In today’s study our titles are; Verses 1-8 The vision of Cornelius. Verses 9-23 The vision of Peter. Verses 24-43 Peter teaches to the Gentiles. Verses 44-48 The Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit. This chapter will indeed prove the health laws were never meant to be done away with. Acts 10 and verse 1 reads.
Acts 10:1] There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Cornelius was a Roman centurion and was given authority to rule over thousands of the Roman army. He, being a Gentile, in these days it was against Hebrew law to talk or associate with gentiles unless you worked in the government. But the LORD will get involved, and on both sides will give visions to both an Israelite and a Gentile.
Acts 10:2] A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
This Gentile worshipped the Lord with all his family. They gave much to the Jewish people and to the local temple of Caesarea.
Acts 10:3] 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.
This is the very angel of God, the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:4] 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.
The Lord heard the prayers of a Gentile. All in the flesh are the children of God and he hears all prayers.
Acts 10:5] And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
Simon Peter, a hearing and a rock. It is Peter who Christ would build his church on.
Acts 10:6] 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.
He sent men that were believers of God, the Hebrew God.
Acts 10:9] 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:
The sixth hour is noon.
Acts 10:10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
Peter is in a trance. Signifying he was not asleep.
Acts 10:11] 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.
We will separate myth from fact as we go. Deuteronomy 14 gives both clean and unclean examples, as well as the reason for it. Let’s go to Deuteronomy 14 and verse 1 reads.
Deu.14:2] for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
[3] Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
Now it says that the Hebrew children are the chosen ones, and these food laws pertain to them only. The sixth day creation were made different, but who are the chosen and who are the sixth day. Many pastors stay away from this issue because of fear of being called racist. Adam means to show blood in the face, ie, To blush. When the ten tribes of Israel were released from captivity of Assyria, they went over the Caucasus Mountains being called Caucasians for the first time. Remember the ten tribes are of the twelve, all being brothers and sons of Jacob. Deuteronomy 14:2 gives the reason for not eating abominable things. Back to Acts 10 and verse 13 reads.
Acts 10:13] 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.
This is where a lot of pastors and teachers go wrong. What was brought down for Peter to kill and eat was unclean for a Hebrew according to Hebrew law, (Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14). Now, most teach that you can eat unclean animals because of this verse and 1Timothy 4:4. Not so, here we are going to be talking about men. Remember I said it was against the Hebrew law for an Israelite to associate with a Gentile, that is what the Lord is going to talk with Peter about, not food laws. False teachers teach that this verse and 1Timothy 4:4 says that we can eat unclean foods. Well, let’s go to 1Timothy and pick up the subject with verse 1, and it reads.
1Tim.4:1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Notice how it mentions false doctrines. But also note that it’s for us in these end times.
1Tim.4:2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Meaning they have no feelings, ever have a burn and the nerve endings are now dead. Now this is what the false teachers missed, pay attention.
1Tim.4:3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
The false teachers miss teaching this verse on purpose. It said meats created to be received. Not that any unclean animal is now clean, but if you want to know what creatures are created to be received go to Leviticus 11 and read, you will also find what creatures are created not to be received. And forbidding to marry, for these end times we wait for that marriage to the Lamb.
1Tim.4:4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
[5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
The catfish (very unclean) is good for what God created it for. It was created to clean the filth off the bottom of the pond, not to be eaten. And the swine, very unclean also. Don’t eat scavengers, is a really good and safe way to look at it, everything else is covered in Leviticus 11 and in Deuteronomy 14 and verse 8 reads.
Deu.14:8] And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
Now let’s go back and learn what God is teaching Peter here in Acts 10 and verse 15 reads.
Acts 10:15] 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 inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
Peter never ate anything off the sheet and now has Gentiles at his gate.
Acts 10:18] 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.
The LORD will never leave you confused, but will give wisdom to his Elect.
Acts 10:20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
These gentiles have I sent, go with them, said the LORD.
Acts 10:21] 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.
[23] Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
This not only was amazing to Peter, but also Simon whom Peter lived with. He also was a Hebrew and knew the laws. But notice they both loved and obeyed the Lord.
Acts 10:24] And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
Cornelius called not only his family, but his friends also.
Acts 10:25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
This happened to John in Revelations when he fell down and worshipped an angel. We do not worship man or fellow laborers in the Lord, we worship God and Him only. Peter will not let this happen and will correct this man in this manner.
Acts 10:26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Let’s go to Revelation 19 and verse 10 reads.
Rev.19:10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Back to Acts 10 and verse 27 reads.
Acts 10:27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
This is why I went to lengths to show you that the sheet with unclean meats was not talking about food but rather people. Those false teachers are quick to overlook the rest of this chapter. Proving they are false teachers. You will notice they only take one verse and take it out of context to make themselves sound correct, but do lie and are of the synagogue of Satan. This chapter is talking about bringing in the gentiles for salvation. Paul would speak of this in Ephesians 3 and verse 6 reads.
Eph.3:6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Paul was given a threefold ministries, for the Gentiles, for kings and for the house of Israel (all twelve tribes). Back to Acts and verse 29 reads.
Acts 10:29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Not only Cornelius, but all of them there loved the Lord.
Acts 10:34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Meaning all gentiles are accepted by God. If they believe in Jesus, for all are God’s children. Peter will be teaching them, Christ crucified.
Acts 10:36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Let’s go to John 1 and verse 1 reads.
John 1:1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Drop down with me to John 1 and verse 14 reads.
John 1:14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Now let’s go to Matthew 1 and verse 23 reads.
Mat.1:23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
To believe on him means to believe in the Word of God. Back to Acts 10 and verse 39 reads.
Acts 10:39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Quick means; alive. Jesus is Judge of the Living and the spiritually dead.
Acts 10:43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
We know John 3:16, Whosoever. But let’s go back a little further. Isaiah 53 and verse 11 reads.
Isa.53:11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Don’t overlook it said the prophets witnessed above. That on repentance all shall be forgiven, whomsoever believes on me. Well, I ask you, believe what? Believe in the Word of God, from Genesis through Revelations. Back to Acts and verse 44 reads.
Acts 10:44] 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.
The Holy Spirit was now given to the Gentiles as promised. Let’s go back to Isaiah 49 and verse 6 reads.
Isa.49:6] And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
God’s plan always included the Gentiles, but Jacob was a chosen people, whom Christ would come through. From Eve’s umbilical cord to Mary’s umbilical cord, the Savior of the world would be born. Back to Acts 10 and verse 46 reads.
Acts 10:46] 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?
Notice he brings up baptism, but not circumcision. For circumcision is of the heart and it is for both men and women.
Acts 10:48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Many more were baptized in the name of the Lord. The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit as well now. That would be the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit dwelling in Gentiles also. The church is growing fast and now includes the Gentiles. Praise the LORD let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
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KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible