ith them. Some have urged that this vision was to signify that
God had removed His prohibition from the use of the flesh of animals
which he had formerly pronounced unclean; and that therefore swines’
flesh was fit for food. This is a very narrow and altogether erroneous
interpretation, and is plainly contradicted in the Scriptural account of the
vision and its consequences.
The vision of all manner of live beasts, which the sheet contained,
and of which Peter was commanded to kill and eat, being assured that
what God had cleansed should not be called common or unclean by him,
was simply an illustration presenting to his mind the true position of the
Gentiles; that by the death of Christ they were made fellow heirs with the
Israel of God. It conveyed to Peter both reproof and instruction. His labors
had heretofore been confined entirely to the Jews; and he had looked upon
the Gentiles as an unclean race, and excluded from the promises of
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God. His mind was now being led to comprehend the world-wide extent
of the plan of God.
Even while he pondered over the vision, it was explained to him.
“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, and called, and
asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three
men seek thee. Arise, therefore, and get thee down, and go with them,
doubting nothing: for I have sent them.”
It was a trying command to Peter; but he dared not act according to
his own feelings, and therefore went down from his chamber and received
the messengers sent to him from Cornelius. They communicated their
singular errand to the apostle, and, according to the direction he had just
received from God, he at once agreed to accompany them on the morrow.
He courteously entertained them that night, and in the morning set out
with them for Caesarea, accompanied by six of his brethren, who were to
be witnesses of all he should say or do while visiting the Gentiles; for he
knew that he should be called to account for so direct an opposition to the
Jewish faith and teachings.
It was nearly two days before the journey was ended and Cornelius
had the glad privilege of opening his doors to a gospel minister, who,
according to the assurance of God, should teach him and his house
how they might be saved. While the messengers were on their errand,
the centurion had gathered together as many of his relatives as were
accessible, that they, as well as he, might be instructed in the truth. When
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Peter arrived, a large company were gathered, eagerly waiting to listen to
his words.
The Visit to Cornelius
As Peter entered the house of the Gentile, Cornelius did not salute
him as an ordinary visitor, but as one honored of Heaven, and sent to him
by God. It is an Eastern custom to bow before a prince or other high
dignitary, and for children to bow before their parents who are honored
with positions of trust. But Cornelius, overwhelmed with reverence for
the apostle who had been delegated by God, fell at his feet and worshiped
him.
Peter shrank with horror from this act of the centurion, and lifted
him to his feet, saying, “Stand up; I myself also am a man.” He then
commenced to converse with him familiarly, in order to remove the sense
of awe and extreme reverence with which the centurion regarded him.
Had Peter been invested with the authority and position accorded to
him by the Roman Catholic Church, he would have encouraged, rather
than have checked, the veneration of Cornelius. The so-called successors
of Peter require kings and emperors to bow at their feet, but Peter himself
claimed to be only an erring and fallible man.
Peter spoke with Cornelius and those assembled in his house,
concerning the custom of the Jews; that it was considered unlawful
for them to mingle socially with Gentiles, and involved ceremonial
defilement. It was not prohibited by the law of God, but the tradition
of men had made it a binding custom. Said he, “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
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should not call any man common or unclean. 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.”
Cornelius thereupon related his experience, and the words of the angel
that had appeared to him in vision. In conclusion he said, “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. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a
truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation
he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”
Although God had favored the Jews above all other nations, yet if they
rejected light and did not live up to their profession, they were no more
exalted in His esteem than other nations. Those among the Gentiles who,
like Cornelius, feared God, and worked righteousness, living up to what
light they had, were kindly regarded by God, and their sincere service was
accepted.
But the faith and righteousness of Cornelius could not be perfect
without a knowledge of Christ; therefore God sent that light and
knowledge to him for the further development of his righteous character.
Many refuse to receive the light which the providence of God sends them,
and, as an excuse for so doing, quote the words of Peter to Cornelius
and his friends: “But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with Him.” They maintain that it is of no
consequence what men believe, so long as their works are good. Such
ones are wrong; faith must unite with their works. They should advance
with the light that is given them. If God brings them in connection with
His servants who have received new
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truth, substantiated by the Word of God, they should accept it with joy.
Truth is onward. Truth is upward. On the other hand, those who claim
that their faith alone will save them are trusting to a rope of sand, for faith
is strengthened and made perfect by works only.
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
Peter preached Jesus to that company of attentive hearers; His life,
ministry, miracles, betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and
His work in heaven, as man’s Representative and Advocate, to plead in
the sinner’s behalf. As the apostle spoke, his heart glowed with the Spirit
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of God’s truth which he was presenting to the people. His hearers were
charmed by the doctrine they heard, for their hearts had been prepared
to receive the truth. The apostle was interrupted by the descent of the
Holy Ghost, as was manifested on the day of Pentecost. “And they of
the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was pou