Acts 10

Introduction

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Have you every misused information? One of the things that I find really interesting is when people misuse very straight forward sayings. I’m not talking about someone not being able to explain what E=mc^2. I am talking about when people say “I could care less.” The saying is “I couldn’t care less.” If someone where able to care less that would mean that they care about whatever it is to some extent.

Sometimes, we have the tools and the resources in front of us, yet we misuse or do not fully think through the blessings that the Lord has given us.

Need

This morning, we are going to see Peter in terms of a prophetic figure like Jonah. And like the OT prophet, Peter had all the information he needed from God. However, sometimes we fail to comprehend what God is doing withe resources, information, and opportunity he has given us.

Referent

Acts 10:1-48

Organization

A New Nineveh (vs. 1-23)

A Grace to Gentiles (vs. 24-47)

Sermon in a sentence:

God asks for faithfulness.

A New Nineveh (vs. 1-23)

Cornelius is a Gentile who is living North of Joppa.

Unlike Nineveh, Cornelius was already living in accordance to God’s commands.

Like Nineveh, Cornelius responds to God’s revelation with fear and obedience. (vs. 4 & 7)

Jonah 3:6–7 “6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water,”

Peter’s actions, descriptions, and words sound like a OT prophet.

v. 10 says that Peter was in a trance (literally ecstacy - Genesis 2:21 and Genesis 15:12 “deep sleep”). Luke describes this encounter with God in similar terms as God’s encounter with Adam and Abraham.

v. 11 says that Peter’s vision is about eating food on a great sheet (literally sail). This sounds like Jonah swallowed by a fish after being through from a ship.

v. 14 - Peter initially responds with rejection to the Lord’s commands, similar to Jonah.

v. 15 - God has to correct Peter’s thinking similar to Jonah’s thinking.

v. 30 says that Cornelius had a vision 4 days ago. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days and then he went on a day’s journey before he preached in Nineveh. (Jonah 1:17; 3:4)

We know that Cornelius was terrified. We know that Peter was perplexed and did not understand why God was telling him to do something. Saints, isn’t this the Christian life? How often does God tell us not only what to do by why? I would argue not that often. Yes, God gives us wisdom and commands in his Word. But, we often don’t get a vision, an angelic visitor, or some trance when we are trying to type up an email or accept an offer for a building. Many times, God gives us just enough information for us to make faithful decisions. We don’t understand it all and we might be terrified. But, the Lord is using it.

Saints, do not let fear or misunderstanding detract from your faithfulness. If God is going to do something new, he will likely his people in very similar but new ways.

A Grace to Gentiles (vs. 24-48)

God uses supernatural means of grace for his ordinary means of grace.

(v. 24) Peter reminds Cornelius that men are not to be worshipped. God does never tells us to follow practices like venerating icons, saints, or objects. This is not an ordinary means of grace. God alone deserves worship.

Peter is given a vision and Cornelius is given a vision through an angelic messenger. Yet, God still uses a human preacher to verbally preach the gospel.

(v. 24) Cornelius had his whole family and relatives there to hear from God.

Oh saints, that is the kind of household I want to have. I want my children, my wife, and myself to expect God to speak to us. Not verbally or through a prophet like Peter. But, I want my family to expect God to lead us and sustain us.

(v. 34) God shows no partiality to people.

God doesn’t care about your ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

Romans 9:15 “15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.””

Salvific grace is nothing short of the new birth/baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The Jews could not deny these Gentiles into the family of God when they saw that God had poured out his spirit upon them as well (adopted them).

Our salvation out to be demonstrated not in tongues in this one unique event in church history, but in renewed lives.

Conclusion

I have no idea what God is going to do with our congregation. But I know that he wants us to be faithful even right now. Do not allow comfort and stability rob us of an opportunity to live in a fearful faith.

Application

Repent and believe in Jesus Christ.

Do one thing that is scary but faithful this week. Specifically, share the gospel with someone you have been afraid to share with.

Family members.

Friends.

Coworkers.

OR

3. Maybe you have doubted someone’s conversion with the Lord. (I am not talking about “luke-warm” Christians or those that demonstrate no fruit in their lives!) But maybe you have too harshly critiqued other believers for theological/political/practical differences. Remind yourself that they have the same Spirit as you do!