Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Regiment. Centurions were responsible for the training and discipline of the soldiers under their command. “…at about three in the afternoon Cornelius had a vision. He saw an angel of God, who said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now SEND MEN TO JOPPA to bring back a man named Simon who IS CALLED PETER. He is staying with SIMON THE TANNER, whose house is by the sea.” (Acts 10:3-6)
Simon was a fellow believer, but Peter at Simon’s house was unusual. People avoided tanners. Ancient zoning laws often put tanneries at the edge of town or beyond, at a site dictated by the prevailing winds. A tanner treated animal hides WITH FOUL SMELLING MIXTURES of animal or human waste or with harsh chemicals.
“About noon the following day, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and he FELL INTO A TRANCE. He saw heaven opened and a large sheet being let down to earth. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals…a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke, “Do not call anything impure THAT GOD HAS MADE CLEAN.” THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.” (Acts 10:9-16) As Peter was thinking about this, the men Cornelius sent came and explained how Cornelius was praying, and an angel sent them to get you. Some say that everything we need is written in the Bible so, God doesn’t speak to us anymore, but people’s addresses are not. God still does this today if we have EARS WILLING TO HEAR!!! He is our Father, Father’s talk to their children.
Peter went with them and said, “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.” (Acts 10:28) Cornelius said, “…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.” (Acts 10:33) So Peter began to preach, “I now realize how true it is that God DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM but accepts from every nation the one who FEARS HIM and DOES WHAT IS RIGHT…While Peter was STILL SPEAKING these words, the HOLY SPIRIT CAME ON ALL WHO HEARD THE MESSAGE…they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit…So he ordered that THEY BE BAPTIZED…” (Acts 10:34-48)
THIS IS THE FIRST OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON THE GENTILES.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham