Day 36: Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10)
Cornelius believed in the God of Israel even though he was a Gentile centurion. He was a devout man who not only believed in God but acted on his faith in the things he did. Cornelius was a compassionate man who always was compelled by his heart to give money to the poor, especially to the Jewish people. And prayer occurred constantly throughout his day as he depended on and called out to Israel’s God. He knew that the gods of his people were not THE God! Now this same God had taken notice of his faith and sent an angel who told Cornelius to send for a man named Peter.
Peter’s recent vision allowed him to believe the men who now stood at his gate, beckoning him to come down and go with them to Cornelius. God had shown him that He had no partiality to Peter and his people. From now on all people would have an opportunity to be a child of God. God told him through the vision that He had cleansed all people. Cornelius and his people could never again be considered unclean. Peter left with the men and went straight to Caesarea where Cornelius lived.
Arriving at Cornelius’ home Peter found that many people had gathered, relatives and friends of Cornelius. What was God’s plan for Cornelius, Peter wondered? When Cornelius described how he had come to seek Peter out, Peter could see the hand of God at work. Now, Cornelius anxiously awaited a word from Peter.
Speaking of God’s impartiality, Peter began to lay out the entire plan of God’s salvation: belief, reverence, and fear followed by a life of godly works that flow from that belief. He spoke of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and the peace that is found in a relationship with Him. Then, as he continued, God’s Holy Spirit descended upon all who were in the room. Cornelius, all of his family, and the friends he had invited were saved, filled with the Spirit, and baptized. Cornelius’ faith in the God of the Jews had now become complete as he trusted in Christ, the King of the Jews. That day Jesus became his Lord and Savior.
Are you living a religious life that includes aspects of faith and good deeds, but living it without Jesus being the Lord and Ruler of your life?
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