Atos 10
John Phillips · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 10
Phillips - Caesarea! The very name evoked thoughts of a far-flung Gentile world, of an imperial Caesar, of a world that was anathema to the Jew, a world with which his exiles and wanderings had made him familiar, a world whose commerce and profits he loved but whose customs and people he loathed. (Exploring Acts) Now Cornelius was waiting for them - The verb waiting is prosdokao which depicts Cornelius' eager, expectant, hope-filled attitude at the imminent arrival of his guest of honor. The imperfect tense pictures Cornelius again and again looking to see if Peter was yet on the horizon. In addition, the fact that Cornelius was waiting reflects his faith, his belief that since God had motivated him to call Peter, God would consummate the encounter. Waiting (4328)(prosdokao from prós = idea of direction toward + dokáo = look for = direction of one's mind toward something) means literally to look forward toward, to wait for, to look for, to anticipate. It means to give thought to something that is in the future and the context indicates whether one does this looking/waiting in a hopeful sense, with a longing, with fear (wait with anxiety, live in suspense), or in a neutral state of mind. It describes the attitude saints should have as anticipating, waiting with watchfulness, being in expectation of the Second Coming of Jesus. What you are waiting for will radically impact what you are living for! As Blanchard said "The certainty of the Second Coming of Christ should touch and tincture every part of our daily behavior." It is notable that prosdokao is used in the Septuagint translation of Ps 119:166 which says... I hope for (Lxx = prosdokao) Your salvation, O LORD, And do Your commandments. Indeed, salvation was the very thing Cornelius was waiting for (cf Acts 11:14)! Here are some other uses of prosdokao to give you a sense of the meaning... Luke 1:21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. Luke 3:15 Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, Luke 7:19 (Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” Luke 8:40 And as Jesus returned, the people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. Acts 3:5 And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Acts 27:33 Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. Acts 28:6 (After the viper had bit Paul) they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god. The only other uses of prosdokao are by Peter in the context of believers looking for the certain occurrence of serious events in the future which should motivate sober, sensible, spotless life in the present (cf Titus 2:12, 13+)... Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way ("The day of the Lord" = 2 Pe 3:10), what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent (aorist imperative - Do this now!) to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, (2 Peter 3:11-14+) Larkin - Cornelius’s expectancy in many ways models the stance of the people of God toward the final salvation (Lk 3:15; 7:19–20; 12:46; compare Ps 119:166). Obediently and magnanimously he too gathers a delegation including relatives and close friends (Josephus Jewish Antiquities 7:350; compare Acts 11:14). (The Mission Is Inaugurated Through Peter Acts 9:32-11:18) And had called together his relatives and close friends - Cornelius had an evangelistic mindset, desiring that all close to him would also hear the "good news." THOUGHT - Would it be true that all of us who have been blood born and are heaven bound, that we would have a similar Spirit enabled evangelistic mindset like this pagan Roman soldier who, as of yet, had not even been regenerated! Close (316) is the word anagkaios (from anagke = necessity, compulsion) which primarily describes that which compels or makes something needful or necessary (as meeting a need). That which is indispensable, pressing, what one cannot do without. Here in Acts 10:24 it describes those who are intimate (friends, relatives) and thus the idea is they are necessary, intimate, close. Vincent on close friends - The word anagkaios originally means necessary; hence of those who are bound by necessary or natural ties; blood-relations. But as relatives or kinsmen is expressed by suggeneis (ED: HERE THE WORD IS philos = friends), this must be taken in the sense of intimate friends, a meaning which it has in later Greek writers. Word Studies in the New Testament. Vine explains that anagkaios "is used, in a secondary sense, of persons connected by bonds of nature or friendship, with the meaning “intimate" and "is found in this sense in the papyri." THOUGHT - Is this not a great picture using a word that normally means "indispensable" to describe one's friends. Do you have any "indispensable" friends? More to the point for believers -- Do you have a "Paul" (or "Pauline") in your life if you are a "Timothy?" Do you have another believer to whom you are accountable and they to you? Why? Because such a pattern of inter-dependence and interrelationship is both necessary and indispensable to facilitate a walk of holiness. In Proverbs we are reminded that "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Pr 17:17) and "Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." (Pr 27:17). Friends (5384)(philos) means loved (loved one), dear, befriended, friendly, kind. Philos describes one having special interest in someone else, one who is on intimate terms or in close association with others. This word gives us some insight into the heart of this Roman centurion. Aristotle defined a "friend" as "one soul inhabiting two." Acts 10:25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. KJV Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. fell at his feet Acts 14:11-13; Daniel 2:30,46; Mt 8:2; 14:33; Rev 19:10; 22:8,9 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries WRONG WORSHIP
Atos 10
Phillips - God-fearer was one of the many Gentiles who were greatly attracted to the moral, ethical, and spiritual aspects of Judaism. Many of them attended the synagogue and were instructed in the Scriptures and even observed the Sabbath and, to some extent, the Jewish dietary laws. They drew the line, however, at becoming full proselytes by circumcision, baptism, and sacrifice. (Exploring Acts) Wikipedia - There are two kinds of proselytes in Rabbinic Judaism; ger tzedek (righteous proselytes, proselytes of righteousness, religious proselyte, devout proselyte) and ger toshav (resident proselyte, proselytes of the gate, limited proselyte, half-proselyte) A "righteous proselyte" is a gentile who has converted to Judaism, is bound to all the doctrines and precepts of the Jewish religion, and is considered a full member of the Jewish people. The proselyte is circumcised as an adult (milah l'shem giur), if male, and immerses in a mikvah to formally effect the conversion. A "gate proselyte" is a resident alien who lives in the Land of Israel and follows some of the customs. They are not required to be circumcised nor to comply with the whole of the Torah. They are bound only to conform to the Seven Laws of Noah (do not worship idols, do not blaspheme God's name, do not murder, do not commit fornication (immoral sexual acts), do not steal, do not tear the limb from a living animal, and do not fail to establish rule of law) to be assured of a place in the world to come. (ED: THIS LATTER OF COURSE IS A FALSE TEACHING - FOR ONLY FAITH IN CHRIST ASSURES ONE OF A PLACE IN THE WORLD TO COME!) Homer Kent agrees with much of Wikipedia's analysis noting that "adherents to Judaism to a limited extent (i.e. “proselytes of the gate”). They attended synagogue worship, acknowledged the God of Israel, and complied with some Jewish customs. They were not circumcised, however, and thus were regarded by Jews as not full “proselytes of righteousness.”" (Jerusalem to Rome: Studies in Acts) Notice how Luke in effect gives us a descriptive definition of "devout" as (1) one who feared God, (2) gave many alms and (3) prayed regularly. In Acts 10:22 Luke adds to Cornelius laudable description referring to him as "a righteous (dikaios - yet he is not yet justified by faith. Cf Simeon in Lk 2:25+) and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews." Longenecker - In sum, Cornelius was a noble and spiritually sensitive Roman army officer, who seems to fit Virgil’s picture of the Gentile world as one that “stretched out its hands in longing for the other shore” (Aeneid 6.314). (Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1981)
Atos 10
Phillips writes ""Faith without works is dead" (James 2:26+), says James. This man exhibited his faith Godward by his works manward." (Exploring Acts) And gave many alms to the Jewish people (cf Acts 10:22) - This act did not merit salvation but in context is another piece of the evidence that substantiates the fact that Cornelius was sincerely pursuing God. Gave...alms is the very phrase used by Jesus in Mt 6:2 describing the right and the wrong way to give alms! Luke could have said Cornelius gave many alms, but what is more striking is that this Gentile Roman officer gave his alms to Jews! We need more "race blind," "color blind" men like Cornelius! Cornelius' actions toward the Jews remind us of Jesus' words of commendation when He returns as King of kings to rule and reign for one thousand years (cf Mt 25:31, 32 note word "nations" - see comment or here)... “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine (THE JEWS), even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Mt 25:40) Alms (charity) (1654)(eleemosune) refers to sympathy, compassion and in the NT refers to the "exercise of benevolent goodwill" (BDAG), the benevolent activity toward the poor in the form of donations, almsgiving, charitable giving. See more detailed discussion of almsgiving in discussion of Dorcas' charity (alms - same Greek word eleemosune). Luke has 10 of the 11 NT uses of alms - Lk. 11:41; Lk. 12:33; Acts 3:2; Acts 3:3; Acts 3:10; Acts 9:36; Acts 10:2; Acts 10:4; Acts 10:31; Acts 24:17. And prayed to God continually - A T
Atos 10
Phillips adds that "World evangelism may be slower that way, but it is sweeter. The testimony of a believer has special weight. "I was once lost like you, but one day Jesus saved me." No angel can talk like that. If a man had a choice to go and hear one of God's saints preach or go and hear an angel preach, Cornelius could tell them what to do. "Go and hear the man," he would say. "I heard an angel, and he told me to send for Peter." (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary - Page 195) Acts 10:6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea." KJV Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. (BOLD ONLY IN KJV) Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries "FOLLOW YOUR NOSE" He is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea (cf Acts 9:43) - Tanners required a good supply of water. Tanners are also located outside the main city because of the smell associated with tanning. Regarding this,
Atos 10
Phillips - The herald angel was able to give Cornelius exact instructions for finding him. God never forgets a name, never loses an address, never makes a mistake, never has a moment's hesitation in knowing where we are or what we are doing. There is something immensely comforting in that to God's saints. He who tracks the journeyings of a hundred billion stars in each of a hundred million galaxies, who knows the path, the history, and the destiny of every speck of dust in cosmic space, knows all about me! In all my comings and goings by land and sea and air, He knows exactly where to find me any time He wants me. He knows how to send people across my path and into my life to fulfill His own inscrutable purposes. Nothing is more interesting in the book of Acts than to see how God keeps track of men. Does He need a man to meet an Ethiopian traveling at high speed away from Jerusalem with a great longing in his soul? He knows where Philip lives. Does He need a man to find blind Saul of Tarsus on the street called Straight? He knows where Ananias lives. Does He need a man to give the gospel to a good but still unregenerate Roman centurion? He knows Peter's present, temporary address. (Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary - Page 195) Larkin adds that "God deals with Cornelius this way to demonstrate that salvation comes to all people in the same divinely commanded and enabled way: through human messengers who proclaim the gospel (Lk 24:47). We need to constantly remind ourselves of this, whether we are considering the claims of the gospel and are tempted to wait for some extraordinary experience, or whether having received it and become a witness to it we are tempted to become lax in evangelism, thinking that there may be other ways God will save people." (The Mission Is Inaugurated Through Peter Acts 9:32-11:18) THOUGHT - Let me ask you (under grace, not with any legalistic intent) when was the last time you shared the Gospel with another human being who will one day spend eternity in either heavenly bliss or endless punishment? I know it can be uncomfortable, for none of us like to be rebuffed. But you may be the "Simon Peter" which the Lord is calling to share with that co-worker, relative, classmate, etc. Acts 10:7 When the angel who was speaking to him had left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier of those who were his personal attendants, KJV Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; two Acts 10:2; Genesis 24:1-10,52; Judges 7:10; 1 Samuel 14:6,7; 1 Ti 6:2; Philemon 1:16 and a Acts 10:1; Mt 8:9,10; Luke 3:14 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CORNELIUS A MAN OF PRAYER AND A MAN OF ACTION When the angel who was speaking to him had left - The angel departed but this verb aperchomai does not signify that he immediately vanished. THOUGHT - There is a practical application - When we have heard a "Word from the Lord," via His living Word and His Spirit in our morning quiet time or from one of His living servants speaking forth the Word of truth in a Sunday sermon, we are then responsible to act on what we have heard. Cornelius could have sat around and relished the remembrance of his supernatural encounter, but instead he took action based upon his revelation. We need to imitate his pattern! So often we hear a great message, let's say a sermon on guarding our tongue, and even before we are out of the parking lot, our flesh has taken control of our tongue and we are spewing forth harsh, even angry words! Beloved, it ought not to be that way. We always need to receive the Word in humility (humble, bowed hearts devoid of pride, etc), ever mindful that God's Word has the power to save our souls (cf James 1:21+ - Here I am applying James' words to "present tense salvation" or progressive sanctification in dependence on the Holy Spirit - see Three Tenses of Salvation). He summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier of those who were his personal attendants - Cornelius as a centurion understood the importance of prompt obedience to commands and here he responds immediately. Cornelius reminds us of the centurion in Lk 7:8 who understood that orders were to be carried out promptly. He is a living, convicting example of the wise saying of aged Solomon Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going. (Eccl 9:10). THOUGHT - Holy prayer does not make a man passive, but, to the contrary, activates that man's senses to take holy actions. Is that one effect of prayer in your life? Summoned (5455)(phoneo from phone = voice) means to utter in a loud voice, to cry out or speak loudly. Phoneo also conveys the sense of to speak with emphasis. Jesus cried out in Mt 23:46, an angel in Rev 14:18 while demons shrieked as they were cast out (Mk 1:26). Servants (3610)(oiketes from oikos = house) means one who lives in the same house as another and then household slaves or domestic servants not as strongly servile as doulos. Many of these household or domestic slaves were well educated and held responsible positions in the households and their number included doctors, teachers, musicians, actors and stewards over great estates. It is also notable that the oiketes or household slave describes one who generally held a closer relation to the family than other slaves. He is one of the household or like a "member of the family.” Luke's description in Acts 10:2NET says Cornelius was a "devout, God-fearing man, as was all his household (Greek = oikos)." In other words, these two servants were undoubtedly "God fearers" and thus fully deserving of Cornelius entrusting them with such an important mission. The soldier is described as devout which is the same word (eusebes from eu = good + sebo = to worship) describing Cornelius in Acts 10:2. In English if a quality that someone has rubs off, it starts to affect another person so that they begin to manifest that quality. Clearly Cornelius' godly character had "rubbed off" on those around him. THOUGHT - Does my character "rub off" on others or does it "rub" others the wrong way? Acts 10:8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. KJV Acts 10:8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. he sent Acts 10:33; 26:19; Ps 119:59,60; Eccl 9:10; Gal 1:16 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CORNELIUS' UNFLINCHING OBEDIENCE Cornelius' response illustrates the words of Psalm 119:60 I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments. And after he had explained everything to them - Everything (all things) would have included the details of the dramatic angelic visitor and his commands to send for Simon Peter with the specific address in Joppa (there must have been only one tanner by the sea). Cornelius trusted these men. He "took them fully into his confidence in this matter, showing him tactful as well as devout." (Gilbert) It is worth noting that the angel never tells Cornelius the reason for which Simon Peter was sent. There is a principle - As Jesus said in John 7:17 obedience will lead to greater revelation (in this case the salvation of their souls!). Sometimes God answers our prayers without giving us the full and final answer. But if we are sure that it is God Who has answered, then we need to obediently step out in faith that whatever He has told us so far is all we need to know. Cornelius' response reminds me of Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Comment - So while Cornelius' faith although not yet placed in Jesus as His Savior, was still a faith that believed it was God answering his prayers. His seeking faith would soon be replaced by a saving faith! Explained (made known) (1834)(exegeomai from ek = out or as an intensifier + hegeomai = lead) means literally to lead out, then to unfold, giving a detailed report. Exegeomai gives us our English exegesis which means an explanation or critical interpretation especially of a Biblical text. He sent them to Joppa - Acts 10:33 says he sent for Peter "immediately." Cornelius like a good military man obeyed the order from his Superior and sent those under him to carry out this order. There is a timeless principle here - Obedience brings blessing. The contrasting "corollary" is Delayed obedience is disobedience! Is there some instruction or exhortation from God which you are delaying to obey? (What is good biblical exegesis? What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?) Sent (649)(apostello from apo = from, away from + stello = to withdraw from, avoid) means to send off or send forth as a representative or envoy. Apostello includes the idea of "to send off on a commission to do something as one’s personal representative, with credentials furnished" (Wuest) To send upon some business (Mt. 2:16; 10:5; 20:2). Paul Apple writes that "This is a great message for those like Cornelius that see themselves as outsiders – God cares about you." THE GREAT CONDUCTOR - The picture in Acts 10 (and really the whole Bible) is of God orchestrating big events and individual lives to bring about his eternal purposes. God has a vast, cosmic plan that He is bringing to pass, and He is using willing, obedient servants to make it happen. Are you in a place and of such a mind to be used by the Great Conductor? Get ready! God may send someone across your path today who needs the benefit of your wisdom or gifts. (Life Application Bible) (Related Resource - The Providence of God) Acts 10:9 On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. KJV Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: Peter Acts 10:8; 11:5-10; 1 Samuel 9:25; Zephaniah 1:5; Mt 6:6; Mark 1:35; 6:46; 1 Ti 2:8 the sixth Acts 6:4; Ps 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Mt 20:5; 27:45; Eph 6:18 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DIVINE CHOREOGRAPHY Choreography "is the art or practice of designing sequences of movements of physical bodies (or their depictions) in which motion, form, or both are specified....The word choreography literally means "dance-writing" from the Greek words choreia (circular dance) and graphe (writing). It first appeared in the American English dictionary in the 1950's." Indeed, here in Acts 10 we find God writing a "circular dance," for Cornelius' men were sent to Joppa and would "circle back" with Simon Peter, "divine dance steps" which would mark the beginning of a new and glorious "Act" in God's grand "Play of Redemption," an "Act" which continues to this day, as God's Spirit is still seeking Gentiles in the unreached people groups, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Lk 19:10+) What an awesome God we worship and serve! Here we see the Spirit of God preparing Peter for the task he would be called to accomplish. THOUGHT - The Spirit of God prepares and equips God's people for the work of God to which they are called. G Campbell
Atos 10
Phillips observes that "A tremendous struggle took place in Peter's soul. His ingrained religious prejudice, reinforced by the clear commands of biblical ritual law, strengthened by years of rabbinical teaching and tradition, and enforced by lifelong practice, warred against the clear demand of the vision. Peter, as always, blurted out what was on his mind. "Not so, Lord."" John B Polhill has an excellent analysis - Some scholars feel that Peter’s vision dealt more with food laws than with interaction with Gentiles. This is to overlook the fact that the two are inextricably related. In Lev 20:24b–26 the laws of clean and unclean are linked precisely to Israel’s separation from the rest of the nations. The Jewish food laws presented a real problem for Jewish Christians in the outreach to the Gentiles. One simply could not dine in a Gentile’s home without inevitably transgressing those laws either by the consumption of unclean flesh or of flesh that had not been prepared in a kosher, i.e., ritually proper, fashion (cf. Acts 15:20). Jesus dealt with the problem of clean and unclean, insisting that external things like foods did not defile a person but the internals of heart and speech and thought render one truly unclean (Mark 7:14–23). In Mark 7:19b Mark added the parenthetical comment that Jesus’ saying ultimately declared all foods clean. This was precisely the point of Peter’s vision: God declared the unclean to be clean. In Mark 7 Jesus’ teaching on clean/unclean was immediately followed by his ministry to a Gentile woman (Mk 7:24–30), just as Peter’s vision regarding clean and unclean foods was followed by his witness to a Gentile. It is simply not possible to fully accept someone with whom you are unwilling to share in the intimacy of table fellowship. The early church had to solve the problem of kosher food laws in order to launch a mission to the Gentiles. Purity distinctions and human discrimination are of a single piece. (New American Commentary - Acts) Unholy (2839)(koinos) means defiled (corrupted in regard to its purity or perfection), unclean (because it is treated as common and thus considered morally or spiritually impure) or profane (not holy because unconsecrated, impure, or defiled). Koinos describes spiritual desecration which occurs when one treats that which is considered sacred or holy (set apart to God) as ordinary ("not special"). In the ceremonial sense, this word describes something that is the opposite of pure, sacred, and holy. It is interesting that the derivative noun koinonia would come to describe the fellowship, communion and close association of believers as the result their common bond in Christ. Unclean (169)(akathartos from a = without + kathaíro = cleanse from katharos = clean, pure, free from the adhesion of anything that soils, adulterates, corrupts, in an ethical sense, free from corrupt desire, sin, and guilt) (See akatharsia) in a moral sense refers to that which is unclean in thought, word, and deed. It can describe a state of moral impurity, especially sexual sin (cf Rev 17:4+) and the word foul is an excellent rendering. The idea is that which is morally indecent or filthy. It is not notable that every use of akathartos in the Gospels (19x out of 30 total NT uses) is applied to filthy demonic spirits! All NT uses of akathartos - Matt. 10:1; Matt. 12:43; Mk. 1:23; Mk. 1:26; Mk. 1:27; Mk. 3:11; Mk. 3:30; Mk. 5:2; Mk. 5:8; Mk. 5:13; Mk. 6:7; Mk. 7:25; Mk. 9:25; Lk. 4:33; Lk. 4:36; Lk. 6:18; Lk. 8:29; Lk. 9:42; Lk. 11:24; Acts 5:16; Acts 8:7; Acts 10:14; Acts 10:28; Acts 11:8; 1 Co. 7:14; 2 Co. 6:17; Eph. 5:5; Rev. 16:13; Rev. 17:4; Rev. 18:2 A T
Atos 10
Phillips - Here we have a grand illustration of all things working together. Three men were at the gate calling his name, and Peter was on the roof pondering the purpose of a thrice-repeated vision. Moreover, in case Peter should still have doubts when he discovered that the strangers calling for him were Gentiles, the Holy Spirit told him bluntly he was to go with them. It is not often in life we see the Lord showing His hand so prominently in our decisions. But can we doubt that He is at work and actively involved in each one of them? It is worth reminding ourselves of that when we come to a puzzling crossroad in life, when a decision one way or another will affect our life for a very long time. The Holy Spirit is actively involved and will enable us to make the right decision if we will wait on Him. (ED: I WOULD ADD THAT IT IS TIMES OF A "PUZZLING CROSSROAD" WE NEED TO LEARN TO WAIT ON THE LORD IN PRAYER AND IN HIS WORD!) It is not usually wise to make a decision so long as the perplexity lasts. "If you don't know what to do, don't do it," was the best advice I ever received at one time of crisis in my life. Just wait a little while, and the perplexity will be resolved, and a clear intimation of the mind of the Spirit will be given. (ILLUSTRATION) Sometimes water run into a glass will be cloudy. If we set down the glass for a few moments the sediment will sink and the water become clear. It is so with our decisions. Waiting will often clarify the issues (ED: see another benefit of "waiting" on the Lord = Isaiah 40:31+). Many of our mistakes come from acting out of impatience. So Peter tarried on the rooftop until all of a sudden a pounding at the gate and the sound of his name being called coincided with a clear intimation from the Holy Spirit as to what course of action he should take.(Exploring Acts) A PROVIDENTIAL "COINCIDENCE" The men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon's house, appeared at the gate -So as Peter is being perplexed, part of the answer to the riddle (so to speak) is approaching Simon the tanner's house as they sought Simon Peter. This is a small but interesting detail that the three had to stop (and take time) to ask for directions. Had they come straight to the tanner's house, they would have arrived before Peter's vision was finished (see Acts 10:19). Once again we see God's providence leaves nothing to "chance!" Beloved, if that is true in this story, it is likewise true in our day to day lives, filled with divine providence! Robertson on having asked directions - "to ask one after another, to ask through, old verb, but only here in the N.T. It took diligent inquiry to find the obscure house of Simon the tanner." Vincent on having asked directions - "Having inquired out;" having asked their way through (dia) streets and houses, until they found the dwelling of the tanner, who was an obscure man, and not easily found." Robertson on at the gate - The messengers stopped right at the folding gates of the passage (pulōna) which led from the street to the inner court or house. (Acts 10 Commentary)
Atos 10
Phillips wrote, “It is worthy reminding ourselves of that when we come to a puzzling crossroad in life, when a decision one way or another will affect our life for a very long time. The Holy Spirit is actively involved and will enable us to make the right decision if we will wait on Him.” (Expository Sermons) Matthew
Atos 10
Phillips says "He was overcome by the thought that here, in the flesh, was the answer to his lifelong search after God." (Ibid) Met (4876)(sunantao from sún = with + antáō = to meet) means literally to meet (Jesus when He came down from the transfiguration - Lk 9:37, Lk 22:30), of Melchizedek who met Abraham (Heb 7:1+, Heb 7:10+) and here of Cornelius meeting Peter (Acts 10:25). NET Note - When Cornelius worshiped Peter, it showed his piety and his respect for Peter, but it was an act based on ignorance, as Peter's remark in v. 26 indicates. Jesus of course accepted such worship from a leper (Mt 8:2, cf Jn 9:38) and form Peter (Luke 5:8, cf Mt 14:33). Horton writes "Peter did not want anyone to give any human personality pre-eminence in the Church. His response certainly offers no precedent for considering him a pope." (Acts: A Logion Press Commentary) Luke describes a similar event in the ministry of Paul and Barnabas who received a reception from the Lystrans and refused worship Acts 14... When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds (Acts 14:12-13). Worshiped (bowed down) (4352)(proskuneo from pros = before + kuneo = kiss or adore) means to prostrate oneself in homage before another in the full sense of worship, not mere reverence or courtesy. Proskuneo represents the most common Near Eastern act of adoration and reverence and also carries the idea of profound awe and respect. Some believe that the root word kuneo may be related to kuon which is the Greek word for dog and which then could be picturing a dog licking his master's hand. The word proskuneo literally means to kiss toward someone, to throw a kiss in token of respect or homage, to prostrate oneself in homage, to do reverence to, to adore and so to worship and show respect. In the ancient Oriental (especially Persia) the mode of salutation between persons of equal rank was to kiss each other on the lips. When the difference of rank was slight, they kissed each other on the cheek. When one was much inferior, he fell upon his knees touched his forehead to the ground or prostrated himself, and as he was bowing down he would be throwing kisses toward the superior. It is this latter mode of salutation that is intended by the Greek writers in the use of the verb proskuneo . While some commentators feel Cornelius is just demonstrating that he honors Peter, it is notable that every other use of proskuneo by Luke clearly conveys the idea of worship (Lk. 4:7; Lk. 4:8; Lk. 24:52; Acts 7:43; Acts 8:27; Acts 24:11). Luke also uses the verb pipto (to fall down) which literally means to fall from higher to a lower place, and several times in Scripture depicts an act of devotion as in Mt 2:11; 18:26, 29; Rev 5:14. Therefore, it appears that Cornelius is in fact carrying out an act that has the connotation of worship. David
Atos 10
Phillips explains that Cornelius was not saved by good works - “A person’s works are never accepted by God as the basis of his salvation, but they are accepted as an evidence of his faith. The prayers and alms of Cornelius could not have secured him salvation; the blood of Christ alone could do that. But they were accepted as a token of his faith, and as evidence that when he had more light he would instantly respond to it.” Acts 10:32 'Therefore send to Joppa and invite Simon, who is also called Peter, to come to you; he is staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the sea.' KJV Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SIMON STAYING WITH SIMON Therefore send to Joppa and invite Simon, who is also called Peter, to come to you; he is staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the sea.'- Here is the parallel passage from Acts 10:5-6 (see notes there) “Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; (10:6) he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” Staying (lodging)(3579) see preceding note on xenizo Acts 10:33 "So I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord." KJV Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. we are all here present before God Acts 17:11,12; 28:28; Dt 5:25-29; 2 Chr 30:12; Pr 1:5; 9:9,10; 18:15; 25:12; Mt 18:4; 19:30; Mark 10:15; 1 Cor 3:18; Gal 4:14; 1 Th 2:13; James 1:19,21; 1 Peter 2:1,2 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries So I sent for you immediately - cp Acts 10:7-8. God's sovereign hand in salvation is beautifully illustrated in the events of Acts 10, for not only does He prepare the heart of Cornelius, but He prepares the heart of Peter the messenger, the one who would deliver the message of the Gospel. THOUGHT - There is an important principle seen in God's sovereignty in salvation. If there is a person seeking God, God will in some manner find a way to have a messenger sent to that person so that they might hear the Gospel of salvation. Natural (general) revelation is available to all men and if they respond appropriately (in a way that honors God, and not in worship of the creation - see Ro 1:18-24), God will make certain that they receive special revelation without which no one can be saved (cf Acts 4:12). And you have been kind (kalos - done well) enough to come - "it was good of you to come" (Acts 10:33NLT) A T