In Search Of Truth, Acts 10

Acts, Chapter 10


Cornelius was a Gentile (non-Jew) who had great respect for God and a desire to please him. But he didn't know some important details. In fact, although his intentions were good, he was missing enough information that he thought it might be appropriate for him to worship Peter when the Apostle arrived to speak with him! Despite this, God saw his heart and was pleased with him on some level.


So does this support the idea that God will accept anyone "as long as they are sincere in what they believe"? The text doesn't lend itself to that kind of conclusion. If God were content to have this man worship him in ignorance, he would have left him alone. Instead he sent an angel to direct him to someone that could present the truth accurately. And it wasn't until Cornelius heard the truth and believed it that his relationship with God was made right and restored. We see this happen in verse 44, when the Holy Spirit, who is God himself, enters into Cornelius and those listening to Peter.


This story is also interesting to look at from Peter's perspective. A devout Jew, Peter would have had the ceremonial law (designed to identify Israel as a chosen race) so ingrained into his mind that he would have shuddered to think of eating the mix of clean and unclean animals mentioned in verse 12. (Check out Leviticus 11 for info on "unclean" animals.) But Jesus had already made it clear that the ceremonial laws regarding food were being set aside. (Matthew 15:11) Peter also would have been hesitant to associate with non-Jews. Similar to the way Christians often avoid the strange or unusual people in our culture. ("I mean, what would my Christian friends think if they saw me hanging out with THEM!")


Like many of us, Peter had a hard time separating the tradition he grew up with from the truth. In this case, God went so far as to give Peter a vision in order to help correct his thinking! And because Peter was willing to step outside of his comfort zone, God gave him the opportunity to share the truth with a group of people that, at best, had an incomplete understanding of who God is. When Peter made the effort to discern the difference between tradition and truth, God used him to bring the ultimate, eternal gift to those who really wanted it!


Peter makes an important observation here. Based on what he says in verses 34-35, it becomes undeniable to modern readers that the Bible is intended for everyone. Every nation, every sub-culture. Beyond heritage or tradition, God wants everyone to be set free by the truth presented in the Bible!


No special ritual or ceremony required. No years of self-sacrifice or giving will buy heaven for anyone. (Remember, Cornelius HAD been giving financially to the Jews already(v.2), but God STILL wanted him to believe specifically in Jesus.) Genuine belief in Jesus is the trigger. After hearing and accepting what Peter said in verses 34-43, those listening INSTANTLY gained eternal life and a real connection to God.



Next Week: Change is Good!
Coffee House Question:What can you think of about Biblical Christianity that makes it unique from any other religion or spiritual path?