"Why Am I Here?” Series

“Why Am I Here?”

Acts 10:24-33

In the last message we found Peter in Joppa.

Many received the truth of the Gospel message, believed and were saved.

There were visitor that came by and requested that Peter return with them to see Cornelius, who was a Roman Solder, a Centurion.

Peter meanwhile had a vision of his own and was directed to “kill and eat” of every animal clean or unclean; which was a lesson that salvation was not for just one nation but all people.

Now we are ready for today’s lesson.

I. Eager Anticipation

Acts 10:24-25 “And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.”

Cornelius waited for them -

he had an eager desire to hear the word from Peter's mouth; and was longing and looking for the coming of him.

It would be well if this was always the case of the hearers of the Word of God, to assemble and waiting for the time when the preaching would begin.

Ready to receive the words of grace.

and had called together his kinsmen and near friends -

and he and his family were in a waiting posture, and ready to hear the word, when the apostle of Christ should come:

Kinsmen - related by blood , in a wider sense, of the same nation, a fellow countryman

Near - necessary, one cannot do without, indispensable

Connected by bonds of nature or friendship.

Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him; - to testify his great affection for him, and reverence of him:

one that feared God;

The question would need to be asked; was this “worship” as in bowing toward God?

All indication is that Cornelius was a man who understood authority and respect for those in authority, so to kneel would be a common practice for him.

II. Eager Astonishment

26-27 “But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.”

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. - This does not imply that Peter believed that Cornelius intended to do him religious reverence.

It was saying to him, “In God’s family there is only one in “rank” worthy to be bowed to.”

A man of like passions with others, no better than others

We do not go around paying homage to others like kissing a ring to show others that they are superior.

Vs. 27 This was not a surprise party where Peter walked in and everyone shouted “SURPRISE”; but rather they were in the house awaiting to hear a truth.

I love the anticipation that must have been in the room.

Cornelius had invited them to here from Peter and what would be said could be describes as nothing but important.

III. Eager Announcement

Acts 10:28-32 “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. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 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, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 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.”

You know our custom, that we should not be here, but God intervened and here I am.

Gainsaying - not to be contradicted, undeniable

In others words - I am here not to follow tradition but to follow the Lord.

Vs. 29b “…I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?”

Not picking a fight Peter just wanted to know why he was needed.

The answer from Cornelius who is the organizer of the assembly:

30-32 “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, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 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.”