Acts 10:30-48 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold… I. CORNELIUS' SENDING was — 1. The outcome of a felt want. Heathenism, Judaism, devotion, moral excellence, noble birth, popularity were insufficient to fill the void in this good man's soul. 2. After prayer, or he might have sought the counsel of Jewish rabbi, Gentile philosopher or candid friend who would have directed him to ritual, wisdom or self-complacency, but never to one by whose words he might be saved. 3. By Divine direction. (1) To an unlikely man. (2) At an unlikely place. "God moves in a mysterious way." but always in the right way. II. PETER'S COMING. Peter did well in coming, for thereby — 1. He conquered his Jewish prejudices. This was well for himself. Bigotry and exclusiveness are everywhere self-hindering and harmful. 2. He opened the door of the gospel to the Gentiles, thus anticipating and preparing for the worldwide mission of Paul. 3. He satisfied the aspirations of a genuine soul, and in doing so who knows what else? The influence of the converted centurion could not but have been felt in the army. Did Cornelius take the gospel to Rome? 4. He was the means of converting an entire congregation. What a phenomenon! (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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, |
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