The Encounter between Peter and Cornelius <Ac 10:24-33>

Introduction:

* Through encounters, this world and human civilisation develop themselves.

* But the encounter between Peter and Cornelius surpassed all other encounters valued by people of the world.

（1）The encounter between Peter and Cornelius was not initiated by humans but by God.

（2）The encounter between Peter and Cornelius brought everlasting significance, not temporary human benefits.

* <Mt 24:14>: And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

* We must not value encounters more than the gospel.

* Those who know the gospel and are faithful to it will enjoy the encounters led by the Holy Spirit.

Read <Ac 10:24-33>

1. <v24>: What kind of attitude did Peter and Cornelius have when they met?

2. <v25-26>: Peter refused to be worshipped by Cornelius.

3. <v27-29>: Peter’s openness and obligations to Cornelius.

1）He understood the true meaning of the vision God gave him earlier concerning food.

* It was in fact meant to change his wrong view that Gentiles were unclean.

* Should Christians today keep Jewish dietary laws?

* <Col 2:16-17>: Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

2）He wanted to understand areas in which Cornelius needed him.

* Peter presumably understood that there must be a mission for him to complete when he came to the house of Cornelius.

* Accepting people is not merely in the mind, but it also involves having practical responsibilities toward the people being accepted.

* What obligations do we have today toward brethren of other denominations and the Gentiles?

4. <v30-33>：Cornelius’ prayer and submission.

1）Angel appeared to Cornelius during his fixed-time prayer.

2）What the angel told Cornelius:

（1）God has heard your prayer.

（2）God remembered your gifts to the poor.

（3）Send to Joppa for Peter. (Instruction)

3）Cornelius’ submission

5. Conclusion: When a blessed evangelist met a person who yearned to hear the gospel, then true revival will happen.