Peter Baptized Cornelius

Introduction

Have you been bapztied?

Some of you guys in this room have been baptized, and I’ve had the honor of being the who baptized you!

Today we are going to look at a story and see where Peter finally realized that God came to save not just the Jewish people but people from all nations. And the man in our story today along with his family was baptized!

So, without any further ado, let’s jump into today’s story!

Our story is found in the book of Acts, chapter 10, where all of our stories this month will be as we focus on the topic of Telling About the Savior.

Lesson

There was a man in the city of Caesarea named Cornelius. He was a centurion, meaning he lead about 100 soldiers in the Roman army. He along with his family worshipped God even though they were not Jewish. He did many generous acts for the Jewish people and always prayed to God.

On one certain day, an angel of God gave Cornelius a vision. In this vision, Cornelius was told to send two of his household servants and a faithful soldier who was close to him to a place called Joppa to go and get Peter.

As the two men went on their way, Peter was praying on the roof. He started to feel a little hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing food, Peter fell into a trance. Suddenly, Peter saw the sky open, and a large sheet with all kinds of animals was let down.

A voice spoke to him and said, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”

Peter responded back and said, “No, Lord, I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”

But listen to what God said back to Peter: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” This vision was repeated three times before Peter, and then it was pulled up to heaven.

Peter, as you could imagine, was perplexed, puzzled, confused, you name it!

Finally, the two men Cornelius sent had arrived where Peter was staying. The Holy Spirit told Peter, “Three men are looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them with no doubts at all, because I have sent them.”

The three men came and stayed the night at Peter’s house. The next morning, they got up and went to Caesarea, where Cornelius was.

Cornelius invited his family and close friends to join him at his house. When Peter walked through the door, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him.

Peter told Cornelius, “Stand up. I myself am also a man.” While talking with him, Peter saw the large group of people there. Notice what Peter says next:

Acts 10:28–29 (CSB)

28 Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner, but God has shown me that I must not call any person impure or unclean. 29 That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So may I ask why you sent for me?”

Then, Cornelius replied back to Peter:

Acts 10:30–33 (CSB)

30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this hour, at three in the afternoon, I was praying in my house. Just then a man in dazzling clothing stood before me

31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your acts of charity have been remembered in God’s sight.

32 Therefore send someone to Joppa and invite Simon here, who is also named Peter. He is lodging in Simon the tanner’s house by the sea.’

33 So I immediately sent for you, and it was good of you to come. So now we are all in the presence of God to hear everything you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Peter had now realized that God does not show favoritism, and that anyone from any nation who fears Him and follows Jesus is accepted.

Peter then preached to the group there, telling them about the good news of Jesus Christ, how Jesus died on the cross, rose again three days later, and how all of the prophets testify about Jesus.

Just as Peter was in the middle of speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all of those who heard the message.

And here is the part where we see baptism:

Acts 10:46–48 (CSB)

46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and declaring the greatness of God.

Then Peter responded,

47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

Application

So, what can we learn from this story?

I think there is a few things we see take place:

Peter realizes that the good news of Jesus is for all people

And secondly, this leads us to our main point:

Main Point

People are baptized after they trust Jesus as Savior.

When people follow Jesus, just as Cornelius and his friends and family did, they followed up with baptism.

Why is baptism so important?

Memory Verse

Matthew 28:19–20 (CSB)

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We are commanded to do this by our Lord and Savior, Jesus!

(explain baptism; use wedding ring analogy)

Gospel

(present gospel)

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus before, you can do that toady! You can do that right now! People who trust in Jesus get baptized so they can identify with Him.