Dear Friends,
Greetings in Christ,
In our last post, Peter presented the gospel to Cornelius and the others whom Cornelius invited to hear Peter’s message. As Peter was speaking, Cornelius and his guests believed on Jesus, upon which they were immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. They began speaking in tongues in much the same way the disciples did on the day of Pentecost.
You may have wondered why the Holy Spirit arranged for Peter to go to Caesarea when it looks like Philip was already there. (Acts 8:40) I think it will be clear as we get into the chapter that this was a special situation requiring someone with Peter’s gravitas.
Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit and give us understanding as we read your word, in Jesus’ name.
Acts 11:1-18
AND the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
This was a serious accusation. Although no actual law was broken, traditions ingrained in the Jewish religion had turned this innocent and noble act into a high crime.
4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
It may seem unnecessary for Dr Luke to include this story again, but the Holy Spirit (who inspired Luke) knew that his people would have a hard time accepting this new direction with the Gentiles. Repeating the story emphasizes the point that it is God (not Peter) who is inviting the Gentiles into the church. (Eph 2:11-22)
11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
13 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;
14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Again, it is reiterated that Cornelius had his own vision from God that dovetailed with Peter’s vision. This was the Holy Spirit’s version of two-factor authentication (2FA). Ie, since both Peter and Cornelius received visions to bring them together, it’s clear it was not merely the imagination of one or the other. The gift of tongues provided a third level of security (3FA), proving the Gentiles were filled with the Holy Spirit. (This sort of ‘proof’ was necessary then, but certainly not now.)
Hence, the Holy Spirit directed Peter to go to Caesarea to meet people he would have never met with on his own. Likewise, Philip was directed by the Lord to leave Samaria and go down to the desert to evangelize the Ethiopian eunuch. (Acts 8:26) It has been said that The Acts of the Apostles could more accurately be called ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit’.
Paul will tell the Philippian jailer the same thing the angel told Cornelius about his ‘house’. (Acts 16:31) Dr Halley made the interesting observation that Cornelius was not required to stop being a Roman soldier. I think that says something about the sovereignty of God, which is God’s sedative. Once one sees that God is in control (sovereign), there is no need to worry. (Rom 8:28)
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16 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.
Finally, Peter used the word of God (4FA) to defend his actions and prove that Cornelius and the other Gentiles were now their brothers in Christ. The word of God is still our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
17 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?
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Acts 11:1-18
As our section ends, we see in verse 18 that those in Jerusalem who initially accused Peter of fraternizing with Gentiles changed their minds. They accepted the witness of the Holy Spirit and the word of God, and repented of their narrow view. In our next post, we see that there were others who were still preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only (v 19). Nevertheless, we will see that the hand of the Lord was with them: and a number believed, and turned unto the Lord. By the time the first century was coming to a close, the pendulum was starting to swing in the other direction. A reference in III John indicates that antisemitism was already creeping into the church (vv 9f).
Unfortunately, throughout church history, there have been wrong views, bad doctrine, and outright heresy. That is why it is so important to study The Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles the apostles wrote — to continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine. Ecclesiastical history has its place, but it should not be used as a measure of doctrine. Doctrine is determined by the word of God.
Father, help us to stay rooted and grounded in your word like trees planted by rivers of water. Help us to bear fruit for your Son. Help us to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
