Acts 10:17-23a
17 Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius had asked directions to Simon’s house, and they appeared at the gate;
18 and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there.
19 While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.
20 But get up, go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings, for I have sent them Myself.”
21 Peter went down to the men and said, “Behold, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for which you have come?”
22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you.”
23 So he invited them in and gave them lodging.
Now on the next day he got ready and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.
Peter’s Vision (3)
Application of the vision
“Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius … appeared at the gate.” (1) The vision was not about food but about Gentiles. Since God had cleansed the Gentiles, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles was restored. Peter had not yet understood this. (2) The arrival of the messengers clarified the application of the vision. It seems they took some time to find Simon’s house. The fact that this happened “while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind” indicates that everything was progressing according to God’s plan. The “gate” refers to the entrance gate leading from the road to the house’s courtyard. (3) They asked if Simon, who was called Peter, was staying at this house. At this time, Peter was completely unaware of the noise outside because he was contemplating the meaning of the vision. “While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him…” The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter: (a) Three men had come to visit you. (b) Get up and go downstairs. (c) Go with them. (d) I have sent them, so you have no need to hesitate. “So he invited them in and gave them lodging.” (1) Peter invited them into the house before setting out early the next morning. This was an invitation to a meal. He extended the hospitality of Simon the tanner to the Gentiles. (2) Peter and Simon the tanner overcame the barrier between Jews and Gentiles. However, a greater barrier remained: Jews being invited by Gentiles and staying in their homes. Let’s compare Jonah and Peter. (1) Jonah received the mission to evangelize the Gentiles but but he refused and thought of fleeing to Tarshish from Joppa – the opposite direction of Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3). (2) Peter is now in Joppa and is being called to respond to the mission of evangelizing the Gentiles. Surely, He had learned from Jonah’s failure. Blessed are those who follow God’s plan.
Today's prayer
Almighty God, all things are progressing according to Your plan. Help me to be one who follows Your plan, not one who opposes it. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.