What is the answer to inequality?
We clamor for solutions for true freedom, equality, individual rights, ethnic and racial tensions, and economic disparity. By themselves, our ideas and even our very best intentions are not enough. But really, we do know the ultimate answer to things like lasting change and reconciliation: the gospel of grace.
Cornelius’s life is a reminder of the great mystery of the gospel. In that day and age, there were distinct lines drawn between Jews and Gentiles, separating them by belief and ceremony, and many other practices, both cultural and religious. And so Cornelius’s story is a reminder that salvation belongs to our God, and the gospel is freely given to all who choose to receive it (Revelation 7:10; Matthew 10:8). From the beginning, the only answer to the tumult of human struggle, to the walls of social division, to the lines of entrenched hatred, is the gospel. God alone can do something new, transformative, and lasting, making “a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19). As the first Gentile to put his trust in Jesus, Cornelius was forever changed by a visit from an angel at three o’clock in the afternoon, a vision that put him on a journey that completely reframed his entire worldview.
Peter also had a vision around that same time, and the clean and unclean animals are a reminder of this truth. This was not chiefly a social realization; it was the direct act of a gracious God who, in His own time, opened the eyes of man to see exactly what Christ’s coming truly meant: that sinners of every race, clan, tongue, and nation, could be made new and holy by faith in Jesus Christ. God sent a vision to Cornelius, even as He sent the vision to Peter. However, the chief character in this story is not Cornelius, nor is it Peter—it is God Himself. In the same way, we do not receive salvation by our own actions or merit, but because of the merit and actions of Christ Himself. In each case, it is God who calls and justifies, sanctifies and glorifies. Our salvation and reconciliation to God are not of ourselves.
A remarkable scene ensues after Peter agrees to go to the house of Cornelius. We are told that Peter stands and begins to deliver the message of the gospel to the Gentiles assembled there, and “while Peter was still speaking… the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard” (Acts 10:44), making the message very clear: the salvation of man is not of man, but wholly of God—in God’s time, in God’s way, by God’s own doing. “What God has made clean, do not call impure” (v.15).
Like Peter, we need to remember that we are all human, but that through Jesus Christ alone, we all have access to salvation (vv. 36). We can join with all the people of the world, united in our calling to be about the business of “declaring the greatness of God” to a world that desperately needs to hear it (v.46), just like you and I do.
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37 thoughts on "Cornelius"
God is amazing. He does not need us to complete His work, but He chooses to use us and He is so gracious and patient in teaching us in the process. I love how God used one situation to teach 2 men different things. It reminds me that when I get so focused on my own agenda in ministry, I miss out on seeing what God may be trying to teach me. Through being yielded to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead me in what He wants to do, that’s when I learn the most and grow the most. God is not willing that any should perish…I don’t get to stand there and pick and choose who deserves to hear the Good News, no matter what social norms may say. Salvation is the Lord’s to give to ANY who would receive it! I’m so thankful for that.
Amen!
Yes, this is so good!
It’s not about the motions, God sees the heart and He wants our whole heart. Seek the Lord and live.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:4 NIV
❤️
The Lord gave me the verse Isaiah 43:19 over 4 years ago when I was going through the most difficult time in my life. It took all 4 years, but the way was made, the river was found, and I am free and healed from that difficult experience. There is a new way there and I praise God for that!
I feel like He gave this verse to me again through this reading, as today is my daughter’s 21st birthday, but we will not be celebrating with her. She has cut us off from anything in her life, because we do not approve of the life choices she is making right now. She is going down a very dangerous and dark path, one that we have tried very hard to talk to her about, but her heart is so hard, so angry, so hateful towards us. I was feeling sad today, melancholy, but this verse and this truth from God’s word encouraged me. God is moving, God is making a river in the desert. He cares so very much about the lost, so much that He continues to move and work in others’ hearts so that those who are lost will hear the good news. I pray today that there will be someone in my daughter’s life who will be bold enough to share the Good News with her, and that God will move in her heart so that she will hear it.
Praying with you, Laura.
Praise be to God… for always..
Amen..
Happy Monday Sisters.. as you go about His business..❤
Jesus, your great love for me and amazing grace that you extend to me- completely overwhelm my human brain and busted up heart. I love you! I trust you! Amen.
Lord, when you have new things to teach us, may we hear the leading of the Holy Spirit as clearly as Peter and Cornelius did with visions and angels. May we recognize your voice. We so desperately need to know which way to go each day. Move powerfully in our world today, in us. May you raise up godly men and women like Cornelius to be in places of power in our world, who will actively work to bring heaven to earth. People who listen for your voice.
Amen to Rebecca’s words ” We can join with all the people of the world, united in our calling to be about the business of “declaring the greatness of God” to a world that desperately needs to hear it (v.46), just like you and I do.”
I really like this study. The verse of the day on the Bible app is: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. If you get the YouVersion app there is a short teaching and a devotional too. This ties together with this devotional. When we talk to an unbeliever, we tell the truth of the Gospel or give our testimony. Share why we believe, but share with gentleness and respect. Here is a link to the written part: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/13779
May many come to be in awe of Jesus for time and eternity.