Cornelius and Family Received the Holy Spirit when They Heard the Word

Introduction:

*  As gospel spread from Jews (Peter) to Gentiles (Cornelius and family), this tells us:

1) Gospel (sin and the message of salvation) transcends human culture.

2) To bring gospel to a new people group, we must understand the cultural problem.

3) In cultural barriers, bring the focus to Christ.

* Holy Spirit saves sovereignly (How Cornelius and family received the Holy Spirit in hearing the Word).

* Human responses (e.g. raising hand, sinner’s prayer, baptism) are not factors for his salvation. 

Read <Acts 10:34-48>

1. <v34-35>: Character of God and His redemption plan.

1) God does not show favouritism.

<Lev 19:15> Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.

<2 Ch 19:7> Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

* God’s attitude toward man is not based on any external standards, we should do the same when evangelizing.

2. In every nation, there are people whom God elects and prepares.

* Neither the race nor good deeds of man are prerequisites for man to come before God.

* But God also does preparatory work in every nation, to prepare those who fear the Lord and does what is right to come to know Him.

3. <v36-41>: The life of Jesus and His death and resurrection.

*<v36>: Lord of all (Lord of Jews and Gentiles), preach the good news of peace (reconcile man to God and neighbours).

1)  <v37-38>: The life and ministry of Jesus.

(1) Jesus of Nazareth did the work that the Old Testament prophesied the Messiah would do.

(2) Jesus of Nazareth was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power.

* Must understand the importance of historical facts in Christianity.

2) <v39>: The death of Jesus.

* He was hung on a cross, cursed for His people.

* <Gal 3:13>... for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”

3) <v40-41>: The resurrection of Jesus.

(1) God raised Him from the dead.

(2) Jesus resurrected in flesh.

(3) Jesus only appeared to those whom God elected to be His witnesses.

4. <v42-43> The scope of gospel is universal (He will judge the living and the dead).

* We must not let cultural boundaries hinder the work of the gospel.

5. <v44> The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

<Jas 1:18>: He chose to give us birth through the word of truth...

6.  <v45-46> Cornelius and whole family were baptised by the Holy Spirit, and became the first group of Gentiles who believed the Lord in the New Testament.

<Ep 1:13>: And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.

7.  <v47-48> Peter baptised Cornelius and family, and taught them.