v23,24
2. Worshipping- Apostle Peter directed right there and then, Cornelius to whom he should worship; not taking advantage of the opportunity to have preeminence to this Roman officer who summoned him. Worshipping should only be given to GOD in the Holy Name of the LORD JESUS CHRISTv.25
3. Witnessing- Apostle Peter wasted no time, nor got intimidated with the Romans; of whom are all there gathered to listen to him and Cornelius, sharing their recent conversation with JESUS in their separate vision. Peter boldly witnessed to them JESUS CHRIST, after he heard what the LORD have spoken to Cornelius.
4. Work to share the word of JESUS. Both of them have gotten involved in the work of winning soul for the LORD. Speaking to them of whom the prophets of old witnessed before, has been with them and that He is the very promised of GOD; that they all of whom are called His disciples, witnessed His miraculous works, they heard His marvelous words and commanded to continue to teach all people, not only to the Jews but also to them whom they referred to as unclean or common, that in believing the Name of JESUS, is the remission of sin and that He is the LORD of all.
Then the transition here began. For after Peter’s preaching, those who believed: Gentiles or even Jews, the gift of the HOLY GHOST was poured.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
They have been so astonishingly busy, wholly giving themselves to the ministry of winning souls.
Understanding fully what the LORD means about what He has spoken to him: What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
All need to hear GOD’s words, no selection, no race classification, but GOD’s words must be heard by all living souls.
The very reason why the bible was translated to common language which is understandable by all people, so that everyone should heard the gospel of salvation which is the most important knowledge that must be heard and received for the salvation of each people’s soul.
How about us today?
Do we have the willingness to go and share to others GOD’s way of salvation in the form of witnessing, and lead them to the right Subject of worshipping: The GOD and Loving Savior CHRIST JESUS?
The works to share GOD’s way of salvation is so great, that our very eyes witnessed many souls perished without knowing the truth.
Let us not be overwhelmed by so many issues that distract us from the very reason why we are called to be saved by the LORD.
May we put down the heavy loads we’re carrying in the feet of JESUS: our self-centeredness, our burdens, even our so many concerns, which disabled us or demoralized us from becoming among the GOD’s beloved servants who are so moved by His words and share JESUS to the lost.
Let each one of us believers be always ready to obey GOD’s direction, knowing that we all are called by GOD The Heavenly Father of JESUS CHRIST our Savior and The LORD of Lords.
Let this be our prayer:
GOD, speak to me, and help me to listen and prepare my heart to obey your instructions, that I may know your blessed will.
And help me to always believe in You, wholeheartedly trust in you and obey Your words with all of my heart, mind and soul.
In JESUS Name I pray. Amen.
Good morning.
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