INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Cornelius’ Character
2. Cornelius’ Commendation
3. Cornelius’ Conversion
Remarks.
Introductory Remarks.
1. In this gathering, we will discuss the theme: “Will all good people be saved?” It is not our purpose to deny anyone entrance into the kingdom of God. However, God has terms of pardon; one must obey before being saved. Unfortunately, God’s terms differ from the conditions that men impose upon sincere believers in God. We will point some of these out as we deal with the conversion of Cornelius and his household. I might add that to obtain a clear understanding of New Testament conversions, one must read and understand the Book of Acts.
2. First, we will consider the character of Cornelius. He was a devout man who feared God with his entire house, gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. Although these are all noble qualities, they did not grant him salvation. According to the messenger, he needed to hear words: “Whereby he and his entire house might be saved.” These words are the gospel of Christ.
3. Secondly, we will notice the angel’s words of commendation. I must state that one cannot be called to salvation outside of the gospel of Christ. One cannot be saved by just hearing a word; it must be God's word for men to be saved. God has put this message in “human or earthen vessels” and not within any heavenly host (angels). The angel in our lesson merely told the man where to find the preacher, who, when he came, would: “Tell him words whereby he and his entire house could be saved.” This is far from what many today claim regarding their encounters with angels and other heavenly beings.
4. Lastly, we will analyze Cornelius's conversion. Luke reveals how he and his household entered the kingdom of God. After hearing God's words, he and his entire house obeyed the gospel of Christ. We will first notice his character.
BODY OF LESSON
I CORNELIUS’ CHARACTER
A. Cornelius is a “devout man.” Luke describes Cornelius as a good man. Though a Gentile, he was a man of great devotion and love for God. Men of this caliber were assembled on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.
1. Luke writes: “And there was dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven,” Acts 2:5. Cornelius was: “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house; and he prayed to God always,” Acts 10:2. This is the same root word found in Acts 2:5. Let’s notice a few things about this word. Observe,
a. First, many “devout” men assembled in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. The word, “devout” in Gr., is eusebes, which means, “well-reverent, i.e., pious: —devout, godly.”
b. Further, he truly revered God. He was a pious and dutiful person (a worker of righteousness). Many “good people” like Cornelius exist in this community and worldwide. Some are in this building even now. They can be found in many denominations. They are good people, just like Cornelius and his family. Yet, they have not heard the gospel message and obeyed it. I might be speaking to you in this assembly, or you may be reading this sermon or book right now.
c. Next, he and his entire household feared and reverenced God. Some people in this community have a “good and honest heart,” Luke 8:15. They seek the Lord, “Though He is not far from any one of us,” Acts 17:27.
d. Finally, Jesus speaks of the “good and honest heart” in His discussion of the four kinds of soil (hearts). The sower sowed the seed (the word of God) into four types of hearts. The seed fell into “the wayside, rocky, thorny and good ground.” What kind of soil (soul) are you?
ILLUSTRATION: The Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:4-15.
2. Solomon says: “A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions he will condemn,” Proverbs 12:2. David penned: “The LORD orders the steps of a good man: and he delighteth in his way,” Psalms 37:23. Observe,
3. God is no respecter of persons: “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and he sendeth rain on the just and the unjust,” Matthew 5:45; Romans 2:11.
B. He feared God with his entire house. Cornelius was a man who reverenced God, he, and his entire house. He was seeking salvation for himself and his family. Why are you here tonight? Are you seeking salvation for yourself and your family? Notice:
1. First, Solomon says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction,” Proverbs 1:7.
2. Further, he writes: “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility,” Proverbs 15:33. This word - conveys a reverence for God and his commandments.
3. Finally, David says: “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly in his commandments,” Psalms 112:1.
4. Conclusion: I’m afraid that many today do not fear or reverence God. Their lives speak to a sense of rebellion and disdain for God's will and way. I am saddened for this nation that it no longer “trusts or believes in God’s protection over it” but rather in its nuclear arsenal. We have prospered as a nation because we once feared and reverenced God.
a. Solomon wrote: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” Proverbs 14:34.
b. Isaiah penned: “When your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness,” Isaiah 26:9.
C. He gave much alms to the people. He was a benevolent man. Like many today. What good things we do for others, God remembers. Hear Jesus: “And whoever gives one... a cup of cold water ...he shall by no means lose his reward,” Matthew 10:42. Solomon wrote: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good,” Proverbs 15:3. Notice:
1. First, David: “A good man sheweth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion,” Psalms 112:5.
2. Further, Solomon: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again,” Proverbs 19:17.
3. Finally, Paul: “And let us not be weary in well doing,” Galatians 6:9-10.
D. He prayed to God always. Luke said: “He prayed to God always.” I’m unsure how you feel, but God hears all prayers. Notice:
1. First, Peter: “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are opened unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil,” 1 Peter 3:12.
2. Further, Solomon: “The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous,” Proverbs 15:29.
3. Finally, Let’s be clear about this: God hears the audible tones, words, cries, and murmurings of all people. But the prayers He answers are in keeping with His will. I’m convinced the Lord is answering someone's prayer here in this audience. We will return to this later in the lesson. And we will answer the question: “Will all good people be saved?” In,
4. Our hour of Prayer. God will speak to us in our place of devotion and prayer to Him, like this man and his family. Listen to Jesus,
a. Pray in secret: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray to stand in the synagogues and the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly,” Matthew 6:5-6.
b. Ask in prayer: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened,” Matthew 7:7-8.
ILLUSTRATION: The Prayer of Two Men, Luke 18:9-14.
c. This parable speaks of two men’s prayers. One was a Pharisee, and the other a publican (sinner).
1) The Pharisee thanked God that he was not like the publican.
2) The publican asks: “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” The Publican: “Went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted,” Luke 18:14.
3) What did Jesus say about the other man? Nothing. The other man, well, he went home.
4) He left the temple in the same condition he had entered. He is self-righteous, condemning others, and unaware he is a sinner like those who invited Jesus to dinner, Luke 7:36-50.
NOTE: Download our lesson, “A Sinner Came to Dinner,” from Sermoncentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It describes the Pharisee and his guests, who perceived themselves as better than others. On the other hand, the woman left Jesus' presence, forgiven and saved by her faith.
E. Human goodness and kindness. However, I must stress that human goodness and kindness are insufficient to grant “salvation and justification in the sight of God.” Nor can one's religious experience or “visit by an angel,” as humbling as it might be, assure such a person that they are saved or find favor with God. I call these experiences: “Significant Emotional Events.” I will speak more about this phenomenon later in the lesson. Observe,
1. True salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and from hearing and obeying the word of God, Romans 10:16-17. It is obtained through the atoning death of Jesus Christ and the love of God for all humanity, Romans 5:8, John 3:16, Galatians 2:20.
2. All of our human righteousness is unacceptable to God. Isaiah wrote, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all of our righteousness is as filthy rags,” Isaiah 64:6. We spoke to this dilemma earlier in the lesson entitled: “The Righteousness of God,” Romans 10:1-4. It is our,
3. Sin that alienates and separates us from God of heaven, Isaiah 59:1-2. Solomon penned,
4. Who can say? “I have made my heart clean, or I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9. There is none righteous, “no not one,” all have “sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:11; Romans 3:23. Let’s now notice the angel’s commendation to Cornelius.
II CORNELIUS’ COMMENDATION
A. The angel’s announcement to Cornelius. During his devotional hour, he prayed to God. The ninth hour was one of his times for prayer, Acts 10:30. Notice:
1. First, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and I prayed in my house at the ninth hour.”
2. Next, “And behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.” Indeed, this was a sight to behold!
3. Finally, “And said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God,” Acts 10:31. Now let’s answer this question: “Does God hear the prayers of the unrighteous and sinners?” I know someone will jump me about this later and refer me to John 9:31. However, let me ask you now: “Who was praying for the blind man in this text?” Jesus!
ILLUSTRATION: A Child’s prayer for her daddy in Vietnam. The child is not a Christian, “Did God hear her prayer?” Did God hear your mother’s prayers for you when you were a child or even now as an adult? Disobedience and recklessness in your life without God! Is she praying for you?
4. The Lord remembered Cornelius’ righteousness. Luke wrote: “That his prayer had been heard, and his alms were remembered in the sight of God,” Acts 10:31. I won’t argue with the messenger of God, the angel. Please observe,
a. First, God heard his prayer. The angel said to Cornelius: “Thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God,” Acts 10:5; Acts 10:31. The word “heard” in Gr: is ei-sa-koú-o, which means to hearken unto, to give ear to, listening unto: —to hear.
1) His prayer to God was heard, and God is responding to the petitioner’s request.
2) What was his request? “To hear words whereby he and his entire house might be saved!” This had to be the case! The angel told him, "God heard your request and brought you an answer.” Wait a minute. Let me build a firm foundation before answering this most vital question. Observe,
b. Further, Cornelius was unsaved. This man was seeking guidance on how to be saved. The Lord sent an angel to his house to assure Cornelius that: “His prayer was heard.” How do we reconcile this to the blind man’s statement in John 9:31? In answer to this, let’s review our bibles on this matter with an open heart.
c. WHAT PRAYERS DOES GOD HEAR? Notice,
1) First, God hears the prayer of the righteous: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous…The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles,” Psalms 34:15-18; Proverbs 15:29; 1 Peter 3:12.
2) Further, God hears the cry of the poor: “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him,” Psalms 34:6-8; James 5:4.
3) Next, God hears the desire of the humble: “Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou will prepare their heart, thou will cause thine ear to hear,” Psalms 10:17. Are there any humble in this audience today? Have you prayed to God for guidance and instruction on “what to do to be saved?” He is providing you with the answer today. I pray you have a “good and honest heart.”
4) Finally, The Lord is nigh: “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill their desire that fear (reverence) him: he will also hear their cry and save them,” Psalms 145:18-19. Remember our Lesson on “His Gracious Invitation?”
ILLUSTRATION: Prayers God will not hear, Job 27:8-9; Psalms 66:18; Isaiah 1:15. Read Proverbs 1:23-30; Ezekiel 8:17-18. God will not listen to these sinners nor deliver them from destruction! But,
d. We must humbly ask: “Did Cornelius fear God? Was he a worshiper of God?” Was Cornelius calling upon the Lord in truth? This undoubtedly is what the blind man was saying in John 9:31.
e. Conclusion: God accepted the righteousness of Gentiles, seeking to please Him. Peter would speak to this at Cornelius’ house. Paul wrote: “For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another,” Romans 2:11-16. Remember,
ILLUSTRATION: The city of Nineveh, Jonah 3:8-10. God heard these sinners and turned away His wrath from them. He did not destroy the city! They repented in sackcloth and ashes.
5. What about SAUL’s Prayer? The man who ravaged the church, Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-2.
ILLUSTRATION: Paul’s Significant Emotional Event.
6. In Damascus, Paul is praying in sincere repentance unto the Lord, 2 Chronicles 7:14; Proverbs 28:13. How did God answer Paul’s prayer? He calls for Ananias, a disciple, to visit him. Notice the Lord’s instruction:
a. “And the Lord said unto him,”
b. “Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,”
c. “And enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus:”
d. “For, behold, he prayeth,” Acts 9:10-11.
e. Conclusion: We must somehow reconcile John 9:31 with Acts 10:31. I’m afraid we sometimes want to restrict God in what He does.
7. The Lord calls all unto repentance and remission of sins. HE HAS ALREADY ANSWERED EVERY SINNER’S PRAYER FOR SALVATION. He sent Jesus, and the sinners must hear and obey Him. God will answer prayers when they are in keeping with His will. We will notice how this happens as we continue in this lesson. Do I have any help out there? Notice:
a. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4.
b. God desires that all be saved: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come into the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; that (who) gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,” 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Habakkuk 2:14.
c. The seekers of truth must obey God's will. Paul told King Agrippa, “After that, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision,” Acts 26:19; Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46.
d. Paul wrote: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel; For Esaias saith, ‘Lord, who hath believed our report?’ So, then faith cometh by hearing; and hearing, by the word of God,” Romans 10:16-17.
e. Luke wrote: “And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith,” Acts 6:7; Romans 6:17-18. Cornelius would hear and obey the gospel. However, he must first send for the preacher to hear the gospel! Let’s consider the angel’s announcement and message to Cornelius.
B. The angel’s message to Cornelius. Notice:
1. First, his announcement: “Your prayer (not prayers) and alms have come up for a memorial before God.” There is no good or evil that we do that does not go unnoticed by God. Jehovah heard his prayer and beholding his alms among the Jews. Solomon wrote: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good,” Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13; Luke 12:2-3.
2. Further, his message: “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter; He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do,” Acts 10:6. Observe, the angel’s message was not that he was saved. But he had to send it to Joppa for Peter, who would tell him what he had to hear and do to be saved. Observe,
a. He had something yet to do—notice Acts 2:37, Acts 9:6, and Acts 16:30.
b. No one can be saved by just stating a prayer, a confession, or a saying.
c. Salvation is achieved through faith in the message of Christ and obedience to the gospel, Romans 1:5, Romans 10:16, Romans 16:25-27.
3. Next, Cornelius’ obedience. He sends men to Joppa to find Peter so that he might hear words from the preacher, Romans 10:13-17. We spoke about this earlier in other lessons.
4. Finally, God has left this message in the hands of men. The message of salvation was not given to angels but to the preacher. Notice: “But we have this treasure (the gospel) in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us,” 2 Corinthians 4:7. God has left the preaching of the gospel in the hands of his servants – the preachers.
a. How did Cornelius and his house hear? He sent for the preacher.
b. Jesus said: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore, everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me,” John 6:44-45.
c. The preacher is here now. Will you hear from the Lord?
C. The desire of the humble. Remember David: “Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou will prepare their heart, thou will cause thine ear to hear,” Psalms 10:17; Micah 6:8. But how does God prepare the heart? Consider these examples,
1. Lydia during her hour of prayer: “And on the sabbath, we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, if ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us,” Acts 16:13-15; Proverbs 16:1. Paul instructed them about the scriptures.
2. Nehemiah: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading,” Nehemiah 8:8. He caused them to understand the scriptures.
3. Philip and the Ethiopian: “Do you understand what you read? How can I; except a man should guide me,” Acts 8:30-35. He opened unto him the scriptures. Faith comes by hearing, Romans 10:17.
D. Peter’s preparation. Sometimes, God has to prepare the messenger for his work. This he did while Peter was in Joppa at Simon Tanner’s house. I’m afraid many preachers and pastors are set in their ways. Sometimes, God must remind us that we are sent to preach His way, not ours. Consider,
1. Peter’s vision on the roof: “What God has cleansed you must not call common,” Acts 10:15. As Peter wonders within himself the meaning, men from Caesarea arrive.
2. Three men inquired for him at the gate, Acts 10:17.
3. The Spirit's words to Peter: “While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, Behold three men are seeking you. Arise, therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them,” Acts 10:19-20.
E. Men rehearsed to Peter Angel’s visit to Cornelius' house. Notice:
1. First, they spoke to Cornelius’ character: “A just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nations of the Jews,” Acts 10:22. These men were under orders!
2. Second, they spoke to Cornelius’ visitor: “He was divinely instructed by a holy angel, a man standing before him in bright clothing,” Acts 10:22; Acts 10:30.
3. Third, they spoke to the angel’s instruction: “To summon you to his house,” Acts 10:22. Peter was being ordered to the “house of Cornelius.” Let’s not forget God has sent these men. Peter was told: “I have sent them.” Go with them, “doubting nothing.” Now Peter is also being placed under orders!
4. Four, they spoke to Cornelius’ desire for Peter: “To hear words from you,” Acts 10:22. Peter’s work was to: “Deliver words whereby Cornelius and his house might be saved.” This was the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16. It is “the power of God unto salvation.” All Peter would say, and command were the: “Words Cornelius and his house must hear and do to be saved.” Remember this,
5. Conclusion: The angel did not tell him the words of salvation but said: "Peter would tell him what to do."
ILLUSTRATION: This is the phenomenon I mentioned earlier in the lesson. Men and women are encouraged to listen to angels or other so-called messengers sent by God rather than the Holy Scriptures. Be careful when angels instruct you in the way of the Lord. It will not be the angel of the Lord, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Paul warned the Galatians about such angels, Galatians 1:6-12. Read and exhort! Time permitting. An angel’s message will never be on how to be saved. It will only be included where to find the man (preacher) or the sinner (the one to be taught). Amen!
a. God has left this message in the hands of his servants, the preachers, and evangelists of the gospel of Christ. They have the: “Words of life by which you and your entire household can be saved,” Acts 11:14. See also Acts 8:26-39.
b. Remember the words of the treasurer when asked: “Do you understand what you read?” He replied, “How can I except some man should guide me,” Acts 8:31.
c. God’s will to save us will follow His “pattern of conversion.” He calls everyone into the kingdom of God through the gospel. This pattern has not changed since Pentecost. Our answer is in the next point. Let’s notice it and hasten to a conclusion.
III CORNELIUS’ CONVERSION
A. Peter’s arrival in Caesarea. Peter took six brethren with him as witnesses.
1. They went with Peter to Caesarea to witness this historical event, Acts 11:12.
a. During this visit to Caesarea, Peter would complete Christ's will and open the kingdom of God to the Gentiles.
b. Jesus gave him the “keys to the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 16:18-19.
c. Peter stated that God granted him the privilege of teaching Jews and Gentiles the gospel of Christ during his discourse at the Jerusalem Conference.
d. Peter said: “And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose and said to them: ‘Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe,'” Acts 15:7-11; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:22-23.
2. They witnessed the Holy Ghost’s “falling upon these Gentiles,” Acts 10:44.
3. They heard these Gentiles “speak in tongues and magnify God,” Acts 10:45-46.
B. Cornelius was waiting with his household. Why were they waiting? What were they waiting to hear? Waiting to hear words: “Whereby he and his entire house might be saved,” Acts 10:6; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:32-33; Acts 11:12-14.
C. Peters' entrance into his house and message. Consider,
1. Stand up. I am a man: “As Peter came in, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him, saying, ‘Stand up; I am also a man,'” Acts 10:25-26.
2. Peter discusses the unlawfulness of the gathering: a Jew coming into the house of an uncircumcised Gentile: “But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean,” Acts 10:28. Peter now understands his vision on the roof. The creatures on the sheet were nations, peoples, and tongues! God accepts all if they seek to do His will.
3. Cornelius rehearses to Peter his vision and talks with the angel of God, Acts 10:29-33. Peter asks: “Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore what intent ye have sent for me?” See Acts 10:29.
4. We now hear Cornelius’ version of the angel’s visit and all his actions to hear “words from Peter.” Cornelius now rehearses the angel's visit and message. Observe,
a. Angel’s visit: “Four days ago I was fasting until the hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.”
b. God’s approval: “And said: Cornelius, thy PRAYER IS HEARD, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.” The God that has sent me He has heard your prayer and remembers your many acts of charity unto the people.
c. Angel’s words: “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.” He shall speak unto thee (you) God’s words.
d. My actions: “Immediately, therefore, I sent to (for) thee, and thou hast well done that thou art come.” You made good time getting here.
e. The crowd’s intentions: “Now, therefore, are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God,” Acts 10:30-33. This man had gathered all his friends and neighbors to hear words from God. I’m uncertain about the number of them present. But it was plenty!
D. Peter’s work in his conversion – he preaches Jesus. “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, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him,” Acts 10:34-35. Observe,
1. The message of Jesus. Peter says: “The word, which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ – He is the Lord of all - that the word you know which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him... To Him, all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins,” Acts 10:36-43; Zechariah 12:1; John 1:29 and Luke 24:44-47.
2. The gospel of Christ was preached to the Jews first and then to the Greeks, Romans 1:16. Peter was granted the privilege of preaching to both nations.
3. The preacher’s work is to proclaim the gospel, Romans 10:13-17.
4. Obedience to the gospel brings about the forgiveness of sins: “God be thanked...ye have obeyed from the heart,” Romans 6:17-18; John 8:31-32; John 8:36.
E. Holy Spirit’s work in their conversion – He: “Fell upon all of them that heard the word.” Notice,
1. Holy Spirit given to the Gentiles: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word,” Acts 10:44.
a. Notice: “Those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as come with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also,” Acts 10:44-45.
b. This event was the complete fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. God had poured out his Spirit for both the Jews and Gentiles on Pentecost, Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:14-17, and Acts 2:10. This was NOT another “pouring out of the Holy Spirit;” but, an extension of His work that began on Pentecost.
c. The word poured out in the Gr., is ekcheo, which means to pour forth; to bestow: —pour out, shed (abroad, forth), or to spill. Consider,
1) Jesus’ blood was shed forth: “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed (poured forth) for many for the remission of sins,” Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:20. He poured forth or shed his blood once, for the remission of sins for all, in every generation.
2) Jehovah poured out His Spirit on Pentecost for all flesh. Peter, “standing up with the eleven... But this was spoken by the prophet Joel and shall pass in the last days... I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh... and they shall prophesy,” Acts 2:14-18.
3) Peter continues: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear,” Acts 2:33. This pouring was for both nations, Jews and Gentiles.
a) Peter said, “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.”
b) Jehovah has “poured out of His Spirit upon all flesh.”
c) The promise of the Holy Ghost, hath the Father, “shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”
d) The apostle Peter referred to all the events on the Day of Pentecost.
4) Cornelius and his house are now the recipients of this “pouring forth” that began on Pentecost as promised by Joel. Luke wrote: “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,” Acts 10:45. When was it poured out? At Pentecost, at the same time, it was poured out on the Jews.
5) God gave them the like gift: “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?” See Acts 11:15-17.
a) Illustrate The like gift: speaking in tongues. Not the baptism of the Holy Ghost baptism – “with cloven tongues like as of fire.”
b) The Holy Spirit influenced them, so they received the gift of tongues and the power to magnify God, just as Peter and the other apostles did.
2. Heard them speak with tongues. The men who accompanied Peter were astonished at this event because: “They heard them (Gentiles) speak with tongues and magnify God,” Acts 10:46. Notice,
a. This event was the same as on Pentecost, Acts 11:15.
b. These signs were for the men who accompanied Peter, more so than for the Gentiles. Showing that God had accepted the Gentiles, “uncircumcised and without the Law of Moses.”
c. There arose stern disagreement with this doctrine, Acts 15:1-5; Galatians 2:11-14.
d. The Jerusalem Conference settled this matter. Luke wrote: “Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying: ‘you must be circumcised and keep the law’ to whom we gave no such commandment,” Acts 15:24.
3. How did Peter respond to this event? It was the same here as on the Day of Pentecost. He told them to be baptized, Acts 2:38. Peter’s response: “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who has received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” See Acts 10:47.
a. Repentance and baptism are necessary to complete God’s terms of pardon, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16.
b. This family's faith and obedience followed the "pattern of conversion" outlined in the Book of Acts.
c. They heard the word, believed, and were baptized, Acts 18:8.
4. Peter commanded them to be baptized. “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days,” Acts 10:48.
5. Before concluding, however, [I MUST ADDRESS THE “SPEAKING IN TONGUES”] by Cornelius and his house. None can deny that these signs were manifested to all that were present. Signs were given to confirm the word of God, Mark 16:20.
6. The question, however, is this: “Did the Holy Spirit ‘fill’ or ‘indwell’ in these Gentiles before they were baptized and thus saved?” In other words, before they received the grace of God and obtained the remission of their sins? I would insist He did not! Consider my explanation,
a. First, the Holy Spirit is not given to the “natural man.” Notice: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God... But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned,” 1 Corinthians 2:12-14. Spiritually unlearned of the will and word of God. [Summary of Holy Spirit:]
1) Not given to the natural man or unbelievers. Text noted above.
2) Given to all those that obey God, Acts 5:32; Romans 5:5.
3) Given after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of salvation, Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 1:22.
4) Received after baptism and the remission of sins, Acts 2:38.
5) Given after one believes and is baptized in the name of the Lord, Acts 19:1-7.
6) Given because we are the sons of God, Galatians 4:6.
b. Further, the Holy Spirit does not need to fill the subject to cause them to speak with tongues or magnify God. The text said: “The Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word,” Acts 10:44.
1) There is a difference between being “filled with the Holy Spirit” and the “Holy Spirit falling upon” someone, Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44.
2) “Being filled” implies an indwelling, or the Spirit residing within the child of God. “Falling upon” implies an outward manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit in some miraculous way, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. The Holy Spirit gives these gifts as He desires or wills, Hebrews 2:1-4.
3) Other examples of “falling upon” are Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:6-7.
c. Next, the Holy Spirit moved upon these Gentiles to speak in tongues and magnify God to show their acceptance into the grace of God, without circumcision and the Law of Moses. Notice:
ILLUSTRATION: Balaam’s Mule – spake with a man’s voice, Numbers 22:23-35.
1) If God could open the mouth of Balaam’s mule without “filling” her to speak with a man’s voice, indeed, he could open the mouth of these Gentiles without “filling” them to speak in tongues, 2 Peter 2:15-16.
2) Even evil men can prophesy without having the gift of the Holy Spirit, John 11:49-53; Matthew 7:21-23.
3) If God could permit a mule to talk without “filling her,” how about a “man?”
d. Additionally, no one would argue that Balaam’s mule was saved because she spake in a tongue. Likewise, no one would argue that Cornelius and his entire house were saved because they spoke in tongues. If God could manifest his word through the mouth of a mule without “filling her,” then it is no strange thing that He could manifest his word through the mouth of these Gentiles without “filling them.” If not, why not?
e. Finally, the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his house to empower them. They were baptized: “For the remission of sins and received the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:38; Acts 10:47-48. When they obeyed the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation, they were granted the gift of the Holy Spirit and sealed unto the day of redemption, Ephesians 1:13-14. As I move to a conclusion, let me review quickly what we have discussed in this lesson...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Cornelius’ Character
2. Cornelius’ Commendation
3. Cornelius’ Conversion
B. Summarize main points.
1. It was clear that Cornelius, though a good man, was not saved, though he had performed many good deeds. He had to: “Hear words whereby he and all in his house could be saved.”
2. Because he was a man of good character and possessing the kind of person God is always seeking, “a good and honest heart,” he was a prime candidate to hear and obey the gospel of the Son of God. No one can claim to have a “good and honest heart” and deny or reject the plain teaching of the gospel in God's divine word.
3. Will all good people be saved? This is the real question before us. I say yes. All such “good people” who manifest the same mind and character as Cornelius and his entire house will also obey the gospel.
4. Remember Jesus affirmed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” John 14:6. We must obey God’s terms of salvation, not our own. Solomon says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death,” Proverbs 14:12.
5. Finally, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into the judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil,” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Hebrews 9:27.
C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: “Come unto me all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41. We invite you to respond to God's love and the death of his Son. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you and perhaps those you love, whether family or friends. Thank you so very much for your time and patience. You have been a kind and considerate audience. We bid you come now as we stand and sing the song of encouragement!
This sermon was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on 9/11/2024.
