Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro

Background of Acts is story at two levels—one is the big story of the expansion of the Kingdom—the other is the change in the individual believers

These two necessarily go together— Kingdom is about people—and God’s agenda for world means nothing if it doesn’t mean positive movement in the individual

Goes back to —Jerusalem…--

their question—restore now…—were they thinking what Jesus thought when He did so much teaching about Kingdom?

IN a way yes—always cenetered around Israel—Cf —but then also “true circum” and “true Israel...” In a way no---Jesus saw Kingdom much larger and much better and more broadly encompassing

So they have an idea of what they are expecting—often what we expect with God is far different than what He actually has in mind—we simply don’t have the comprehension of all God has in mind

SO here in we see fulfilled—and keep in mind how each of those junctures would have created a gasp if they had really taken time to reckon with the implications (CF history w/ Samaria, and also Jesus to syro-phoenecian woman)

(Along the way pointing out--

Notice the list.

Same “devout” as Simeon… His list… like people I would witness to would say, “Im a good person, doin’t cheat or steal, take care of my family, work hard...” This man generous, prays, devoted.

And God notices him.

Go back to —if Kingdom gets fulfilled like they expect, where will Cornelius be?

On the losing end!

He is not just a solderi—he is an authority.

And it’s not just teh Roman army---he is the Italian cohort.

He is like a lieutenant to Hitler.

He is at the center of the bad people!

And God has regard for him?

But note that his being devout isn’t a substitute for salvation.

What 1 thing is missing?

Born again.

Jesus.

So God doesn’t say, “he’s devout, so I’ll accept that instead.”

What God says is, “he’s devout, so I’ll drag Peter across the country to get him what he needs.”

Now consider Peter.

Argues with God!

Not new!

But we understand.

Leviticus gives these things.

But note—there’s a difference between sinful and unclean.

And we have to reckon with God’s prohibition and now, “what I have MADE clean...” What meant?

Consider what Jesus told him at foot washing—you are clean… ANsd also, “it’s not what goes into a man...”

REmember that Jesus fulfilled “the righteous requirements of the law” so that they are no longer under the law.

So before, the ceremonial uncleanness would keep him from being close to God.

But where is God?

He’s with Cornelius!

Bot note distinctive—Cornelius gets angel and Peter gets vision.

Whyt’s the difference?

Holy Spirit.

Cf Peter explaining Joel—and now for him it’s different.

So God’ is expanding.

Later it’s poignant that it’s Peter who explains—referenceing Hosea—that we ewre once not a pelple but now… once not loved… Peter was at the front line when the wall came down.

So he carries this in a way that even Paul didn’t.

He got the command from Jesus—one of teh 12.

And now he has seen God cross that boundary line.

So Cornelius needs Peter—like people today need us to bring Jesus, no matter how good or religious they are.

And Peter needs Cornelius!

He still has such a limited view of God and the kingdom.

And if He is to know God, he needs Cornelius to help.

Cf concept of catalyst