Micacles By Peter to the Saving of Cornelius

Believe in Acts, Part 8 - the Gospels of the Kingdom Then & Future & the Grace of God for almost 2000 years:

Our last study referenced the 10th occasion of the word “believe” in the book of Acts, i.e., 9:36 - 42 where many believed in the Lord in the area around Joppa after the Apostle Peter was used to raise from the dead a Jewish woman named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. Today we’ll visit that incident again, but this time consider it in relation to the miracle recorded immediately prior to it and what is recorded immediately after when the 11th and 12th occasions of the word “believe” occur involving the salvation of Gentiles. This series of four events demonstrate two things; one, the nature of the future Kingdom of Heaven on earth in which Israel will finally be placed in the position God promised Abraham it would someday be. Second, the salvation of the Gentiles points not only to the nature of Israel’s future Kingdom, it also makes way for the transition from the Kingdom message for Israel, to the Gospel of Grace message to Gentiles and Jews alike, as revealed to the Apostle Paul for this dispensation of Grace that has lasted for almost 2000 years now. It’s important to note that the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to record this series of events one after the other with nothing intervening and that the Apostle Peter is the primary person involved in each event:

•In Lydda, the healing of Aeneas who had been laid up in bed for eight years, Acts 9:32 - 3532 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

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•In Joppa, the raising from the dead, Tabitha/ Dorcus, who was known for her good works, Acts 36 - 43,

•In Caesarea, the Gentile Centurion Cornelius and his household believed the Word preached, were saved and received the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 10:1 - 481 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

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;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

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:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 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:

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.

17 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,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, 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.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

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.

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.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

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•In Jerusalem, Peter taught the Jews who had opposed him being associated with Gentiles, that God had led him to preach to Gentiles who believed and received the Holy Spirit, Acts 11:1 - 181 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

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 God?

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.

1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

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 God?

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.

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The healing of Aeneas is a picture of the healing of the future Nation of Israel when The Lord Jesus Christ returns at the end of the Tribulation to establish His Kingdom on earth. Peter was visiting Saints (Holy ones/believing Jews) in Lydda where he found Aeneas who had been sick with a disease that kept him in bed, unable to get up and move about for 8 years. The number 8 in Scripture is the number for resurrection or new beginnings and Peter was used to heal Aeneas after which we read that many in the area turned to the Lord, Acts 9:32 - 35. This points to when the Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth at the end of the Tribulation. He will lift up the Nation of Israel and empower them. Throughout history they have never been able, on their own power, to achieve the National prominence God promised Abraham for them. The has been because their efforts have always been based on their own self or fleshly power, which demonstrates that mankind is incapable of carrying out God’s perfect Will on his own; that God’s Will can only be accomplished in man by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit and power. To Him be the Glory! (Jeremiah 4:11 If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.

-2; 9:23-24; Daniel 7:1313 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

-14; John 7:1616 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

-19; Acts 12:2121 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

-24; Romans 11:3636 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

; 1 Corinthians 1:3131 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

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Tabitha/ Dorcus died despite her good works. First, we learn that not all believers or saints in that early church were endowed with miraculous powers because when the disciples in Joppa heard Peter was nearby they sent for him (as they were unable to help her themselves). Peter responded, entered the room in which Tabitha’s body lay, sent those present out, kneeled, prayed and told the dead body to arise. She opened her eyes and sat up when she saw Peter. He gave her his hand, lifted her up and presented her alive to the saints and widows there. This event became known throughout the area and many believed in the Lord, Acts 9:36 - 4336 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

. And so it will be when The Lord Jesus Christ returns to earth after the Tribulation that the Nation of Israel, which has been dead as a Nation in spite of good works, will look upon Him who they pierced, John 19:34 - 3734 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

35 And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.

36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.

37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

; Revelation 1:77 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

, and He will lift them up to new life in His Kingdom, Ezekiel 37:1 - 141 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.

9 Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army.

11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.

12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.

13 And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,

14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.

, Jeremiah 31:31 - 3431 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

; 32:36 - 41.

The Gentile Centurion Cornelius and his family. Cornelius was “a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always,” Acts 10:22 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

. Cornelius’ positive attributes alone were not enough to save him but an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a vision and told him his prayers and alms were come up for a memorial before God, Acts 10:44 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

. The Greek word translated “memorial” in this verse means “a reminder (memorandum), a record.” The angel told Cornelius to send for Peter who was in Joppa so Cornelius dispatched 3 men to fetch him, Acts 10:5 - 85 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

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;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

. In the meantime, the Lord prepared Peter to go to Cornelius, but that took some doing. We read that Peter went to the roof top of the house where he was staying at about 3:00 PM, the hour for prayer and became hungry. While food was being prepared Peter fell into a trance and saw a large sheet containing all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds coming down to him, Acts 10:9 - 129 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:

10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 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:

12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

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The Lord told him to kill and eat thereof but Peter refused, saying he had never eaten anything common or unclean. The Lord had to repeat this scenario two more times for a total of three to impress the idea on him before the sheet was taken back up to heaven. Peter didn’t realize what this vision meant when the men sent from Cornelius knocked on the gate and asked for him, Acts 10:13 - 1813 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.

17 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,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

. Peter was still thinking about the vision when the Spirit of God told him there were three men waiting and he was to go with them because He had sent them to him. The three explained to Peter that Cornelius sent them so he could hear Peter’s words. Peter lodged them there until the next day, when he and others from Joppa traveled to Caesarea with them, Acts 10:19 - 2319 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

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Cornelius had gathered his family and friends together when he met and fell worshipping at Peter’s feet. Peter told him to stand up as he was just a man. He then told the large group of people in Cornelius’ house that it had been unlawful for a Jew to keep company or go in with those of other nations but the Lord showed him he should not call any man common or unclean and therefore he had come to them promptly. He asked why they had sent for him and Cornelius told him about his vision four days prior advising that he send for him so they could all hear what God had commanded him, Acts 10:24 - 3324 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, 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.

29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

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.

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.

. Peter told them he had come to understand that God is no respecter of persons and everyone who fears God and works righteousness is accepted; explaining that the Word of God was sent to the Children of Israel, preaching peace by the Lord of all, Jesus Christ. He said they were aware of that Word because it had been published beginning in Galilee and then throughout Judea after the baptism John the Baptist preached how God had anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and Power; and how Jesus went about healing all that were oppressed of the devil because God was with Him. Peter said he and those with him were witnesses to all the things Jesus did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, however they killed Him on the cross. But God raised Him up from the dead in three days and showed Him openly to certain witnesses chosen by God, not to everyone. Peter related how he and the Apostles ate and drank with Jesus after He rose from the dead and He commanded them to preach to the people that He (Jesus) had been ordained by God to judge the living and the dead, Acts 10:34 - 4234 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

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As he continued, Peter said that all the prophets had witnessed that through His name whoever believed in Him would be given remission (deliverance or forgiveness) of their sins, Acts 10:4343 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

. When Peter said this the Holy Spirit came on the Gentiles who heard Peter’s words, Acts 10:4444 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

. Romans 10:1717 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

teaches that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, and so it was in this case. When Cornelius and his household heard that whoever believed in Jesus Christ would receive forgiveness of sins, they believed and so had faith, and the Holy Spirit came on them. The Jews with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on Gentiles, as evidenced by the fact the Gentiles spoke in other languages and magnified/ praised God, Acts 10:45 - 4845 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

. The word “believed” in the 43rd verse is the 11th occasion it occurs in Acts.

It is instructive that the Gospel Peter preached, which these Gentiles believed was different than what he preached earlier to the Jews at Jerusalem after Pentecost. There, “... Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:3838 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

- see also Acts 3:1919 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

. The Jews were to repent and be baptized for their sins, which included the fact they had crucified Jesus Christ (Acts 2:3636 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

) whereas these Gentiles were simply told that whoever believed in Him would be given remission of sins.

Peter’s experience with Cornelius has twofold implications. First, Cornelius is a shadow or type of what will happen to believing Gentiles living in Israel’s future Kingdom on earth. Then will be fulfilled the commission Jesus gave to the 11 Apostles after He rose from the dead: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:15 - 1815 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

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Secondly, this experience opened the door for Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles as indicated in the next time the word believe occurs in Acts when Peter returned to Jerusalem and was confronted by the Jews because they heard he had gone in and eaten with Gentiles. After Peter told the Jews in Jerusalem about the vision; how he was led to witness to Cornelius and his household; how the Holy Spirit fell on them as it did on the believing Jews at Pentecost and recalling how Jesus Christ told them “John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost,” the Jews understood and glorified God because He had granted repentance to life to the Gentiles, Acts 11:1 - 18.

Immediately following the account of Peter’s report to the Jews in Jerusalem we read “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.” Acts 11:1919 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

. But it was not long after, that the Kingdom message to Israel was set aside (it’s been about 2000 years now); the Gospel of God’s Grace to Gentiles and Jews alike was proclaimed and the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AM. The Gospel of God’s Grace was a secret hidden in God until He revealed it to the Apostle Paul, Romans 16:25 & 2625 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

; Ephesians 3:1 - 121 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

. Our Gospel is that Christ died for our sins, He was buried and rose again, 1 Corinthians 15:1 - 41 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

. Instead of repenting for crucifying Jesus Christ, we, like Paul can say: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:1414 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

. We are saved totally by Grace through faith, and that not of ourselves or our works, it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 & 98 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

. And unlike Peter, the Apostle Paul wrote: “I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:14 - 1714 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

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