It is always so interesting to see how God functions in His communication, especially in dealing with something that can be seen as a challenging situation. Peter–a Jewish man, a loud-spoken professing disciple of Jesus, and one that is notorious for being a little hot-headed–was approached by Gentiles who were representing an officer in the Roman army. Think about what might have been running through Peter’s mind, had the Lord not previously affirmed this encounter.

But what really gets us is the last verse that points to where this Good News is headed…to the Gentiles! Peter, as David Guzik noticed, was beginning to understand that God was able to use Gentiles in completely new ways, ultimately challenging him and stretching his beliefs. God proves able to communicate to anyone and stir something up within their hearts, usually in preparation for the Word to be sown. Peter was invited by this Gentile himself, by the works of the Spirit, to share the Good News with them. What will Peter do with such an invitation as this?

[Acts 10.1-22]

10.1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter's Vision

9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

17 Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why was it important that God prepared both Cornelius and Peter for this encounter?

+ How are the two individuals’ responses to their encounters with the Lord different? Similar?

+ Look at both of Peter’s responses to God in v. 14 and v. 21.

+ Could the Lord have challenged Peter with vv. 9-16 for purpose to prepare him for sharing the Gospel with a Gentile?

+ How can we see Peter’s mind and heart stretch in this passage of Scripture?

+ What thoughts, doubts, fears, memories, etc. might have been flowing through Peter throughout these verses?

+ What does this show about the Lord’s expectancy for obedience? What might happen if Peter does not move forward with sharing the Gospel here? What does this show for us, and God’s expectancy for obedience with us?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How am I challenged by this passage? Putting myself in either of these shoes: 1) being the one without the truth of Jesus (which I once was), or 2) being the believer who holds the keys to eternal life (which I currently am)...

+ Does the Lord prompt me to “Rise” and do something? If so, do I move swiftly like Cornelius [v. 7], or Peter [vv. 20-21]? If not, how can I open my heart and life more to hear these calls from God?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who is the Lord calling me to share the Gospel with?