The Book of Acts: Discipleship In Action Pt. 47 The Glory & Authority Of Jesus Christ Displayed!
The apostle Peter is using the keys to the kingdom of heaven to open the door and sending the gospel to Gentiles in the world. Jesus entrusted those spiritual keys to Peter along with the responsibility of using them according to the will of God.
God sent Peter a vision of unclean animals let down from heaven three times to show that unclean animals (the Gentiles) were going to be accepted by God.
Peter's vision from God was followed by the Holy Spirit speaking directly to him, telling him to go to the home of Cornelius.
Now we get to the heart of Peter's message to the Gentiles, Cornelius and his household.
It helps to understand that Luke is not giving us Peter's sermon word by word. There can be no doubt that Peter preached much more than what we find here.
Rather, Luke is giving us an outline and key points preached by Peter.
Jesus Christ is Lord of all!
Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
Cornelius was a "God fearer" who acted with faith on what little truth he knew. He needed to know that God had spoken authoritatively by giving us the scriptures.
He also needed to know that God gave His word to us through Israel. All pagan religions had their own oracles and verbal traditions handed down, but God spoke to us through the Jewish people.
Therefore, Peter began by holding up the Word of God as the singular source of truth and the revelation of God to all humanity.
Second, Cornelius needed to know that no one can ever come to the Father in heaven except by repentant faith in the words, works and person of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Peter pointed Cornelius to Jesus Christ, who brings peace with God to all who will believe. Peace with God through faith in the finished redemptive work of Christ on the cross is certified by His resurrection from the grave.
The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, has authority over all. God intended to bring salvation to all men through Jesus Christ; and therefore proclaimed reconciliation with God to all, by him who is Lord, maker, preserver, redeemer, and judge of all.
"Lord" is a title reserved for Messiah and it means that Jesus Christ is the rightful owner of all things and ruler over all people. He created all things, He gave life to all living things and He purchased all things with His blood.
Authority of scripture proclaimed.
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;
Peter then began addressing what Cornelius knew about the things of God. As a Roman centurion, Cornelius would certainly have heard accounts of all the things going on in Jerusalem during the week of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.
Peter makes sure that Cornelius knows the Word of God about Jesus Christ was published, broadcast, and spread beginning at Galilee, Jerusalem, going out to Judaea and beyond.
Here is where Peter tells us what Cornelius heard. Someone had shared with him the baptism of repentance that John the Baptist preached.
Later on in the book of Acts, Paul found some disciples in Ephesus who believed having heard only the baptism of repentance of John (Acts 19:1-4).
What was the message John the Baptist preached? It was simply, Repent. John the Baptist spoke of repentance as a radical turning from sin evidenced by the fruits of righteousness.
John’s baptism likely had its roots in OT purification rituals (See Leviticus 15:13). Baptism had also long been administered to Gentile proselytes coming into Judaism.
The baptism of John dramatically symbolized repentance. Jews accepting John’s baptism were admitting they were like the Gentiles needing to become the people of God with changed hearts, an amazing admission, given their prejudice against Gentiles.
John did describe what repentance might look like. For example, publicans were to collect only legal taxes instead of adding extra taxes to line their own pockets. Roman soldiers were to not make false accusations nor to beat someone without a cause (Luke 3:1-14).
Luke shows that some Roman soldiers did hear John the Baptist preach and this is how Cornelius knew of these things.
Christ's perfect life put on display.
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 wanted to shine the light on the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He showed Cornelius that the Father gave His Spirit without measure to His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:34).
Jesus was God in the flesh and He spoke with the authority of God, did many miracles with the power of God, and did good things to so many people. Peter told him about Jesus casting out demons because God was with Him and in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, especially verse 19).
God was with Jesus Christ and God is with us. Remember, that the name "Messiah" means God with us. This is what Peter is emphasizing to Cornelius.
Why? Because Greek and Roman mythologies contained tales of the "gods" coming to earth.
The Greek gods lived on Mount Olympus, the highest spot in ancient Greece where they could see man's activities. They were known as the twelve titans who ruled earth using natural forces of nature.
The name "Jesus" means "Jehovah saves" and God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. He came to save us from our sins. Jesus Christ created all things by the word of His power. He governs the universe and gives life to all living things.
Cornelius was now being led out of the darkness of his culture and into the light of the gospel of Christ.
Christ's literal, bodily resurrection certified.
Acts 10:39-41 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: 40) Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 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.
Peter asserted his apostolic authority as a witness of the life and ministry of Christ from the very beginning until His resurrection and ascension to the Father.
He emphasized the crucifixion of Christ at the hands of Jews and Gentiles. Cornelius needed to know that all people stood guilty before God for the death of His Son.
Then, Peter showed the glory of Christ's resurrection from the dead. His resurrection is the basis for God giving salvation, redemption, sanctification, justification, grace and mercy to all who repent and believe.
Peter showed that Jesus was dead three days as the scriptures foretold and was raised on the third day. There was no question that Jesus was dead, which demonstrates the power of His resurrection.
Peter then told Cornelius that God ordained witnesses of Christ's resurrection. He told how the disciples ate food and drank with them. John's gospel tells how Jesus prepared fish for them to eat (See John 21:1-12). Luke's gospel adds that Jesus ate honeycomb with them (See Luke 24:37-44).
Peter emphasized the literal, bodily resurrection of Christ because some did not believe in any resurrection. Others thought it was only spiritual, but God's Word says our bodies will be changed into new, glorified bodies in that day.
Jesus Christ is Judge of all people.
Acts 10:42-43 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. 43) To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Peter then told Cornelius that Jesus commanded them to preach the gospel and testify that Jesus Christ was the Judge of the quick (living) and the dead. John's gospel tells us there is a resurrection of life and a resurrection of damnation (John 5:19-29).
Thus, Peter gave Cornelius a clear testimony that the risen Christ will return at a day appointed by the Father to judge all people.
We who are born again will be part of the resurrection of life. Our service and motivation for Christ will be judged (1 Corinthians 3:10-23).
The believer's sin was dealt with at the cross and our repentant faith in Christ brings full pardon and full forgiveness from the Father (See Colossians 1:10-23; 2:6-15).
There is no condemnation on all who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and who walk after the Spirit (Romans 8:1).
Points to Ponder...
John 5:28-29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 5 makes it clear that the heavenly Father has committed all judgment to His Son, Jesus Christ.
Peter made all these truths clear to Cornelius as he demonstrated that the One whom John the Baptist spoke of was Jesus Christ.
When we share the gospel with others, we should emphasize the same truths that Peter did.
- Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
- The authority of inspired scripture.
- The perfect life of Christ, His words & works.
- His literal, bodily resurrection from the dead.
- The certainty of Christ returning as Judge, King and Lord of all.
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