Subject: what is baptism |
Bible Note: Cornelius And His Household (10:1-48; 11:1-18) INTRODUCTION 1. Up to this point, the gospel had been somewhat limited in its outreach... a. It had spread throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria - Ac 9:31 b. But other than the Samaritans (who were half Jewish), it had gone only to the Jews 2. With the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household" the first Gentiles are saved... a. A conversion noted not only because they were the first Gentiles b. But also because of the miraculous events that precipitated the conversion a. An angel appearing to Cornelius b. Peter's vision, followed by the Spirit's instruction c. The Spirit falling upon Cornelius, his family, and close friends d. Cornelius and his household speaking in tongues 3. As in the case of Saul of Tarsus, we have more than just one account of the conversion... a. There is Luke's description - Ac 10:1-48 b. There is Peter's description, as he is called to defend his actions - Ac 11:1-18 4. Important questions are raised as we consider the events of this conversion... a. Exactly when did the Spirit fall upon Cornelius and his company? b. What was the purpose of the Spirit falling upon them? c. Were they saved when the Spirit came upon them, or later when they were baptized? [These are some of the questions I intend to answer as we examine the conversion of "Cornelius And His Household". Since we have two accounts, let's consider them together as we start with...] I. A HARMONY OF THE CONVERSION OF CORNELIUS AND HIS HOUSEHOLD A. THE ANGEL APPEARS TO CORNELIUS... 1. Cornelius, a centurion, is a very religious man - Ac 10:1-2 2. The angel appears to him - Ac 10:3-6 a. With an announcement that his prayers and alms have been noticed by God b. With instructions to send for Peter; please note: 1) The angel said, "He will tell you what you must do." - Ac 10:6 2) As Peter recounts it, "...who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved." - Ac 11:14 3. Cornelius then sends two servants and a devout soldier to Peter - Ac 10:7-8 B. PETER HAS A VISION... 1. While the three men are traveling toward Peter, he has a vision - Ac 10:9-16; 11:4-10 a. It involves a sheet descending from heaven, containing all sorts of creatures b. A voice tells Peter to "kill and eat" c. Peter objects, for he has never eaten anything common or unclean d. The voice tells him, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." 2. Three times the vision is repeated C. THE SPIRIT TELLS PETER TO GO WITH THE MESSENGERS... 1. The men from Cornelius arrive as Peter contemplates the vision - Ac 10:17-18; 11:11 2. The Spirit tells Peter to go, "doubting nothing, for I have sent them" - Ac 10:19-20; 11:12 3. Peter receives the men and takes six with him as they go to Cornelius - Ac 10:21-23; 11:12 D. PETER ARRIVES AT CORNELIUS' HOUSE... 1. Cornelius has gathered his family and close friends - Ac 10:24 2. Peter deflects an attempt by Cornelius to worship him - Ac 10: 25-26 3. Peter explains his presence a violation of Jewish custom, but now understands "I should not call any man common or unclean" - Ac 10:27-28 4. Asked by Peter to explain why he was called, Cornelius recounts the appearance and instructions of the angel - Ac 10:29-32; 11:13-14 5. Cornelius and his household were ready "to hear all things commanded you by God" - Ac 10:33 |