Study
18 From The book of Acts Is: Acts 9: 43 –
10:33
- See Notes 1 and 2.
Contrast the two towns of Joppa and Caesarea, and the two men and Cornelius. The scene is not set for the Gentiles to
receive the Gospel. Whose intervention was necessary to bring it about?
Whom ought we to thank for our reception of the gospel?
- How did God teach new truths to both Peter and Cornelius? Notice
the prejudice that had to be removed and the obedience that was shown. Are
you also willing to obey God when He teaches you something new and different
from your natural prejudice or preference?
Notes:
- 9:43. This verse really belongs to the Cornelius story. Joppa
was a very Jewish town, loyal to ancient tradition; Caesarea was a
semi-pagan city, modeled on Rome.
- 10:1. Cornelius was a Gentile and a God-fearer, who joined
with the Jewish worship, without becoming a proselyte.
- 10:4. ‘As a memorial’: the word is that used in Lv. 2:2 in
connection with the remembrance offering. The angel’s message assures Cornelius
that though, in his uncircumcision, he had no share in the sacrifices of
the Temple, yet his prayers and alms were acceptable before God.
