Category: Cornelius

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #85

Sunday, August 16, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The spiritual gift of speaking in tongues was exercised just three times in Acts, and always in Israel’s presence. Firstly, in Acts 2:1-21, Jews from around the world had gathered at Jerusalem for Pentecost, and heard God’s words in their respective native (foreign) dialects. Secondly, in Acts 10:44-48, Peter’s Gentile converts in Caesarea (Canaan’s Mediterranean Coast) proved to Jewish Peter and his Jewish companions (“they of the circumcision”) that God had turned to the Gentiles now that Paul had been commissioned (cf. Acts 11:12-18; cf. Acts 15:7-11). Finally, in Acts 19:1-7, Israelites speaking in tongues at Ephesus (western Turkey) further authenticated Paul’s apostleship. Of course, these had to be intelligent languages, human speech that could be understood and identified as sound doctrine; gibberish is meaningless.

Read 1 Corinthians 14:21,22: “In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign [!!!!], not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” The original prophecy is Isaiah 28:11: “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.” When idolatrous Israel heard foreign languages in her Promised Land—namely, the speech of invading (Gentile) Assyrian troops and attacking (Gentile) Babylonian armies—it demonstrated that God’s judgment had fallen politically and exile was impending (cf. Leviticus 26:27-39).

A parallel is in 1 Corinthians, with Paul’s Gentile believers exercising the gift of tongues (a “sign!!!”) to prove to lost Israel (“them that believe not”) that their nation had fallen spiritually and God was working with Gentiles (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). Remember, a Jewish synagogue met next-door to the Corinthian church (Acts 18:1-11, especially verse 7). The saints of Corinth, however, were too childish in the faith to serve as God’s instruments, so there was an abuse of spiritual gifts—particularly the misuse of the gift of tongues. Christians in Corinth never really distanced themselves from their old heathen thoughts and ways, which rendered them prone to multifarious nonsense….

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #9

Sunday, August 17, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

Before Peter went to the Gentiles in Acts chapter 10, God had already broken down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile with Paul’s salvation and commissioning in chapter 9 (check Acts 9:15,16; Acts 22:13-15; Acts 26:17,18). Israel had already fallen in chapter 7 and was now diminishing for the rest of Acts (Romans 11:11-14). With the Lord sending Peter to witness a drastic change in program at Cornelius’ house, Peter can now come to Paul’s defense 10 years later at the Jerusalem Conference.

Acts chapter 15: “[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. [8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; [9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. [10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? [11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”

Peter recognized Cornelius and those other Gentiles were saved without keeping the Law of Moses and without submitting to physical circumcision. This knowledge allowed Peter to defend Paul’s Gentile believers as not required to be physically circumcised or keep the Law of Moses to be saved (check Acts 15:1-5). The unusual words heard and unexpected events associated with Peter’s visit with Cornelius and other Gentiles at Caesarea, demonstrate how there has been a change in prophecy—and this makes it easier for the Little Flock to see how mystery now works with Paul’s ministry. Using dispensational eyes, we appreciate how this was God’s design in arranging the meeting between Peter and Cornelius all along.

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #8

Saturday, August 16, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

Read Acts 11:1-3: “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.” Once Peter left Cornelius’ house in Caesarea and returned to Jerusalem, the other Jewish Apostles and the rest of the Little Flock castigated or fussed him. They knew their commission about Israel first (Acts 1:8) and they understood how they were not to reach Gentiles until Christ came back to reign (Matthew 28:18-20). How dare Peter minister to those uncircumcised non-Jews!!

In Acts 11:4-17, Peter narrates the account in great detail—starting all the way back with the “unclean animals” vision he received in Joppa, to the words of God he heard about not calling anything “unclean,” to the visitation of the three men Cornelius had sent from Caesarea to him, to what he learned from Cornelius face-to-face about what Cornelius saw and heard from the angel, to what confirmation Peter and the other believing Jews witnessed in Caesarea (the Gentiles being baptized with the Holy Ghost).

On the defensive, all Peter can say in conclusion is (verse 17): “Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand [prevent, hinder] God?” Now, verse 18: “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” Like Peter, the Little Flock cannot make sense of what happened—but they cannot deny it either. They rejoice. Indeed, though national Israel is unbelieving, Gentiles have believed under Peter’s ministry.

Several years will pass before it is clear to all of them….

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #7

Friday, August 15, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

Cornelius was an uncircumcised Gentile who did not observe the Law of Moses, but he walked in the spiritual light he had by blessing Israel (verses 2,4,22,31). Based on what Peter heard about him from the trio and from Cornelius himself, Peter responded: “…Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (verses 34,35). (Cornelius parallels the Gentiles who will bless Israel during Daniel’s 70th Week; Matthew 25:31-40.) Yet, good works are insufficient, so Peter preaches to those Gentiles with Cornelius all about the Lord Jesus Christ and His earthly ministry to Israel (verses 36-43), closing with, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”

As if Peter has not been perplexed enough, something else unexpected takes place! Verses 44-48: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed [six Jewish saints; Acts 10:23; Acts 11:12] were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”

In Acts 11:15-17, Peter recounts how those Gentiles were baptized with the Holy Ghost and spoke in intelligent human languages never formally learned—reminding him of what happened with believing Israel on Pentecost (chapter 2). Once more, the Gentiles have faith, but Israel is in unbelief. Peter sees more confirmation God is working with Cornelius and these other Gentiles in Caesarea, though he does not fully comprehend the scope of these events until several years later….

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #6

Thursday, August 14, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

Acts 10:28 is Peter’s first words to all the Gentiles assembled with Cornelius: “…Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” In what sense is it “unlawful” (forbidden, illicit, prohibited; Greek translated “abominable” in 1 Peter 4:3) for Peter to be with these non-Jews?

Gentile salvation was not a secret in prophecy. God would save and bless Gentiles through Israel as per the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3). Redeemed national Israel would subsequently rise to kingdom glory, a kingdom of priests preaching God’s words to Gentiles (Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Matthew 28:18-20). Peter knew the order in prophecy was Israel converted first, as in his original apostolic commission: “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:5-7).

In early Acts, post-resurrection, Christ expands that commission: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). By the time of chapter 10 though, Jerusalem has not been fully converted, neither is Judaea (southern Israel) nor Samaria (northern Israel). Thus, Peter recognizes it is too early for him to go to Gentiles (“uttermost part of the earth”)… yet, strangely, there he was ministering to them (Cornelius and company) in Caesarea!

Peter is coming to greater awareness about a striking dispensational change that has already transpired….

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #5

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

Did you notice how Peter hungered for physical food in today’s Scripture? There is some interesting symbolism a great many fail to see here. Considering how Israel refused to hear and believe God’s preachers in Matthew to John as well as Acts chapters 1–7, Peter is also hungry for spiritual fruit—that is, a positive Jewish response to God’s words. Recall the parallel in Matthew 21:17-19 and Mark 11:12-14, the fruitless fig tree representing Israel’s unproductive religious system!

It was just prior to Peter’s vision that a Roman centurion (commander of 100 soldiers), Cornelius, wanted more spiritual light. The Holy Spirit rebukes unbelieving Israel by placing into the record of Scripture a heathen idolater who wishes to hear from Peter! Once the three-man delegation from Cornelius reaches the house where Peter is staying, they recount for the Apostle their reason for coming, confirming to Peter what God had told him (verses 21,22). They spend the night in Joppa, and Peter goes back with them to Caesarea the following morning, taking six Jewish saints with him to serve as witnesses (verse 23; cf. Acts 11:12).

When he reaches Caesarea, Peter is absolutely stunned to see a large crowd of interested Gentiles (Cornelius’ relatives and neighbors). “…And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends…. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together” (Acts 10:24,27). “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” (verse 33). Here, we have a multitude of idolatrous Gentiles ready to hear and believe God’s words through Peter, with national Israel still in unbelief!!!!!!

There it is. It is remarkable, scathing, and factual….

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #4

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

Chapter 10 of Acts continues: “[11] And [Peter] saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: [12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. [13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. [14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. [15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. [16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.”

Observance of Mosaic-Law kosher food laws separated the nation Israel from the nations or Gentiles (Leviticus 11:1-47; Deuteronomy 14:1-20). Peter, a Law-keeping Jew, recognized how he was to eat only “clean” foods. Therefore, he is now baffled, especially curious as to why the Lord Himself suddenly overturns those dietary restrictions. Read Acts 10:17-20: “Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.”

As the Apostle considers the strange things he has seen and heard, Cornelius’ dispatched trio of “unclean” men (Gentiles who eat “unclean foods” like those in Peter’s vision!) arrive at Simon’s house where Peter is staying. It will become clear to the Apostle how the “thrice” of verse 16 corresponds to these three men….

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #3

Monday, August 11, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

It is a real shame that almost everyone in Christendom misunderstands Acts chapter 10—whether the charismatics who gravitate toward the “pouring out of the Holy Ghost” and speaking in tongues, or the shallow dispensationalists who fail to see the full worth of the passage because they are not pure Pauline dispensationalists.

Cornelius was not a proselyte (Gentile convert) to Judaism (“uncircumcised” according to Acts 11:1-3). He even engaged in pagan idolatry such as human worship (Acts 10:25,26). Nevertheless, he still possessed more spiritual light than most other Romans and non-Jews of his time. For example, he was familiar with, and obeyed, the Abrahamic Covenant about materially blessing Israel to be blessed of God (Genesis 12:3; Acts 10:2,4,22,31,35). He wanted additional spiritual understanding, and, apparently, prayed for it (Acts 10:2,4,6,31). Israel’s God responded by first sending an angel to Cornelius with a message and then using a vision to direct Peter to Cornelius’ house.

Here is some useful geographical information. Caesarea (Cornelius’ home—Acts 10:1) is on the Promised Land’s Mediterranean Coast, some 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Joppa (where Peter is staying with Simon the tanner—Acts 9:43; Acts 10:5,6). God works with Cornelius and Peter separately to bring them together. Firstly, to repeat, an angel tells Cornelius he will hear words of salvation from Peter (Acts 10:22,32; cf. Acts 11:14). Secondly, obeying the angel’s instructions, Cornelius sends three men to lead Peter from Simon’s house and back to Cornelius’ house (Acts 10:7,8). As those three men make their way from Caesarea to Joppa, Peter in Joppa receives a message from God in today’s Scripture.

As Peter resides with Simon the tanner (animal-hide preparer), Peter goes up on the housetop to pray around noon—lunchtime—and he feels quite hungry! Here, he has a vision of unclean animals, which prepares him for those three special visitors….

Peter’s Vision of the Unclean Animals #1

Saturday, August 9, 2025

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,…” (Acts 10:9,10 KJV).

What can we really learn from this Bible passage?

Let us read today’s Scripture within its context, Acts 10:9-20: “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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

“Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.” What is the Lord teaching the Apostle Peter here with this vision? Is there anything we can learn from it? People seldom move beyond the same old basic, common, shallow, denominational interpretation, and this is a real shame which God never intended.

Let us with mature spiritual (dispensational) eyes see what we can glean….

The Centurions #6

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

Even though they were Romans or Gentiles—without Israel’s covenants and without Israel’s Bible—some of the centurions were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. For example, read of that nameless centurion who stood at Christ’s cross when He died. “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). “And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39). “Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47).

We do not know who that centurion was—and his identity makes no difference whatsoever. What the Holy Spirit did by including him and his profession of faith into the Scriptural record forever was indict unbelieving Israel whose people could never bring themselves to say a single positive word about the Lord Jesus! Here was a Gentile—a pagan man without a Hebrew Bible and without any covenants with JEHOVAH God—who saw and ultimately declared about Jesus, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Oh, what a pity… but there is something even more!

Doubtless, the most famous centurion of all time was Cornelius of Acts chapter 10, who recognized his need for more spiritual light. He was willing to bless Israel as per Genesis 12:3 (see Acts 10:1-4,22). Cornelius was such a sincere seeker of Bible truth that God actually sent the Apostle Peter to preach to him. By the time of the close of Acts chapter 10, Cornelius and his Gentile friends and relatives have trusted in Christ—with Israel still in unbelief!

Finally, whereas lost Israel repeatedly tried to harm and kill the Apostle Paul throughout Acts, Julius the centurion (a heathen Roman!) was kind to him, listened to him, and sought to save his life (Acts 27:1,3,31-32,43; Acts 28:16).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….