Peter Finds This a Difficult Command
Peter was reluctant to carry out the duty given him, but he dared not disobey. He went down and said, “I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” They told him, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”ULe 52.3
In obedience to God, on the following morning the apostle set out, accompanied by six other Christians. These would be witnesses to everything that he would say or do, for Peter knew that he would have to answer for such a direct violation of Jewish teachings.ULe 52.4
As Peter entered the Gentile’s house, Cornelius greeted him as someone that Heaven honored. Overwhelmed with reverence for the one God had sent to teach him, he fell at the apostle’s feet and worshiped him. Peter was horror-stricken and lifted the centurion up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”ULe 52.5
To the large company of Cornelius’s “relatives and close friends,” Peter said: “You know how unlawful a thing it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came ... as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”ULe 52.6
Cornelius then told his experience, saying in conclusion: We are “all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”ULe 52.7
Peter said, “I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”ULe 52.8
Then the apostle preached Christ to that group of attentive hearers. As Peter pointed them to Jesus as the sinner’s only hope, he himself understood more fully the vision he had seen, and his heart glowed with the spirit of the truth he was presenting.ULe 52.9
Suddenly, “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.ULe 52.10
“Then Peter answered, ‘Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”ULe 53.1
This is how the gospel came to those who had been “strangers and foreigners,” making them members of the household of God. From the household of Cornelius a widespread work of grace went forward in that heathen city.ULe 53.2
Today there are many like Cornelius whom the Lord wants to connect with His work. Their sympathies are with the Lord’s people, but ties binding them to the world hold them firmly. We should make special efforts for these people.ULe 53.3
God calls for earnest, humble workers who will take the gospel to the higher classes. The greatest people of this earth are not beyond the power of a wonder-working God. If workers will do their duty, God will convert people who occupy responsible positions, people of intellect and influence. Converted, they will have a special burden for other members of this neglected class. They will consecrate time and money to the work, and new efficiency and power will be added to the church.ULe 53.4
Many in the world are nearer the kingdom than we suppose. Everywhere are people who will take their stand for Christ. Urged by love, they will urge others to come to Him.ULe 53.5