Acts 9:1 ¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
I think this verse actually reveals that Saul was more than just a consenting witness to the murder of Stephen. In fact, it seems that maybe that event only incited him to want to become more aggressively involved in destroying all others that were followers of Jesus. The high priest gave him the authority to do just that in the city of Damascus in Syria. However, this wasn't the first such writ of authority he had exercised.
Acts 8:3 “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.”
Later testimonies reveal the passion with which he persecuted believers.
Acts 26:9–11 “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.”
Galatians 1:13–14 “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.”
Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
When Saul was near Damascus, he was suddenly surrounded by a shining light from heaven. It must have been quite frightening to cause him to fall down. Next, he heard a voice addressing him and asking him why he was persecuting “Him.” Saul’s response was to ask the speaker to identify Himself. The word “Lord” in his question was a term of respectful address—not an immediate recognition that the voice was of Divine origin.
The LORD then told Saul that He was Jesus, the One whose followers he was persecuting. To “kick against the pricks” is a reference to a pointed stick that was used to control an ox that didn’t want to follow the directions of the farmer. Often the ox would kick when pricked, and the farmer would have to prick him harder.
We know that Saul had heard a very eloquent presentation of the gospel from Stephen, but he had refused to accept its truth. He was “kicking at the pricks” that the LORD was directing toward his heart. This time, however, Jesus chose to prick more pointedly and speak to Saul directly.
Saul immediately understood the truth about Jesus. He knew that He had risen from the dead as His followers claimed. He knew that Jesus was at the right hand of God just as Stephen had declared. His response—LORD (this time with full understanding of His Divine Being), what do you want me to do?
Jesus tells him to go into the city, and he will be told what to do.
Another important truth from Saul’s encounter is that the LORD considers actions taken against His followers as actions directed against Him personally.
Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
Acts 9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Luke reveals that the men that were traveling with Saul stood by as silent witnesses. They heard a voice, but they saw no man. According to Saul’s testimony as recorded later in this book, his fellow travelers also fell to the ground, but did not understand what Jesus said to him.
Acts 26:13–14 “At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me….”
Acts 22:9 “And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.”
It seems that they heard something, but nothing they could understand.
Saul was blind for three days and had nothing to eat or drink during that time.
Acts 9:10 ¶ And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
In this section we are introduced to Ananias, evidently one of the leading Christians in Damascus. Saul makes reference to him in later testimony.
Acts 22:11–13 “And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me….”
The LORD Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision and told him to go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas to see Saul of Tarsus. He even told Ananias that Saul was praying (as he waited for God’s direction). He revealed to Ananias that Saul had been given a vision of a man named Ananias coming to place his hand on him so that he may receive his sight.
Historical note from Focht: The street called Straight still exists today and connects the east and west gates of the city. Saul was of Jewish birth, Greek culture and Roman citizenship. He was highly educated. Tarsus was a top academic center of the Roman Empire.
Acts 9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
Acts 9:14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
I can’t help but wonder if Ananias had heard from the LORD before. He told the LORD that he had heard of this Saul of Tarsus. His reputation preceded him. He was known for all the evil he had done against the believers in Jerusalem. He even knew that the chief priests had given Saul authority to take captive all in Damascus that were followers of Jesus.
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
The LORD didn’t respond to the information Ananias shared; He just told Ananias to go in spite of what he had heard. He revealed to Ananias that He had chosen Saul to declare Jesus to the Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel. In fact, the LORD told Ananias that Saul was going to suffer much as He declared the truth about Jesus.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Ananias posited no more objections and headed to Straight Street. When he entered the house of Judas, he put his hands on Saul and addressed him as “Brother.” The LORD had declared Saul to be a transformed man, and Ananias immediately accepted him as part of his spiritual family. He told Saul that the same Jesus that had appeared to him on the road to Damascus had sent him to restore his sight and empower him with the Holy Ghost. Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see. He got up and was immediately baptized, making a public declaration of his faith in Jesus. Again, from later testimony we know that Ananias encouraged him to be baptized.
Acts 22:12–16 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight….And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
Ananias reminds me of the truth that Peter declared; all true believers are priests before God, and can be used of God to do great things.
1 Peter 2:9–10 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Acts 9:21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Finally, Saul ate and was strengthened physically. He stayed an unspecified number of days with the disciples in Damascus. While there, he immediately began to preach the truth of Christ as the Messiah, the Son of God, in the synagogues. All that heard him were amazed. They knew that Saul had persecuted and imprisoned many for accepting Jesus as the promised Messiah. It seems that they had already heard that he was on his way to Damascus to take more prisoners back to the chief priests.
The more he preached, the more powerful became his message declaring Jesus to be the Messiah. He was already highly educated in the scripture, and it seems that his personal encounter with the Savior caused him to see many of those Old Testament prophecies with new understanding. I am sure that the ministry of the Holy Spirit in his life facilitated that understanding.
Saul’s preaching created quite a bit of confusion among the Jews. All of a sudden, a well-known Pharisee who had been aggressive in persecuting the followers of Jesus now declared Him to be the Messiah and the very Son of God. Saul is a prime example of the truth that no one is beyond salvation. Those we love that seem to be so hard-hearted and beyond our reach are not beyond the loving reach of our Savior.
We know from Paul’s letter to the Galatians that he spent some time in Arabia some time after his conversion experience and came back to Damascus before going to Jerusalem. Luke just didn’t include that information in his account of events. It reads to me like his journey to Jerusalem was three years after his conversion.
Galatians 1:15–18 “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.”
This would have given Saul three years of field experience and/or time of preparation before presenting himself before the apostles.
Acts 9:23 ¶ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
Acts 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
Acts 9:26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
After returning and preaching several days in Damascus, Saul found out that there was a group of Jews planning to kill him. They evidently planned to attack him once he left the city since they were watching the gates so carefully. So, a group of followers of Jesus devised a plan to let him down the side of the wall in a basket at night. We learn from his letter to the Corinthians, that it was from a window. I would assume from a business or home that formed part of the wall—similar to how Rahab enabled the Jewish spies to Jericho escape.
2 Corinthians 11:33 “And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”
It worked, and Saul headed to Jerusalem to join the disciples there. Even after three years, the disciples in Jerusalem were still afraid of Saul. They thought he was an impostor.
Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
Barnabas, however, became Saul’s advocate. He brought Saul before the apostles and told them about his personal visitation from the LORD on the road to Damascus. He then reported that Saul had boldly preached the gospel in the name of Jesus in that city. Taken in context with the verses from Galatians above, it seems he basically spent a couple of weeks in Peter’s company going about Jerusalem.
Acts 9:29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Acts 9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
During that time, Saul spoke out boldly in the name of the LORD Jesus. As a Grecian Jew himself, he engaged other Grecian Jews in debating the truth of his message. Evidently, he made enemies in the process, and they planned to kill him. When the believers in Jerusalem were made aware of the danger he was in, they took him to Caesarea and sent him to Tarsus, his hometown.
Eerdman’s Dictionary tells us the following about Tarsus: “Strabo describes the city during the 1st century C.E. as surpassing Athens and Alexandria in culture and learning. The city had a long history as a seat of learning and a school of philosophy.”
After Saul left, the churches throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria experienced a time of relative peace and growth—both physically and spiritually. They were especially sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit during this time.
I liked the observation made by David Guzik: “The fear of the Lord…the comfort of the Holy Spirit: Each of these are needed in the Christian walk. At any given moment a disciple of Jesus may more need the fear of the Lord or the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Often, God wants the comfortable to be afflicted (gaining the fear of the Lord) and the afflicted to be comforted (by the comfort of the Holy Spirit).”
Acts 9:32 ¶ And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
Acts 9:33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
Acts 9:34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Acts 9:35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Luke once again turns his narrative back to Peter, who is expanding his ministry more and more outside Jerusalem. As Peter was traveling throughout the country, he stopped to see the believers in Lydda. According to Easton’s Dictionary, it is “about 9 miles east of Joppa, on the road from the sea-port to Jerusalem.” Joppa was the main seaport for Jerusalem. It is not far from where Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv is located in Israel today.
In Lydda was a man named Aeneas who had been bed-ridden with palsy (paralyzed) for eight years. Luke tells it short and sweet. When Peter saw Aeneas, he told him to get up and make his bed because Jesus the Messiah had made him whole—and he did! Everyone in Lydda and Saron (evidently a name for the general area in the plain of Sharon) saw him and turned to the LORD in faith after hearing what Peter had done.
Acts 9:36 ¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Acts 9:37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
We are next introduced to a faithful disciple in the city of Joppa named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. This woman was widely recognized as one who did good works and was especially diligent to help those in need. She was sick and died while Peter was in Lydda. They prepared her for burial and laid her in an upper room. The disciples at Joppa had heard that Peter was in Lydda, so they sent two men to him begging him to immediately come back with them to Joppa. I would assume they also told him why.
Acts 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Acts 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Acts 9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
Acts 9:42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Peter went and they took him to the room where her body lay. All the widows gathered around Peter weeping and showing him the many coats and garments Dorcas had made for them.
Peter sent everyone out of the room and knelt down to pray. He then turned toward the body and said, “Tabitha, arise.” Amazingly, she opened her eyes and sat up when she saw Peter. He then took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then he called out to all the mourners and presented her to them alive! Again, it didn’t take long for this news to travel throughout all Joppa; and many placed their faith in the LORD in light of this evidence to the truth of Peter’s message.
Acts 9:43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
After healing Dorcas, Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a man known as Simon, a tanner, one who makes leather from animal hides. Because his occupation required him to work with dead animals, Simon was basically an outcast from normal society. Peter, however, was going to learn that it wasn’t things from the outside that made one unclean, but things on the inside.
The upcoming chapter will expand his understanding in this area.
Acts 10:1 ¶ There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Luke opens this chapter introducing us to a man in Caesarea, Cornelius, a Roman centurion (captain of 100) of the Italian Regiment. Most Jews would not have kind words about members of the Roman military, but this man was known as a very religious man that feared God, as did ALL those in his household (family and servants). He was also known for his generosity in giving to the needy and for being a great man of prayer.
This man’s testimony is one that every Christian should hope to have. I liked the observation made by JFB regarding praying and giving: “The one denotes the spiritual outgoing of his soul to God, the other its practical outgoing to men.”
Historical note from Courson: “The Roman army was divided into legions of six thousand men. The legions were divided into cohorts of six hundred men. The cohorts were divided into six groups of one hundred men—each overseen by a centurion. Centurions were the ‘master sergeants’ of the Roman army.”
Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
Acts 10:7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
Acts 10:8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
One day about 3 p.m. Cornelius saw and heard from an angel of God in a vision. Later in the chapter we will learn that this occurred during a time of prayer that had followed a time of fasting. Not only did he see this angel and hear him speak, he also heard the angel address him by name. It frightened him, but he was able to communicate with him and ask him what he wanted. The angel told him that God had taken notice of his prayers and charitable deeds—implied, and He was pleased. Not said but understood was that the instruction that followed was God’s response. Cornelius was to send some men to Joppa to contact a man called Simon that was also known as Peter and invite him to his home. He was told that Peter was staying with Simon the tanner that lived by the seashore. As noted in the previous chapter, I believe the tanner’s house would be easy to locate. The angel then said that Peter would tell him what he should do.
When the angel left and the vision ended, Cornelius called two of his servants and gave them the instructions for their errand. He sent them on their way to Joppa with the escort of one of his godly, trustworthy soldiers. His actions prove that he was confident that his vision was from God.
Acts 10:9 ¶ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
Acts 10:10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
Acts 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
The servants left on their journey the next day and neared the city around the noon hour. Peter had gone up to the housetop to pray and became very hungry. Before he could get something to eat, however, he fell into a trance—an altered state of consciousness. He saw heaven open and something that looked like a big sheet knotted at the four corners lowered to the earth. In the sheet were all kinds of four-footed animals, crawling things (the Greek references reptiles), and birds.
Acts 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
Acts 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Peter then heard a voice telling him to get up, kill and eat. Peter basically said, “No way; I have never eaten anything that is designated as common (not kosher) or unclean.
Peter knew it was the LORD speaking to him, and he still said “no.” At least he had a reasonable excuse compared to the puny excuses we make most of the time.
Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
The voice spoke again in answer to Peter’s comment declaring, “Do not call what God has cleansed common.” Evidently, Peter had to experience three rounds of communication before he was able to fully process what had happened and the sheet was taken back up to heaven.
This scripture again brings up thoughts about how God speaks to us. Frankly, most of my conversations with God are “mind to mind or heart to heart.” I have never received a communication from God anywhere near as specific as Peter’s.
Acts 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
Acts 10:18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
Acts 10:19 ¶ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
Acts 10:20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
Peter did not doubt the validity of his vision; he was, however, unsure as to what it meant. While he was pondering his vision, the Holy Spirit spoke to him and told him that He had sent three men to look for him. He was to go down and meet them and go with them as requested. It was at that time that the men sent from Cornelius showed up at Simon’s house and asked to see Peter.
Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
Acts 10:22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Peter went downstairs and identified himself as the man they were seeking. He asked them why they had come. They informed him that a centurion by the name of Cornelius had been given a message from God to send for him because Peter had something important to tell him. They described Cornelius as a just man that feared God and was well liked by the Jewish people.
Acts 10:23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
Acts 10:26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Peter invited the men to stay with him for the night, and then took off with them the next morning. Luke also tells us that six other believers (cf 11:12) from Joppa went with Peter.
In light of his vision, Peter didn’t hesitate to “lodge” the visitors even though they were Gentiles. It was interesting to note that the Greek for “lodge” included the thought of acting as host and entertaining one’s guests. Peter immediately acted in accordance with the principle that God had presented to him in his vision.
David Guzik brought up the fact that Jonah had sailed from Joppa in order to avoid acting in obedience to God’s command. He states, “Jonah ran from God’s call, thinking he could get away from the Lord, and he did not share God’s heart for the lost. Peter was willing to re-examine his traditions and prejudices in light of God’s word, and he shared God’s heart for a lost world.”
The next day found Cornelius waiting for them as they came to Caesarea; he had invited a large group of his friends and relatives to hear what Peter had to say. In other words, Cornelius was waiting with confident expectation for Peter’s arrival; he had complete faith in the truth of God’s word.
As Peter approached, Cornelius met him and fell in worship at his feet. Peter quickly informed him that such action was not appropriate because he, too, was just a man.
Acts 10:27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
Acts 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Acts 10:29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
“gainsaying” = denying or contradicting
They continued to talk as they headed into the home, and then Peter saw the large gathering. Peter didn’t dance around the issues. He pointed out that it was unlawful for a Jew to keep close company with non-Jews. God, however, had shown him that he was not to consider any man to be “common or unclean.” For that reason he had not hesitated to respond to the summons from Cornelius, but he wanted to know why they had sent for him.
Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Cornelius spoke up and told Peter about his visit from the angel and that the angel said that he had specifically come in answer to his prayer because of his generosity to others before God. He had been given specific instructions to send to Joppa to the house of Simon the tanner in order to find Peter. The angel had told them that Peter would have something to tell him when he arrived, and they were waiting to hear Peter teach them according to God’s command.
Acts 10:34 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Peter immediately shared with them the same lesson that God had taught him in his own vision. “God is no respecter of persons.” Every person that fears Him and does righteous works is accepted with him.
This attitude went totally against the accepted practices of the Jews of that day. Again David Guzik shares an interesting observation quoting from William Barclay: “…it was common for a Jewish man to begin the day with a prayer thanking God that he was not a slave, a Gentile, or a woman. A basic part of the Jewish religion in the days of the New Testament was an oath that promised that one would never help a Gentile under any circumstances, such as giving directions if they were asked. But it went even as far as refusing to help a Gentile woman at the time of her greatest need - when she was giving birth - because the result would only be to bring another Gentile into the world.”
Important point—One didn’t have to become a Jewish proselyte to be accepted of God. Jesus had ushered in a new covenant of salvation through faith to all people. As I have often heard quoted, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.”
Note how Peter combines fearing God with doing what is righteous. That affirms the teaching from James. Righteous works testify to a true faith.
James 2:26 “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Peter goes on to explain that God had sent Jesus of Nazareth in the power of the Holy Ghost to heal all that were oppressed of the devil—and that includes everyone that is unsaved and a slave to sin and the flesh. Peter further explains that the power of the Holy Ghost spoke to the truth that God was with Jesus. God specifically sent Jesus to preach the gospel of peace to the children of Israel throughout the land of Judea, beginning from the Galilee. He revealed that the baptism preached by John was intended to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the truth that Jesus was sent to share.
Acts 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Acts 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Peter goes on to explain that he and the six men with him (cf 11:12) had witnessed all that Jesus had done throughout the land, including in Jerusalem. He then clarifies that this same Jesus had been put to death by crucifixion. However, Jesus did not stay in the grave; God raised Jesus up to new life on the third day after His death. Peter emphasized that he knew this for fact because he (and the other men with him) and many others of His disciples had seen Jesus after His resurrection and had even shared meals with Him.
Peter then shared that Jesus had commanded His followers to preach to the people and share with them that God had appointed Jesus as Judge of the living and the dead—implied, the Judge that determines one’s eternal state. All the prophets foretold that the Messiah would be the One through whom ALL (“whosoever”—including the Gentiles) that believed in Him would be forgiven of their sins—completely pardoned of the judgment required by their sin.
Genesis 12:1&3 “Now the LORD had said unto Abram… And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”
Isaiah 42:5 “Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”
Daniel 7:13 “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Malachi 1:11 “For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Acts 10:44 ¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
As Peter was speaking, the Holy Ghost gave evidence to the faith of those listening to Peter by empowering them with the gift of tongues. Peter and his fellow believers understood that they were giving honor to God and recognized this gift as the very one with which they had been empowered at Pentecost.
Peter understood that God was affirming his vision once again. God is no respecter of persons; He loves every person and desires that all come to repentance and be saved—as he later affirms in his epistle.
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Peter knew that these new believers were just as qualified to be water baptized as believing Jews, so he commanded that be done. (I would assume by the six men accompanying him.)
The new believers in Caesarea asked Peter to stay with them for a while (implied—and he did).