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 Acts 10     English Standard Version (ESV)

Peter’s Vision

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

¹⁷ Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

REFLECTION:

• The Jews did not want to interact with the gentiles, they don’t go into their homes, or touch their things, or eat at their table, etc. This is mainly because the gentiles eat what was forbidden by Jewish laws, they are ceremonially unclean, and interacting with the gentiles would make the Jewish people unclean.
• However, while Cornelius’ messengers were on their way to Peter, God used the vision to change Peter’s view toward the gentiles.
• What are some of the social and cultural barriers that you need to break through as you seek to reach out to your friends for the gospel?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, lead me in all unfamiliar places, that I may become familiar with them as my own home; help me with all the new people I meet, that I may know them as old friends; and give me humility and obedience to do things I may not want or dare to do, all for the fulfillment of Your will, so that it may be as easy as walking on level ground. Heavenly Father, all kindness and goodness in the world come from You, and all my wisdom and skill are gifts from You. Let me be gentle as a dove and wise as a serpent when I am among people, so that they may see the likeness of my Lord Jesus Christ in me, and experience the love and grace that come from You, just as I have received. Heavenly Father, You see every day as if it were a thousand years, and You see the whole world as one family. You can make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, and You can do all things that are impossible for me. Grant me and my brothers and sisters more courage and zeal, that we may overcome all difficulties, break through all obstacles, and go through mountains and valleys, wildernesses and rivers, from winter to summer, from dawn to dusk, into different communities, proclaiming the good news of Your redemption and eternal joy. May Your true light shine forth, and Your mighty power be revealed, and may all glory be given to You. Amen!

HYMN:

God Of This City – youtu.be/cEFGr1S8SkA