Introduction:

1. After detailing Peter’s miraculous ministry at Lydda and Joppa (9:32-43), the narrative shifts to the broadening borders of the Lord’s kingdom.

2. On this occasion, Peter finally understood all he preached at Pentecost.

Discussion:

I. The Scope of the Spirit’s Promise

A. To fully grasp this event, we must review some key texts in the Bible.

B. In Acts 2:39, Peter spoke of the promise of the Holy Spirit being “…to you, and to your children, and to all who are afar off…”

C. This meshes with the OT data on the matter:

1. The seed of woman would crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15).

2. Abraham’s seed would bless all humanity (Genesis 12:3; 22:18).

3. All people would flow into the Messianic kingdom (Isaiah 2:1-5; 11:10: 49:6; Jeremiah 3:17; Matthew 8:10-11).

II. The Middle Wall of Separation

A. Nonetheless, many among the Jews struggled with bringing in the Gentiles, not the least of which was Peter (10:9-16, 28; Galatians 2:11-14).

B. Jesus addressed this issue repeatedly (Matthew 8:5-12; Luke 14:12-24).

C. Much of Romans deals with the matter (Romans 1-3; 9-11).

D. This was the issue that got Paul arrested (Acts 21:27-29; 22:21-22).

E. Paul made it clear that Jesus’ sacrifice destroyed the middle wall of separation, uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body (Ephesians 2:11-22).

F. Peter needed a heavenly vision to see this, despite having preached it.

III. Defending the Unification of All Humanity

A. The vision proved to Peter God accepted the Gentiles (10:28-29, 34).

B. The Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and company to prove this reality to the Jews who accompanied Peter (10:44-48).

C. These two events formed the basis for Peter’s defense to the Jews in Jerusalem who criticized him for associating with Gentiles (11:1-18).

D. Christ has joined all who come to God through Him in one body (Ephesians 2:13-16) and fulfilled the promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:25-29).

1. The conversion of Cornelius offers so many insights for Christian living.

2. One of the most significant is the complete equality of humankind that God brought to fruition through Jesus, the Christ.

3. Let us then become all things to all men for their salvation (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).