Following God to places we Don't Want to Go - Acts 10

The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. ²⁴ The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. ²⁶ But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

It’s hard not to like Peter’s reaction to this man of influence, this centurion, who falls on his knees.  In fact, I get the impression he is quick to lift him up.  What a great humble response for someone God is using mightily to heal and even raise people from the dead! 

Why do you think some believers went along with Peter?  Was he scared and asked them?  Or were they curious at the simultaneous leading of the Spirit of Peter to go and wanted to help or watch God work a new miracle?  Maybe it was just encouragement and prayers for Peter.

Cornelius had such a respect for the way he had been asked to send for Peter and hear his message that he has his whole family with him and his close friends.  Whatever message this is, it must be a significant one and he so loves all of them that he wants them all to hear it.  Do we love our families and close friends that much?

²⁷ While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. ²⁸ He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

³⁰ Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. ³² Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

Peter’s first words must have been insulting to those in the home.  He is basically saying, “I’m only here because God told me to come.  I’m not supposed to associate with you people.  You are unclean and impure.”  I think most people would consider that offensive.  Cornelius’s servants and maybe his wife had certainly cleaned the home and prepared it for Peter’s arrival and the first thing he says is you people are dirty.   

Was it against the Jewish law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile?  No.  There is no written law.  It was the religious custom however, not to do so.  The understanding was that all Gentiles were idol worshippers and would corrupt a Jew.  Therefore, have nothing to do with them and do not lend yourself to corruption.  Gentiles were considered 2^nd class citizens of the world to Jews.  They are unholy.  One prominent teacher at that time said of gentiles, “The best of gentiles kill it, the best of snakes cut its head, the most pious of women is prone to sorcery.”  This extreme position could have been because of the strong persecution of the Romans over them during this time.  However, it is important for all who reads this to understand how much Peter is having to overcome of what he has been taught since youth and his habits and experience have led him to know.  Yet, God is leading him to the house of a Gentile and HE FOLLOWS GOD EVEN THOUGH HE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WHAT GOD IS DOING.  In fact, he probably disagrees with it.

Peter had been asked by Jesus, “Do you love Me?”  Peter had answered, “Lord, You know I do”.  Jesus had responded with the instruction, “Feed My sheep.”  Peter did not know and would not have conceived that the sheep extended beyond the people of Abraham.

We must thank God for His message that is for everyone.  Otherwise, we would be outcast today.  And we must be thankful for those who overcame all they understood to follow God and tell whoever would listen about the gift of Jesus and God's plan of salvation.  May we be willing to follow in their footsteps.