Breaking Down Walls: Taking the Gospel to the World

This morning we turn to a pivotal chapter in the Book of Acts - a story that transformed not just one man's perspective but altered the course of Christian history. We find ourselves in Acts 10:1-23, a passage that beckons us to confront a challenge that is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago - the challenge of overcoming our deepest-held religious and cultural prejudices.

Imagine, if you will, a world where the barriers we erect - whether they be of race, creed, or culture - dissolve under the powerful light of the Gospel. Think about the people you pass by every day, those you might never consider reaching out to. What if God is calling us to them? What if our next step in faith is to cross a boundary we never dared to before?

In Acts 10, we witness a divine orchestration that brings together two unlikely individuals: Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and Peter, a Jewish fisherman turned apostle. Their encounter is not just a meeting of two individuals but a collision of two worlds. And in this collision, we find a profound truth that God wants to imprint upon our hearts today.

As we unpack this passage, I invite you to open not just your ears, but your hearts. Let's ask ourselves some challenging questions. Are there walls we have built in our hearts that prevent us from seeing others the way God sees them? Are we willing to let God guide us into uncomfortable places for the sake of the Gospel?

This morning, let's be ready to hear God's truth and, more importantly, to live it out. Let's prepare ourselves to be surprised by the boundless reach of God's love, and to be agents of that love in a world desperately in need of it.

So, how can we overcome our religious and cultural prejudices to be willing to take the gospel to all the world? Even to those we might consider unclean and beyond hope. Let’s take a look.

Acts 10:1–23 NKJV

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. 17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Now let’s break it down. Let’s take a look first at the unlikely worshiper. Let’s go back to verse 1.

Acts 10:1–8 NKJV

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Before He could save the Gentiles, God had to prepare Peter to bring the message and Cornelius to hear the message. Salvation is a divine work of grace, but God works through human channels.

Caesarea is sixty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem and thirty miles north of Joppa (Jaffa). At that time, Caesarea was the Roman capital of Judea and boasted of many beautiful public buildings. In that city lived Cornelius, the Roman centurion, whose heart had tired of pagan myths and empty religious rituals, and who had turned to Judaism in hopes he could find salvation. Cornelius was as close to Judaism as he could get without becoming a proselyte.

It is interesting to see how religious a person can be and still not be right with God. For sure, Cornelius was sincere in his obedience to God’s Law, his fasting, and his generosity to the Jewish people (compare this to Luke 7:1–10). He was not permitted to offer sacrifices in the temple, so he presented his prayers to God as his sacrifices (Ps. 141:1–2). In every way, he was a model of religious respectability—and yet he was not a saved man.

The difference between Cornelius and many religious people today is this: Cornelius knew that his religious devotion wasn’t enough to save him. Many religious people today are satisfied that their character and good works will get them to heaven, and they have no concept either of their own sin or of God’s grace. In his prayers, Cornelius was asking God to show him the way of salvation (Acts 11:13–14).

God sent an angel to instruct Cornelius and, in true military fashion, Cornelius immediately obeyed. But why send for Peter, who was thirty miles away in Joppa, when Philip the evangelist was already in Caesarea? (Acts 8:40) Because it was Peter, not Philip, who had been given the “keys to the kingdom.” God not only works at the right time, but He also works through the right servant; and both are essential.

So, what is our first step?

Recognize Our Own Prejudices (1-8)

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was a man of great faith and devotion, but he was a Gentile, someone many Jews of that time would have dismissed outright. But, God didn’t overlook him; He saw Cornelius's heart. This prompts us to ask a challenging question: How often do we, perhaps unknowingly, harbor biases that hinder us from seeing others as God sees them?

How many times have you looked at someone with an alternative lifestyle and reacted with revulsion rather than compassion? The same compassion Jesus felt when He looked on someone who needed His forgiveness and peace with God?

The first step towards genuine spiritual growth and true discipleship is acknowledging these personal biases. It's not an easy task. Often, these biases are so ingrained in us that they become invisible - part of our subconscious. They might manifest in subtle ways: who we choose to associate with, the assumptions we make about others, or even in the priorities we set in our ministry. It takes humility and courage to confront these hidden corners of our hearts. But remember, in doing so, we're not just confronting ourselves; we're inviting God to do a transformative work within us.

As we reflect on our prejudices, let's remind ourselves that the Gospel of Christ knows no boundaries. Jesus ministered to Jew and Gentile alike, breaking societal norms and cultural barriers. If we are to follow in His footsteps, our love and our ministry must transcend these artificial divisions.

Acknowledging our biases doesn't make us weak or liberal; it makes us ready to be used by God. Acknowledging our prejudices doesn’t mean we change what we believe about right and wrong, simply that we see others as a person whom God loves and wants to have a relationship with, rather than being labeled by their sin. It prepares our hearts to be fertile ground for His work, allowing us to truly embrace the breadth and depth of His mission.

So, let’s take a hard look at ourselves today. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where we might be blind. As we do this, we open ourselves up to a deeper, more authentic discipleship. A discipleship that mirrors Jesus’ heart - a heart that sees beyond the external, reaching out to all with the transforming love of the Gospel. Remember, in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile; there is only the beautiful tapestry of humanity, broken by sin, but welcomed to trust in Christ. Let’s be agents of that love.

We’ve seen that people aren’t always what we see on the outside. Now let’s take a look at what God had to do for Peter to tear down his walls so he would be willing to go to someone he would have never even considered before.

Acts 10:9–16 NKJV

9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

Peter also had to be prepared for this event since he had lived as an orthodox Jew all of his life (Acts 10:14). The Law of Moses was a wall between the Jews and the Gentiles, and this wall had been broken down at the cross (Eph. 2:14–18).

Why did God use a vision about food to teach Peter that the Gentiles were not unclean? For one thing, Peter was hungry, and a vision about food would certainly “speak to his condition,” as the Quakers say.

Second, the distinction between “clean and unclean foods” was a major problem between the Jews and the Gentiles in that day. In fact, Peter’s Christian friends criticized him for eating with the Gentiles! (Acts 11:1–3) God used this centuries-old regulation (Lev. 11) to teach Peter an important spiritual lesson.

A third reason goes back to something Jesus had taught Peter and the other disciples when He was ministering on earth (Mark 7:1–23). At that time, Peter didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying, but now it would all come together. God was not simply changing Peter’s diet; He was changing His entire program! The Jew was not “clean” and the Gentile “unclean,” but both Jew and Gentile were “unclean” before God! “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy on all” (Rom. 11:32). This meant that a Gentile did not have to take on the Jewish culture in order to become a Christian.

Even though Peter’s refusal was in the most polite terms, it was still wrong. It’s been said that “You can say ‘No’ and you can say ‘Lord,’ but you can’t say ‘No, Lord.’ If Jesus is truly your Lord, then you can only say ‘Yes!’ to Him and His commands.

In order to overcome our deepest held religious and cultural prejudices and biases, we need to be...

Be Open to God’s Guidance (9-16)

We find ourselves standing alongside Peter, on top that roof, confronted by a vision that would forever change his understanding of God’s will. In this vision, God challenges Peter’s deeply-held beliefs, calling him to embrace a broader view of the Kingdom of God. This moment serves as a powerful reminder to us: to be open to God’s guidance, especially when it calls us to break down our own cultural and religious barriers.

This call to openness is not just about being receptive in thought, but in action as well. When God challenged Peter to eat what he considered unclean, it wasn't merely about food; it was about people. Peter’s willingness to follow this divine direction led to the inclusion of Gentiles into the early church, a monumental shift in the history of Christianity. We too are called to this kind of radical openness. God may be leading us to reach out to those we have overlooked, to extend His love to those we have unconsciously excluded.

Think of the story of Jonah, who was called to preach to the people of Nineveh, a task he initially ran from because of his prejudices against them. Yet, when he finally obeyed, an entire city turned to God. Or consider Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. Despite cultural taboos, Jesus reached out to her, a gesture that not only transformed her life but also brought salvation to many in her community.

These biblical examples show us that when we are open to God’s guidance, He leads us beyond our comfort zones, beyond our preconceptions, into actions that align with His grand design of redemption and grace. As a church, let’s dare to ask God to guide us to those He wants us to minister to, even if they are outside our familiar circles. Let’s be open to new perspectives, new relationships, and new ministries that reflect the all-encompassing love of Christ. Remember, our willingness to follow God’s direction can have a profound impact, not just on our own spiritual growth, but on the expansion of His kingdom here on earth. Let us be like Peter, ready to respond to God’s call, even when it challenges the very foundations of our understanding.

And lastly...

Acts 10:17–23 NKJV

17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

God’s timing is always perfect, and the three men from Caesarea arrived at the door just as Peter was pondering the meaning of the vision. The Spirit commanded Peter to meet the men and go with them.

The phrase “nothing doubting” (Acts 10:20) means “making no distinctions.” You find it again in Acts 11:12, and a similar word is used in Acts 11:2 (“contended with him”=“made a difference”). Peter was no longer to make any distinctions between the Jews and the Gentiles.

The fact that Peter allowed the Gentiles to spend the night is another indication that the walls were coming down. Peter selected six Jewish believers to go along as witnesses (Acts 11:12), three times the official number needed. It would take at least two days to cover the thirty miles between Joppa and Caesarea. When Peter arrived, he discovers that Cornelius had gathered relatives and friends to hear the message of life. He was a witness even before he became a Christian!

Lastly, to completely break down the walls and take the gospel to the world, we need to...

Step Out in Faith (17-23)

What we see here is a decisive moment in Peter’s life - a step out in faith that would redefine the scope of the gospel’s reach. Peter had to resist his religious and cultural biases and step out of his comfort zone in order to obey God.

Peter, faced with the decision to go to Cornelius’s house, had to choose whether to stay within the safe, familiar confines of his cultural norms or step into the unknown, embracing the radical reach of the Gospel. His choice to go, to cross a boundary that society and religious tradition had firmly set, exemplifies the action-oriented faith to which we are all called.

Stepping out in faith is not just about physical movement; it's a spiritual journey, an act of trust in God's plan over our own. It requires courage to go beyond our comfort zones, to share the Gospel with those who may look, think, or live differently than we do. It's about embodying the Gospel in our actions, not just our words. Just as Jesus reached out to the marginalized, we are called to do the same, reflecting His unconditional love and grace.

This step of faith is not merely a suggestion; it is a command from our Lord. The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, calls us to go and make disciples of all nations. This command includes people from every tribe, language, and nation. Our obedience to this call is a measure of our faith. Remember, faith without action is incomplete. James 2:17 reminds us that faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.

So, I encourage you, let’s not be content with the status quo. Let us look for opportunities to share Christ’s love with those who are different from us. Let's pray for boldness, for the Holy Spirit to guide us to the people and places where we can make a difference. Let us take that step, however daunting it may seem, trusting that God is with us, empowering us to be His hands and feet in a world that so desperately needs His touch. Let our actions speak of our faith and obedience to God, for it is through these actions that we truly live out the Gospel.