Updated:- Monday, November 6th, 2023
What Could We Learn From The Meeting Between Peter And Cornelius?
I’m going to examine an encounter between Cornelius and the Lord. I also plan to show how it directly influences the meeting between Peter and Cornelius, and how this latter meeting is an epitome of how the Lord operates in the New Testament era.
“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band.”
Acts 10:1
I want us to be aware that Cornelius is not a Christian or Jew. Consequently, the Lord’s instructions to His twelve leaders, while he was on earth, are different now.
Nevertheless, this Italian Soldier had righteous habits. He feared God, helped the people, and prayed to God often.
“A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God [always].”
Acts 10:2
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This Habit Distinguishes Cornelius From Other Men!
Cornelius was from a different breed of men. He was different.
First, he was very consistent in what he does. As a result, the Bible describes him as a devout man.
Second, he ensured that his entire household was god-fearing.
Have you ever seen a husband-and-wife team going to church but the kids are at home?
Or either one of the spouses going to church, yet, the children are at home?
But not Cornelius!
He found something wonderful and he ensured that his entire family benefited from it, not just him.
Therefore, he feared God and he made certain that his family feared God too.
Today, there is much, many families could learn from Cornelius!
One day, he was at home praying when he had an encounter with the Lord.
“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.”
Acts 10:3
What Was The Name of The Angel Who Appeared to Cornelius?
Who was the angel of God who appeared to Cornelius?
I know that the Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us this angel’s identity because it expects us to know this!
Who is the Messenger of The Lord? What is the name of that angel of God who makes all the announcements or gives messages to others on behalf of the Lord?
He is Gabriel the Messenger of the Lord. So. It was he who spoke with Cornelius.
“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.”
Acts 10:4
I wonder if God would make this declaration about my prayers and alms?
Could the Lord say this about your prayer life and philanthropy?
Gabriel continues to instruct Cornelius,
If Cornelius Only Needed to Believe to Be Saved Why Send For Peter?
“And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:”
Acts 10:5
He informs Cornelius of whom he should send for and exactly where to find him.
But the interesting thing about this discourse between Gabriel and Cornelius, it was just to inform him that Peter shall tell him what he needed to do.
“He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.”
Acts 10:6
Here is a foolish question for the believe-only Christians.
If Cornelius only needed to believe to be saved, why send for Peter?
He is coming to tell him what he needs to do to be saved (Acts 10:6).
In the Old Testament, whenever the Lord desired to communicate with humanity, depending on the person, He does it directly, or via a third party.
Why Was The Meeting Between Peter And Cornelius Unusual?
For example, He spoke directly to David but he also used a prophet to speak to him.
On the other hand, in the New Testament, whenever He is instructing a person or people, with the exception of Jesus, He uses Gabriel or some other middle-man.
Do you recall Saul of Tarsus’ encounter with Jesus Christ? The Lord could have explained to him what he wanted him to do.
But, He didn’t. Instead, He sent Ananias, a middleman, to inform Saul what the Lord desired of him.
Now, He is operating in a similar manner to Peter and Cornelius.
The Lord was pleased with a twelve-year-old virgin, Jewish, girl named Mary.
Who did He send to inform her of this and her imminent Immaculate Conception, Gabriel of course?
Similarly, who did the Lord send to convey his desires to John the Baptist’s dad?
Gabriel of course.
He Sends Someone
Finally, who did God send to speak to Apostle Paul about a near arrest and incarceration at Jerusalem?
A prophet, Agabus!
Thus, we shall perceive that when the Lord has something to say to us, He sends someone to us.
That’s His modus operandi in the NT.
That was the reason Peter and Cornelius came together. The Lord sent him to speak to the Soldier and his household.
Peter met with Cornelius to instruct him and his family on what to do to be saved.
Who has the Lord sent to speak to you and you didn’t receive?
If you reject an ambassador of God, you have rejected Him!
“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.”
Acts 10:7
Conclusion
Cornelius really is a Bible-reading man. I know this because of the number of men he sent to Peter.
He sent two household workers and a soldier. He sent three men to Peter.
The Jews do not accept the testimony of one person. It must be from two or more and the more the better.
“And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.”
Acts 10:8.
In closing, make it your rule to treat each person you encounter respectfully and humanely.
Treat such a one as you would desire to be treated. Our meetings are not by chance because God is still in charge.
We never know who He has sent with a Word for us that will change our lives forever!
If you prefer to watch the video of this Bible Study, click this link!
