INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Cornelius’ Character before the Lord
2. Cornelius’ Call by the Lord
3. Cornelius’ Conversion to the Lord
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, we continue discussing New Testament conversions. As we continue to plow through this theme, one thing has become apparent: each call to Christ and salvation in the Book of Acts follows the same "pattern of conversion.” What has begun to emerge in these acts of faith and obedience is that they follow the directions of Christ that He gave to his disciples before his ascension into heaven, in the “Great Commission,” Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16. We will also see in “The House of Cornelius’ Conversion” the same “pattern of conversion.”
2. First, Luke outlines the character of Cornelius to us in the lesson. I might add that his character shames many of us today. He was: “A devout man, and one that feared God with his entire house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always,” Acts 10:2. In other words, he reverenced the Lord, he and his entire house. He gave the people many alms and always prayed to God. And it was apparent that God heard him and was moved to answer his prayer. Notice Luke further, “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming into him, and saying unto him, 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 10:3-4. This lesson might silence many brethren who object to God hearing anything from a sinner. Peter’s words to this man will silence these opinions once he arrives at Cornelius’ house. Peter said to Cornelius: “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 showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean,” Acts 10:28. After hearing from Cornelius regarding his vision, Peter 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,” Acts 10:34-35. Don’t worry; we will answer their argument from John 9:31.
3. Second, we will consider Cornelius’ Call by the Lord. Like the Ethiopian, the angel of the Lord would visit him and provide instructions on getting the preacher, Peter. He would “tell him what he oughtest to do,” that “he and all his entire house might be saved,” Acts 10:6; Acts 11:14. We also will see God's divine hand in this conversion. But let’s be abundantly clear. God is intervening in the union of these two parties (Cornelius and Peter). However, the message or “the words” would come from the preacher named Peter, Acts 11:14.
4. Lastly, we will notice Cornelius’ conversion to the Lord. What will be important is that it follows the same “pattern of conversions” in the Book of Acts. The man had divine help in getting the preacher to his house. But Peter preached Christ. Peter will reflect on this experience later in the Jerusalem Conference, Acts 15. Luke shares: “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them, witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between them and us, purifying their hearts by (the) faith. Therefore, why tempt you, God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we could bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even as they,” Acts 15:7-11. With this introduction, let’s begin our discussion of the first point, Cornelius’ Character before the Lord.
BODY OF LESSON
I CORNELIUS’ CHARACTER BEFORE THE LORD
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. Luke wrote: “And there was dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven,” Acts 2:5. Solomon says: “A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions he will condemn,” Proverbs 12:2. Notice: "But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord," Genesis 6:8. It is this kind of character God saw in Cornelius, and desires to find in men and women today.
B. He feared God with his entire house. Notice: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction,” Proverbs 1:7. Also: “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. Like in Psalms: “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly in his commandments,” Psalms 112:1.
C. He gave much alms to the people. He was a benevolent man, like many today. God remembers what good things we do for others. Being generous and providing for the needs of others touches the heart of our God.
1. First, hear Jesus: “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward,” Matthew 10:42.
2. Further, notice David: “A good man sheweth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion,” Psalms 112:5.
3. Finally, listen to 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.
D. He prayed to God always. Notice: “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. The bible also says: “The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous,” Proverbs 15:29. Many contend that God does not hear a sinner’s prayer, and cite John 9:31. Let’s look at this text. Notice it is the man once blind that is speaking: “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Since the world began, was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one born blind? If this man were not of God, he could do nothing,” John 9:31-33. Follow me in this explanation.
1. First, it was the blind man who was speaking.
2. Further, the blind man was speaking of Jesus.
3. Finally, Jesus had prayed, and God heard.
4. Conclusion: the text did not discuss a sinner seeking the forgiveness of sins. However, instead, the prayer of the Lord is “who could do nothing, if he were not of God,” John 9:33. Notice also John 3:1-2.
5. Therefore, this text did not describe someone like Saul or even Cornelius, who were both sinners, but heaven heard their prayers, Acts 9:11-12; Acts 10:3-4, Acts 10:30-31.
a. The truth is that God does not answer prayers outside of His divine will. He will, however, send a man to those desiring to know his will and be saved to give counsel and guidance so they might find Jesus of Nazareth.
b. Remember Ananias: “Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that though mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost,” Acts 9:17-18. One might pray, but salvation comes through faith and obedience to the will of God.
c. Notice David: “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth,” Psalms 145:18. See Acts 17:26-28.
E. Human goodness and kindness. Though these are excellent qualities in a person, they are insufficient in and of themselves to warrant salvation and justification in the sight of God. Nor is one's religious experience, or a “visit by an angel,” as humbling as it might be, can assure such a person that they are saved and have found favor with God. If good works had brought “righteousness,” then Cornelius and his house would not have needed the visit from an “angel of God” to tell him what he needed to do to be saved and his entire house.
1. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and hearing and obeying God's word, Romans 10:16-17. It has been obtained through the atoning death of Jesus Christ as a result of 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. Notice Isaiah: “But we are all as an unclean thing and all of our righteousness are as filthy rags,” Isaiah 64:6. Why?
3. Our sin alienates and separates us from God, Isaiah 59:1-2.
4. Who can say? “Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9, See also Romans 3:11, 23. Now, let’s notice Cornelius’ call to the Lord.
II CORNELIUS’ CALL BY THE LORD
A. His devotional hour. The ninth hour was one of his times for prayer. Luke wrote: “He was fasting four days ago until this hour, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing. And said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God,” Acts 10:30.
ILLUSTRATION: God Hears Our Prayers. He listens to and answers them. What we stumble over is, “How does He answer?” Who does He hear? We will answer these questions today!
B. God will speak to us whenever we are in our place of devotion and prayer. “Many are called, but only a few are chosen,” Matthew 22:14; 1 Corinthians 1:26. Notice: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.... who gave himself a ransom for all,” 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
C. Angel’s announcement and message:
1. Announcement: “Your prayer and alms have come up for a memorial before God.” There is no good that we do that does not go unnoticed by God. Notice: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good,” Proverbs 15:3; 1 Peter 3:12.
2. 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,” Verse 6. He had something yet to do—notice Acts 2:37; Acts 9:6; Acts 16:30.
3. God has left this message in the hands of men. The message of salvation was not given to angels but to the preacher. “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.
4. Cornelius’ obedience. He sends men to Joppa to find Peter so that he might hear a word from the preacher, Romans 10:13-17.
D. Peter’s preparation. Sometimes, God has to prepare the preacher for his work. Notice:
1. Peter’s vision on the roof. As Peter wondered what all this meant – the men from Caesarea arrived. The Lord’s hand is working to answer the prayer of this just man. It begins with getting the preacher to the person desiring to hear the word of the Lord.
ILLUSTRATION: Why are you here today? Visitors, relatives, and friends. I pray to hear the “word of the Lord.” I trust you have come to “hear from me about Him!”
2. Three men inquired for him at the gate, Acts 10:17. The envoy from Caesarea made it to Simon of Tanner’s house. They were at the gate seeking entrance to speak to Peter.
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. Notice the words of the Holy Spirit; “go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” Here is what Peter learned regarding his vision. Notice: “What God has cleansed you must not call common or unclean,” Acts 10:15.
E. Men reports to Peter. The group discusses with Peter what happened at Cornelius’ house.
1. Cornelius’ character. They explain the man's character. Notice he is "a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nations of the Jews,” Acts 10:22.
2. The angel’s visit. They explained the angel’s visit to Cornelius, how “a man standing before him in bright clothing” directed Cornelius to send for Peter, Acts 10:22.
3. Angel’s instruction to “summon Peter to his house.” Notice: “To hear words from you,” Acts 10:22. Peter, “who, when he cometh shall speak unto Cornelius,” Acts 10:32.
NOTE: The EGNT reads: Cornelius “Was divinely instructed by a holy angel to send for thee to his house, and to hear words from thee,” Page 343. Acts 10:22. Observe,
a. The angel did not instruct Cornelius or his house regarding the words but said: "Peter would tell him what to do." The instruction would come from the preacher.
1) Just as in the case of the Ethiopian, the angel directed Philip to the treasurer, but it was Philip “that preached unto him Jesus,” Acts 8:26; Acts 8:29; Acts 8:35. Recall Saul of Tarsus,
2) Was told that Ananias, a servant of God, would “tell him what to do,” Acts 9:6, Acts 9:17-18.
b. In none of these cases did the angel of the Lord, or even Jesus Himself, instruct any of these seeking the gospel's truth. But God has left this teaching in the hands of the preachers. No wonder Paul would write: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they are sent?” See Romans 10:13-15.
ILLUSTRATION: The Work of the Preacher, 1 Timothy 4:11-16. God has left this: “Treasure in earthen vessels,” 2 Corinthians 4:7.
c. Conclusion: God has left this message in the hands of his servants, the preachers, and evangelists of the gospel of Christ. If you would know God's will, find the preacher and ask of him, “What sayeth the Lord.” Let’s consider our last point, Cornelius’ conversion to the Lord.
III CORNELIUS’ CONVERSION TO THE LORD
A. Peter’s arrival in Caesarea. Peter took with him six brethren to the house of Cornelius. These men would be witnesses to Peter’s actions and the grace of God.
B. Cornelius is waiting with his household. Why are they waiting? What are they waiting to hear? They are waiting for words to save him and his entire house.
C. Peters' entrance into his house and message.
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 completely understands his vision on the roof now.
3. Cornelius rehearses to Peter his vision and talks with the angel of God, Acts 10:30-33.
D. Peter’s work in his conversion – he preaches Jesus. “Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality or respect of persons. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by him,” Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11.
1. The message of Jesus. Peter taught: “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. And we are witnesses of all things, which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. God raised on the third day, showing Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after he arose from the dead. And He commanded us to PREACH TO THE PEOPLE and to testify that God ordained him to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him, all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins,” Zechariah 12:1; John 1:29 and Luke 24:44-47.
2. According to Romans 1:16, the gospel of Christ was to be preached first to the Jews and later to the Greeks.
3. God chose among us. “And when there had been much disputing, 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. So, God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us. And (God) made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, who do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved in the same manner as they,” Acts 15:7-11. See also Ephesians 2:8-9.
NOTE: The EGNT reads: “Put no difference between (both) us and them, by the faith having purified their hearts,” Page 358. Acts 15:9; 1 Peter 1:22-23.
4. The preacher’s work is to proclaim the gospel, Romans 10:13-17.
5. Obeying the gospel brings about the forgiveness of sins. “God be thanked...ye have obeyed from the heart,” Romans 6:17-18.
E. Holy Spirit’s work in their conversion - “fell upon” and empowered all that heard the word.
1. The Holy Spirit was also 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. They were astonished. Luke writes: "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 poured (out of) His Spirit for both the Jews and Gentiles on Pentecost, Joel 2:28-29. See Acts 2:14-17 and Acts 2:10. This was not another “pouring out of the Holy Spirit” but an extension of the Day of Pentecost.
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.
a. These signs were more for the men who accompanied Peter than for the Gentiles. Showing God had accepted the Gentiles, “uncircumcised and without the Law of Moses.”
b. Jerusalem conference. Remember their decision: “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. See also Galatians 1:6-12, 5:1, 4.
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. Baptism and the Holy Spirit are part of God’s terms of pardon and forgiveness. See Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, and 1 Peter 3:20-21.
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. See also, Acts 19:1-7.
5. If you recall, we discussed these Gentiles' speaking in tongues in another lesson, “Will All Good People Be Saved?” If you still have questions, please obtain the CD regarding this point.
6. Conclusion: The Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his house to empower him. They were baptized “for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” Acts 2:38. Therefore, I conclude that Cornelius and his entire house’s conversion followed the same “pattern of conversions” outlined in the Book of Acts. I trust you have arrived at the same conclusion. Let’s summarize what we have discussed and seen together before I conclude the lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Cornelius’ Character before the Lord
2. Cornelius' Call by the Lord
3. Cornelius’ Conversion to the Lord
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, Luke outlined the character of Cornelius to us in the lesson. I might add that his character shames many of us today. He was: “A devout man, and one that feared God with his entire house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always,” Acts 10:2. In other words, he reverenced the Lord, he and his entire house. He gave the people many alms and always prayed to God. And it was apparent that God heard him and was moved to answer his prayer. Notice Luke further, “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming into him, and saying unto him, 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 10:3-4. This lesson might silence many brethren who object to God hearing anything from a sinner, especially his prayer. Peter’s words to this man should have silenced these critics once he arrived at Cornelius’ house. Peter said to Cornelius: “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,” Acts 10:28. And, further: “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,” Acts 10:34-35.
2. Second, we considered Cornelius’ Call by the Lord. Just like the Ethiopian, the angel of the Lord would visit with him and provide instruction on how to get the preacher, Peter the apostle, to “tell him what he oughtest to do” so that “he and all his entire house might be saved,” Acts 10:6; Acts 11:14. Here we also saw the divine hand of God in this conversion. But let’s be abundantly clear. God is intervening in the union of these two men (Cornelius and Peter). However, the message or “the words” would come from the preacher, Peter, Acts 11:14.
3. Lastly, we noticed Cornelius’ conversion to the Lord. It followed the same “pattern of conversions” outlined in the Book of Acts. The man had divine help in getting the preacher to his house. But Peter preached Christ. Peter reflected on this experience later and mentioned it in the Jerusalem Conference, Acts 15. He would say: “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God chose among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them, witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between them and us, purifying their hearts by (the) faith. Therefore, why tempt you, God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we could bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall be saved, even as they,” Acts 15:7-11.
C. Invitation. Review the story of the two blind men, Matthew 20:29-34. Jesus asks: "What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So, Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him." As of this moment, your eyes are now opened! Will you do as these, "follow him?"
D. Persuade. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11. "Today is the day of Salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2. Illustrate: There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.
E. Motivation. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight of the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord," Luke 4:16-19. Jesus is the answer. Won't you decide to follow him right now as we stand and sing the song of encouragement?
Consultations and Commendations I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7.
I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson. References
References
1. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, Copyright 1970. Visit www.Archive.org to download this Greek Interlinear.
2. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, © 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org /. The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
Thanks to BLB.org:
Thank you for this valuable study tool, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
This lesson was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on 9/10/2024.
