Conversions in Acts, Part 5, Peter’s P.O.V.

Introduction

As we discussed in the previous article, the conversion of Cornelius was extremely important as he was the first Gentile to be converted; this was ten years after the day of Pentecost. For this to happen, though, Peter and some other Jews needed to be prepared for this important event.

Since Peter was chosen to preach to Cornelius, God had to prepare Peter to realize that now all of creation was accepted in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Please read chapters 10 and 11 again and add chapter 9:36-43. This is where we’ll begin with Peter’s story.

From Lydda to Joppa

The story, from Peter’s point of view, begins in Acts 9:32 when he finds himself in Lydda where there were saints already dwelling there. He healed a man by the name of Aeneas (vs. 33-34).

Meanwhile a woman by the name of Tabitha, who lived in Joppa, had taken ill and died (vs. 36-37). Those who with her knew that Peter was in Lydda which was one town over and they sent for him.

He arrived and, upon the urging of those there (vs. 39), he prayed and brought her back from the dead (vs. 40). The chapter concludes with Peter lodging with a man named Simon who was a tanner. This man was a Jew yet he handled dead animals to make clothing and other goods from the hides.

Commentary from Johnny Stringer had this say in regard to Simon the Tanner from Acts 10:6, Simon the tanner’s house was by the sea, giving him access to the large amount of water necessary for his work. Because of his contact with dead animals, a tanner was regarded as unclean. Strict Jews, therefore, avoided that occupation. It is noteworthy that Peter was living in the home of one who was regarded as unclean, for God would soon impress upon Peter the fact that no man should be regarded as unclean.

Peter’s Vision

We pick up the story in Acts 10:9 where Peter went up on the rooftop to pray. He fell into a trance and this was the vision he saw, and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. (Acts 10:11-16)

Under the Law of Moses, the Jews were restricted from eating certain animals which were considered unclean. See Lev. 11:4; 20:25; Deut. 14:3,7 for this discussion. However, this vision was to prepare Peter for the event that was about to take place. You will notice in verse 16 that this was done three times to show the importance of this vision. For God to show it just once, might have been seen as nothing of great importance. But since it was done multiple times, it was to get Peter to understand that something far more important was about to occur. Peter even contemplated on the vison (vs. 17, 19).

The Summons to Joppa

By this time, the two servants and the loyal soldier (Acts 10:7-8) had arrived at the home of Simon the Tanner and inquired for Peter. The Spirit said to Peter, “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” (Acts 10:19-20)

Peter went to meet them and inquired their purpose for being there. And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” (Acts 10:22)

Although the Spirit sent them, Peter was still ‘in the dark’ as to who they were and why the were sent. Once the explanation was given, he had them lodge there and they would set out in the morning (vs. 23).

When they left Joppa, Peter took brethren with him; six in total (Acts 11:12) to go up to Caesarea. The more that witnessed the event that was about to take place, the more support it would be given when Peter went before the Jews in Acts 11.

Peter’s Sermon to Cornelius’ Household

Similar to his sermons in Acts 2 and 3, Peter gave an oration to Cornelius’ household (vs. 34-43). You will also notice that this is slightly different as this is a different group of people. He wasn’t preaching to the Jews, who already knew the Old Law, but to those who were, at the time, considered outside of God’s chosen people.

In the middle of his sermon was when the Holy Spirit descended upon Cornelius and his whole household. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:45-47)

This was, as stated in the previous article, further confirmation that the Gentiles were now accepted as well. If there was any doubt in the minds of those who traveled with Peter, from Joppa, it should have been erased at this moment. Not having seen this type of event occur since the Day of Pentecost, ten years earlier, it had to have had a huge impact on them.

Conclusion

With the presence of six others, Peter was able to confirm that the Gentiles were now accepted by God (Acts 11:4-18). Something this important would not have been just witnessed by Peter alone.

Even when Jesus was resurrected, numerous people saw him and not just His disciples (1 Cor. 15:4-8). The more eyewitnesses to important events, such as these, confirms them and cannot be passed over as a mere fabrication.