INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Message of an Angel
2. The Message of Cornelius
3. The Message of Peter
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme: “Cornelius, thy Prayer is Heard.” These are the words of the angel that instructed him that God has remembered his prayers and alms among the people. This lesson deals with a just man that prayed to God for salvation for himself and his house. We will notice how God answered his prayer!
2. First we will notice the angel’s message to Cornelius to send to Joppa for Peter. He would come and “tell thee what thou must do,” Acts 10:6. The angel of the Lord instructed Cornelius first that his prayer was heard of God. He then advised him how he was to obtain an answer to his prayers. Notice, the angel did not instruct him how to be saved; but rather, told him to send to Joppa and ask for Peter. It would be he that would tell “him what he and his house must do.” God has left this message in the hands of men, “For we have this treasure (message of the gospel) in earthen vessels (men), that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us,” 2 Corinthians 4:7.
3. Second, we will consider the message from Cornelius to Peter when he asked: “What is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him,” Acts 10:21-23. The messengers said they were come to get Peter and take him to Caesarea that Cornelius and his house might “hear words from him.” And Peter’s words would instruct Cornelius and his house, “what they must do to be saved.”
4. Finally, we will discuss the message of Peter to Cornelius and all that were assembled in his house. After Peter arrived, Cornelius rehearsed the angel’s words to him: “Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.…Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God,” Acts 10:29-33. He had assembled his entire house, kindred and friends to hear words commanded of God. Peter would later rehearse these things unto the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. He stated: “Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter: Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved,” Acts 11:12-14.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE MESSAGE OF AN ANGEL
A. The angel’s visit to Cornelius’ house. I pray God’s messengers have a welcome in this house. Paul to the Hebrews saints: “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” Hebrews 13:1-2. Sometimes God sends angels among us; and we reject them and their message. We find their words offensive and disturbing. But remember the words of Jesus: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me,” Matthew 10:34-39. Notice:
1. First, Jesus regarding His word. To his disciples he asked: “Will ye also go away?” Peter, “Thou hast the words of eternal life,” John 6:67-69. Jesus said earlier: “It is the spirit that quickeneth the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,” John 6:63.
2. Further, Paul to the Hebrews: “The word of God is quick and powerful,” Hebrews 4:12. It discerns the “thoughts and intents of the heart.”
3. Next, “Have I become your enemy because I tell thee the truth,” Galatians 4:16. Might I suggest, it is the truth that makes the enemies; but the people and sometimes the saints blame the messenger? Paul again: “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth,” 2 Corinthians 13:8.
4. Finally, Jesus said: “He that heareth you, heareth me,” Luke 10:16.
B. Character of Cornelius and his house. Notice the character of Cornelius:
1. First, a man of authority: “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band.” This is the beginning of God’s work among the Gentiles. He and his house would be the funnel into which the entire Gentile nation will be brought into the Kingdom of God.
2. Further, “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.
a. There were “devout” men assembled in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. The word, in Gr., is euseb?s, yoo-seb-ace'; means, “well-reverent, i.e. pious:—devout, godly.”
b. He was one that truly reverences God. He was a pious and dutiful person (a worker of righteousness).
c. He and his entire household feared and reverenced God. There are people in this community just like Cornelius and his family. There may be some here today. Men and women with a “good and honest heart,” Luke 8:15. They are seeking the Lord; “though he is not far from any one of us,” Acts 17:27.
d. Illustrate: The Parable of the Sower, Luke 8:4-15. There are four kind of soil (hearts). The sower sowed the seed into four types of soil. The seed fell in the “wayside, rocky, thorny and good ground.”
3. Finally, a generous man: “He gave much alms to the people.” This eliminates a lot of believers as well as many that call themselves Christians. This man’s giving might shame many in this assembly today!
C. The angel’s greeting and assurance. During this man’s hour of prayer, an angel visited his house. His message: “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. 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. Many believe that God does not hear men like these! Let me stress, God does not answer prayers outside of His will, whether the petitioner is saint or sinner, John 9:31. Does God hear the prayers of the unsaved or sinners? I know that many here think not! But, notice these thoughts if you would.
1. 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 10:31.
2. Further, Cornelius was unsaved. Now if you consider this man a sinner or unsaved; the angel of the Lord said: “thy prayer is heard.” Now, 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. Let’s acknowledge:
a. 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.
b. God hears the cry of the poor: “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of 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.
c. 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 been praying to God for guidance and instruction on “what to do to be saved?” He is providing you the answer today. I pray you have a “good and honest heart.”
d. God is night unto all that call upon him: “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them,” Psalms 145:18-19. Remember our Lesson on “His Gracious Invitation?” We discussed this “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:13.
3. Finally, we just need to ask: “Did Cornelius fear God; and was he a worker of righteous?” Was Cornelius attempting to do the will of the Lord? That’s what the blind man said, in John 9:31. Now, because you have found favor with God.
D. The angel’s words to Cornelius. The angel said: “And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do,” Acts 10:5-6. Notice:
1. First, let’s give particular attention to the final words of the angel. Send to Joppa, get Peter, “He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.” Here is where many go wrong. The angel did not provide him one word of instruction of what to do to be saved! He said: “He (Peter) shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do,” Acts 10:6.
2. Further, there would be something to DO! Remember Jesus: “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46.
3. Finally, he must “hear words of what he must do,” Acts 10:6; Acts 10:22; Acts 10:33; Acts 11:13-14. All searchers of truth and salvation must hear from God. Notice Jesus: “It is written in the prophets, and they shall all be taught of God; every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me,” John 6:45; John 14:6; Proverbs 14:12. Notice the process, every man therefore:
a. That hath heard.
b. That hath learned of the Father.
c. Cometh unto me. The angel of the Lord was putting this process in motion.
d. Illustrate: Invitation from Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30. I would suggest that if you missed this lesson; you should get it. It will explain further these things in detail, and with clarity.
E. Messengers sent to Joppa for Peter. Cornelius followed the angel’s instruction. He sent men unto Joppa. Cornelius sent men to locate Peter and bring him unto Caesarea. Peter was to bring unto him and his household words of what they must do. Illustrate: Men Traveling Under Orders. God will prepare Peter for these men’s visit unto him in Joppa.
II THE MESSAGE OF CORNELIUS
A. The messengers at Joppa. The messengers arrive in Joppa. They are at the gate of Simon tanner’s house. While Peter is on the house top being instructed by the Holy Spirit regarding his attitude and his upcoming actions with these Gentiles.
B. The vision of Peter. Peter was given a vision to set him up for the events that would follow; he seen a sheet coming out of heaven. It had: “Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, what God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven,” Acts 10:11-16.
1. Peter would later state that he understood this to mean the Gentiles. Notice: “And he said unto them, 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.
2. Peter would acknowledge to the brethren that God has declared these Gentiles, were worthy subjects for the kingdom of heaven. Peter says: “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.
3. Now, isn’t this what the blind man said concerning Jesus? Notice: “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth,” John 9:31. We will argue this verse later in the lesson. Notice, Psalms 15:1-5.
a. Solomon said: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” Proverbs 14:34.
b. Door of faith. Notice: “And when they were come (Paul and Barnabas), and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all, that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles,” Acts 14:27. Paul rehearsed God's work among the Gentiles to the saints and leaders of the church at Antioch.
c. Cornelius and his house. The righteousness of Cornelius and his house before God; was used to open this door of faith unto all the Gentiles, Acts 11:18; Acts 21:19; Romans 15:18.
d. Did God consider this man and his household worthy to be called into the kingdom of God? When the sinner prays in faith and according to the will of God; he will hear and answer their prayers. Notice:
1) First, the prayer of the Pharisee and Publican (sinner), Luke 18:9-14. Remember that humble man David spoke about, here he is in the temple of God praying. Jesus said: “This man when 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. But someone would argue this man wasn’t a sinner. But, Jesus acknowledges that he is a sinner in this parable. He went home justified!
2) Further, the prayer of Saul of Tarsus. The Lord said to Ananias, “For, behold, he prayeth,” Acts 9:11. Paul sought “an answer from the Lord.” He fasted and prayed for three days. However, the answer that God sent was in a man, Ananias. He was sent to tell Paul “what he must do!” See Acts 9:17-18. Might I ask at this time? Did the Lord hear Paul’s prayer?
3) Next, Cornelius had been praying for salvation for himself and his house. The Lord is making provisions now, to answer his prayer. However, Cornelius must follow the instructions of the angel, the preacher, and God in order to be saved.
4) Finally, God hears and answer the prayers of the unsaved and sinners. When such prayers are in accordance to His will, Romans 8:26-27; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25.
C. The message of the Holy Spirit. Notice: “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,” Acts 10:19-20.
D. Peter discussion with the messengers. “Then Peter went down to the men who were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?” See Acts 10:21.
E. The messenger’s words to Peter. “And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee,” Acts 10:22. Notice what they reported to Peter:
1. First, Cornelius “was warned from God by a holy angel,”
2. Further, “to send for thee into his house,”
3. Finally, “to hear words of thee,” Acts 10:22.
4. It appears the message sent from Cornelius was correctly delivered to Peter.
5. Remember, “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17.
III THE MESSAGE OF PETER
A. The visit of Peter to Caesarea and Cornelius’ house. Peter would journey immediately unto Cornelius’ house. After a nights rest, they began early for their trip to Caesarea, “And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea,” Acts 10:24. Luke states: “And as Peter was coming in (into Cornelius’s house), Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man,” Acts 10:25-26. Illustrate: Was Peter the Pope?
B. The assembly of people at Cornelius’s house. I should also note that while Peter was making his way to Caesarea, Cornelius was busy inviting others into his house to hear the word of God. Notice:
1. First, “And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends,” Acts 10:24b. He, his family and a host of friends were assembled in Cornelius’ house waiting for the arrival of the preacher. Who was to bring words that would instruct him, his household, kinsmen and friends how to be saved.
2. Further, Peter would observe when entering the house of Cornelius: “And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together,” Acts 10:27.
3. Finally, the man who loves God desires that other hear the word of salvation. We were not saved to keep silent; but to be a witness of our salvation.
C. The question of Peter to Cornelius. “I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” See Acts 10:29. Peter reminded Cornelius how it was unlawful for him to be in his house. He says: “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. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for,” Acts 10:28-29.
1. Sometimes, the brethren want to make it unlawful for Christians to have a bible study in their own house. Not all God’s work is accomplished in the church building.
2. Many have found salvation by studies other than in the church house. Notice:
a. First, Lydia found salvation by the riverside, Acts 16:13-15.
b. Further, the jailer found salvation in his house, Acts 16:25-34.
c. Finally, Cornelius and his family will find salvation in his house.
3. The work of God in redemption is where ever the preacher of the gospel is teaching and preaching the truth. Whether, this message is delivered at the sea side, in a house or in the church building. It is the words that instruct – wherever they are preached!
D. The message of Cornelius to Peter. Cornelius replied: “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, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 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. 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,” Acts 10:30-33. Now let’s summarize his reply:
1. First, Cornelius was fasting and prayer.
2. Further, the angels visit and assurance. Thy prayer is heard; and thine alms are remembered.
3. Additionally, the angel’s instruction. Send to Joppa and get the preacher.
4. Finally, Peter’s work once he had arrived. “Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God,” Acts 10:33.
5. Conclusion: Now, here I believe is where the problems arise. Many of these Bible studies become shouting matches, filled with unkind and hurtful accusations. We forget, “We are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded by Him.” Illustrate: Words Seasoned with Salt. Notice, beloved brothers and sisters:
a. First, Paul encourages us to, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man,” Colossians 4:6. See also Ephesians 4:29. Speak words that bring grace to the hearers.
b. Further, Peter directs that we, “Sanctify the Lord God in our hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear,” 1 Peter 3:15.
c. Finally, Paul elsewhere advises that:
1) “The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will,” 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
2) “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27. Illustrate: Our Faith and Behavior are at Odds.
3) “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” Ephesians 4:1-3.
4) Illustrate: Walking in Balance, Gr. axios, suitably, worthily, in a manner worthy of suitably, worthily, in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Walking the walk; as well as talking the talk!
E. The preaching of Peter to Cornelius and his house. The work of Christ, His death, burial and resurrection, Act 10:36-48. After hearing the word of the gospel; and seeing the work of the Holy Spirit.
1. Peter’s question: “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. They prayed they him to tarry certain days,” Acts 10:47-48.
2. Peter’s discourse. Peter referred to this event at the Jerusalem conference. “That the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe,” Acts 15:7-9.
3. What say ye now? Did God hear and answer the prayer of Cornelius? The answer is: “yes.” However, this was done within the “pattern of conversions” as outlined, in the Book of Acts. As I conclude, let me rehearse what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Message of an Angel
2. The Message of Cornelius
3. The Message of Peter
B. Summarize main points.
1. First we noticed the angel’s instruction to Cornelius to send to Joppa for Peter. He would come and “tell thee what thou must do,” Acts 10:6. The angel of the Lord instructed Cornelius first that his prayer was heard of God. He then advised him how he was to obtain an answer to his prayers. Notice, the angel did not instruct him how to be saved; but rather, told him to send to Joppa and ask for Peter. It would be he that would tell “him what he and his house must do.” God has left this message in the hands of men, 2 Corinthians 4:7.
2. Second, we considered the message of Cornelius to Peter when he asked: “What is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee,” Acts 10:21-23. Peter’s words would instruct Cornelius and his house, “what they oughtest to do to be saved.”
3. Finally, we discussed the message of Peter to Cornelius and his entire household. Cornelius rehearsed the angel’s words to Peter,” Acts 10:29-33. He had assembled his entire house, kindred and friends to hear words commanded of God. Peter later rehearsed these things unto the apostles and elders at Jerusalem; as well as the conversion of the Gentiles, Acts 11:12-14; Acts 11:15-18.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
