Pastor's Sermon Notes: The Gentile Beachhead: The Establishment of the First Christian Church of Antioch (Acts 11:19-30)

The Gentile Beachhead:

The Establishment of the First Christian Church of Antioch

Acts 11:19-30
 

 

¹⁹ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. ²⁰ And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹ And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. ²² Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. ²³ Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. ²⁴ For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. ²⁵ Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: ²⁶ And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. ²⁷ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. ²⁸ And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. ²⁹ Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: ³⁰ Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Introduction:

Review:

Peter with Cornelius and his household in Caesarea

Peter in Jerusalem

“Beachhead”:[1]

The Beachhead at Dunkirk -

            the site of the retreat and evacuation from a continent

            (26 MAY - 4 JUN 1940)

The Beachhead at Normandy -

            the site where the invasion of a continent gains a foothold

            (6 JUN 1944)

Outline:

I.  The Hand Of The Lord Was With Them (11:19-21)

            - The Expansion (Explosion) of the Church

II.  Cleave Unto The Lord With Purpose of Heart (11:22-24)

            - The Exhortation (Encouragement) to the Church

III.  The Disciples Were Called Christians First In Antioch (11:25-26)

            - The Edification (Exposition) of the Church

IV.  Send Relief Unto The Brethren (11:27-30)

            - The Extension (Endowment) of the Church

I.  The Hand Of The Lord Was With Them (11:19-21)

          - The Expansion (Explosion) of the Church

¹⁹ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. ²⁰ And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹ And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

1.  The Early Evangelism Limited to Jews (11:19)

2.  The Initial Evangelism of Gentiles at Antioch (11:20)

3.  The Effective Evangelism by God’s Grace (11:21)

1.  The Early Evangelism Limited to Jews (11:19)

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

This connects directly back to Acts 8.

Acts 8:4 - Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Consider the geographical extension, and then the difference that the Gentile Pentecost is now going to make on this discrimination in evangelism!

Phenice = Phoenicia, coastal area including at least four major cities north of Palestine, in what is modern Lebanon and portions of Syria

Cyprus = island in eastern Mediterranean

2.  The Initial Evangelism of Gentiles at Antioch (11:20)

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Cyrene = capital city of Cyrenaica in what is modern Libya

Acts 4:36 - And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 2:10 - Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Acts 6:9 - Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 13:1 - Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Mk. 15:21 - And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

What is the significance of the fact that these were Cyprians and Cyrenians?

The significance of Antioch as the “beachhead” for the launching of the great missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire cannot be overemphasized.

“From here onwards we have a narrative with Syrian Antioch as its centre of interest, containing three episodes, (1) the evanglelization of Antioch (xi. 19-26), (2) the famine-relief delegation to Judaea (xi. 27-30 and, after an interlude, xii. 25), (3) the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, based on Antioch (xiii. 1-xiv. 28).”[2]

“Antioch on the Orontes, a chief centre of the Jewish diaspora, now to become the metropolis of Gentile Christianity.”[3]

“Antioch, the capital city of the Roman province of Syria, had grown rapidly to become the third largest city in the Empire (after Rome and Alexandria) with a population estimated at around 500,000.”[4]

3.  The Effective Evangelism by God’s Grace (11:21)

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

The first must come first.  There is a direct cause and effect relationship going on here.

Notice the connection between faith and repentance - they believed and turned!

On the anthropomorphism “the hand of the Lord” (cp. “the finger” and “the arm” elsewhere) as a figure of speech for the blessing of God’s power see the following:

Lk. 1:66 - And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

1 Chron. 4:10 - And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Ex. 9:3 - Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.

1 Sam. 5:3, 6, 9 - 3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.

6 But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

9 And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts.

2 Sam. 3:12 (LXX) - And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee.

Is. 59:1 - Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Is. 66:14 - And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.

Ezek. 1:3 - The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

Mt. 12:28 - But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

and the parallel synoptic passage in Lk. 11:20 - But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

Acts 4:30 - By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

Acts 7:50 - Hath not my hand made all these things?

Acts 13:11 - And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

II.  Cleave Unto The Lord With Purpose of Heart (11:22-24)

          - The Exhortation (Encouragement) to the Church

 ²² Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. ²³ Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. ²⁴ For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

1.  The Grace of God is Visible (11:22-23c)

2.  The Grace of God is Joyous (11:23d)

3.  The Grace of God is Contagious (11:23e-24)

1.  The Grace of God is Visible (11:22-23c)

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. ²³ Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God,

On Barnabas:

“A better man could not have been chosen for this delicate work…”[5]

“…no other man is described by Luke as good in Acts…”[6]

What does the grace of God look like?

Is. 5:9 - In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.

Gen. 20:8 - Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid.

Acts 5:11 - And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Acts 9:31 - Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

 Ps. 9:38 (Symmachus; 10:17 ET) - LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

Acts 13:43 - Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

2.  The Grace of God is Joyous (11:23d)

was glad

3.  The Grace of God is Contagious (11:23e-24)

and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. ²⁴ For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Modern translations have vacillated over how to translate the clause at the end of verse 23[7], and in some cases have dropped the ball in communicating the true force of the original.

New American Standard Bible - “with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord”

English Standard Version - “to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose”

Holman Christian Standard Bible - “to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart”

New Interntional Version - “to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts”

Modern Language Bible (New Berkeley Version) - “to remain loyal to the Lord with steady hearts”

One modern translation in particular really “flattens” the force of this expression:

New Living Translation - “to stay true to the Lord”

The New English Bible may be recommended as coming as close as any modern translation does to what Barnabas, in these words in the original, was seeking to communicate to the new Gentile Christians at Antioch:  “to hold fast to the Lord with resolute hearts”.

A picture comes to mind with these words, that of Mary clinging to Christ in John 20:11-18, perhaps at his feet with her arms wrapped around his ankles. “Mary not only spoke to Him, but she grasped His feet and held on to Him. This was a natural gesture: now that she had found Him, she did not want to lose Him.”^[8] See also Matthew 28:9, “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”

Are you a centrifugal[9] or a centripetal[10] Christian?  Are you always pushing the limits of what is tolerable for believers, living on the “edge” as it were, close to crossing the line, on the fringe?  Or are you driven to the center, closer to Christ, attracted as an iron filing to a strong magnet?

The counsel of this good and godly man was in essence to persevere by closeness to Christ, and the effect of his exhortation was the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the church.

III.  The Disciples Were Called Christians First In Antioch (11:25-26)    - The Edification (Exposition) of the Church

 ²⁵ Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: ²⁶ And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

1.  The Search Party (11:25-26a)

2.  The Tag-Team Seminary (11:26b-e)

3.  The Distinct Designation (11:26f)

1.  The Search Party (11:25-26a)

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: ²⁶ And when he had found him,

Does this geographical extentsion of his travels from Antioch to Tarsus contradict his commission from the Jerusalem Church (see verse 22)?

This is the first mention of Saul since Acts 9!

Why would Barnabas do this?

“He evidently knew that Saul was just the man required for this work at Antioch.”[11]

2.  The Tag-Team Seminary (11:26b-e)

he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church,[12] and taught much people.

The First One-Year Bible Institute - cp. Word of Life

3.  The Distinct Designation (11:26f)

And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 26:28 - Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

1 Pet. 4:16 - et if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Acts 2:47 - Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Acts 6:1 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Acts 9:13 - Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Acts 9:30 - Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Acts 10:45 - And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 24:5 - For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Acts 27:3 - And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

IV.  Send Relief Unto The Brethren (11:27-30)

          - The Extension (Endowment) of the Church

 ²⁷ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. ²⁸ And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. ²⁹ Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: ³⁰ Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

1.  The Prophecy of a Historic Famine (11:27-28)

2.  The Provision of a Willing Relief (11:29)

3.  The Presentation by a Credible Pair (11:30)

1.  The Prophecy of a Historic Famine (11:27-28)

²⁷ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. ²⁸ And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Acts 1:15 - And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Acts 6:1 - And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2.  The Provision of a Willing Relief (11:29)

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

3.  The Presentation by a Credible Pair (11:30)

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Conclusion:

I.  The Hand Of The Lord Was With Them (11:19-21)

            - The Expansion (Explosion) of the Church

1.  The Early Evangelism Limited to Jews (11:19)

2.  The Initial Evangelism of Gentiles at Antioch (11:20)

3.  The Effective Evangelism by God’s Grace (11:21)

II.  Cleave Unto The Lord With Purpose of Heart (11:22-24)

            - The Exhortation (Encouragement) to the Church

1.  The Grace of God is Visible (11:22-23c)

2.  The Grace of God is Joyous (11:23d)

3.  The Grace of God is Contagious (11:23e-24)

III.  The Disciples Were Called Christians First In Antioch (11:25-26)

            - The Edification (Exposition) of the Church

1.  The Search Party (11:25-26a)

2.  The Tag-Team Seminary (11:26b-e)

3.  The Distinct Designation (11:26f)

IV.  Send Relief Unto The Brethren (11:27-30)

            - The Extension (Endowment) of the Church

1.  The Prophecy of a Historic Famine (11:27-28)

2.  The Provision of a Willing Relief (11:29)

3.  The Presentation by a Credible Pair (11:30)

[Sermon preached 16 MAR 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

---

[1] See Merriam-Webster at http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beachhead [accessed 17 MAR 2014]; and The Free Dictionary at http://www.thefreedictionary.com/beachhead [accessed 17 MAR 2014].

[2] F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952), pg. 234.

[3] Op. cit., pg. 235.

[4] I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint), pg. 212.

[5] Bruce, op. cit., pg. 236.

[6] Marshall, op. cit., pg. 214.

[7] τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας προσμένειν τῷ κυρίῳ.  On the infinitive προσμένειν see especially: Colin Brown, “Remain”, in The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, gen. ed. Colin Brown, English ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978; trans. from Germ. original, Theologisches Begriffslexikon Zum Neuen Testament, 1971 by Theologischer Verlag Rolf Brockhaus, Wuppertal), 3:223-229, esp. 228; Friedrich Hauck, “μένω, ἐμ-, παρα-, περι-, προσμένω, μονή, ὑπομένω, ὑπομονή”, in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, 10 vols., ed. Gerhard Kittel, trans. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, eds. Geoffrey W. Bromiley and Gerhard Friedrich (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1967; from Theologisches Worterbuch zum Neuen Testament, W. Kohlhammer Verlag, Stuttgart, Germany), IV:574-588, esp. 579; and Johannes P. Louw and Eugene A. Nida, eds., Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, 2nd ed., 2 vols. (New York: United Bible Societies, 1988, 1989), I:656, §68.11; I:729, §85.59.

Cross references where this verb is found in the New Testament are Mt. 15:32 (Mk. 8:2); Acts 13:43; 18:18; 1 Tim. 1:3; and 5:5.

^[8] W. W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1996), s.v. Jn. 20:11-18.  On this see especially D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1991), pp. 641-645; and J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John 10:31 - John 21:25, 4 vols. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, n.d.; 1990 reprint ed.), 4:377-383, s.v. “Notes John xx 11-18” on vs. 17.

[9] “Centrifugal force (from Latin centrum, meaning "center", and fugere, meaning "to flee") is the apparent force that draws a rotating body away from the center of rotation. It is caused by the inertia of the body as the body's path is continually redirected.”  Source:  Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_force [accessed 17 MAR 2014].

[10] Isaac Newton's description was: "A centripetal force is that by which bodies are drawn or impelled, or in any way tend, towards a point as to a centre.” Isaac Newton, The Principia: Mathematical Principles Of Natural Philosophy (Snowball, 2010), pg. 10.  Source:  Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centripetal_force [accessed 17 MAR 2014].

[11] Op. cit., pg. 237.

[12] “The first use of ekklhsia in Ac. for a community other than the original Jerusalem church either in its pristine unity… or in dispersion….Henceforth in Ac. the word is regularly used of individual communities of Christians.” Bruce, op. cit., pg. 238.

Pastor's Sermon Notes: Remember What the Lord has Done (Acts 11:1-18)

Remember What the Lord has Done

Acts 11:1-18

¹ And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. ² And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, ³ Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. ⁴ But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, ⁵ I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: ⁶ Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. ⁷ And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. ⁸ But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. ⁹ But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. ¹⁰ And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. ¹¹ And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. ¹² And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: ¹³ And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; ¹⁴ Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. ¹⁵ And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. ¹⁷ Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? ¹⁸ When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Introduction:

Review Acts 10

Outline:

I.  Remember the Word of the Lord (11:16) - The Gift of the Word

II.  Remember to Submit to God (11:17) - The Gift of the Spirit

III.  Remember to Give God the Glory (11:18) - The Gift of Repentance

I.  Remember the Word of the Lord (11:16) - The Gift of the Word

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

1.  This was a post-Ascension statement by Christ:

Ac. 1:5 - For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

2.  This has been prophesied by John the Baptist:

Mt. 3:11 - I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Synoptic parallels: Mk. 1:8; Lk. 3:16; see also Jn. 1:19-36)

Jn. 1:33 - And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

3.  One “Pentecost” remains during which the baptism of John the Baptist and that of Christ are again contrasted:

Ac. 19:2-4 - ² He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. ³ And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. ⁴ Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

4.  One Old Testament prophecy that may be alluded to in the reference to the baptism by Christ with the Holy Spirit in the fulfillment of the New Covenant is:

Is. 44:1-3 - ¹ Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: ² Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. ³ For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Another is certainly Ezekiel 36:26-27 - 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

II.  Remember to Submit to God (11:17) - The Gift of the Spirit

 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

1.  This is a recounting of what transpired in Cornelius’ house as recorded in Acts 10:

Ac. 10:43, 45, 47 - ⁴³ To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins….⁴⁵ And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost….⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

“who believed. or, when we believed. The participle rendered “when (we) believed” refers alike to “them” and to “us” (Thomas Walker). Notice it does not say that the Spirit was conferred upon their being circumcised, the point of the controversy, but upon their faith, that spiritual gifts were received. It is at the point of faith, not circumcision or ritual water baptism, that a person is saved and receives the Holy Spirit. There is no basis in Scripture to teach that the Holy Spirit gives his gifts to an unsaved individual at the point of his placing faith in Christ, but that the individual is not truly saved until after he has received water baptism. This is the point to the debate question, Do you baptize an alien sinner (an as yet unsaved person), or a saved person? The command of our Lord is to make disciples first, then baptize them (Mt +*28:19). Nowhere in Scripture are we authorized to baptize unsaved individuals in order to save them; they are baptized as a public confession to the fact that they have been saved. In this sense the Bible teaches believer’s baptism, not unbeliever’s baptism, as well expressed by P. W. Grant’s title, Christian Baptism the Baptism of Christians. The Spirit is conferred upon Jew or Gentile alike upon their faith in Christ.”^[1]

2.  This will be reviewed and amplified in the near future once again by Peter to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem:

Ac. 15:8-9 - ⁸ And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; ⁹ And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

3.  The reference by Peter to “the like gift as he did unto us” hearkens back to the Jerusalem or Jewish Pentecost in Acts 2 where they were commanded by Peter:

Ac. 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

4.  In this case with the Gentile Pentecost it is part of the fulfillment of one of the promises given by God in the Abrahamic Covenant:

Gen. 12:3 - And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

This is explicitly connected by the Apostle Paul in the Epistle to the Galatians:

Gal. 3:8 - And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Paul also expounds the significance of this blessing in his Epistle to the Ephesians:

Eph. 1:12-14 - ¹² That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ¹³ In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

5.  The notion of “withstanding God”, or the removal of hindrances to baptism are also reminiscent of two previous passages in Acts:

Ac. 5:38-39 - ³⁸ And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: ³⁹ But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Gamaliel to the council, vs. 34)

Ac. 8:36 - And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

“11:17–18 Peter concluded his report in Jerusalem by reminding his hearers once again that God gave the gift of the Spirit to the Gentiles and added, “Who was I to think that I could oppose God?” Once again he used the verb kōlyō in expressing the idea of opposition to God, just as he employed the same verb in 10:47 to question whether anyone could oppose the baptism of the Gentiles. Opposition to the Gentiles’ baptism would be opposition to God, for God’s leading of Peter and of Cornelius proved beyond doubt his intention to include them in his people. There really was not much the “circumcision group” could say now. God was clearly in it. Who could object? Silence quickly gave way to praise of God in his triumphant advance of the gospel. God had granted “repentance unto life” to the Gentiles.”^[2]

III.  Remember to Give God the Glory (11:18) - The Gift of Repentance

 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

1.  they held their peace

This stands in contrast to verses 1-3 where they confronted Peter with his actions and contended with him.

Is. 42:1, 6 - ¹ Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment….⁶ They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.

2.  and glorified God

Mt. 9:8 - But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Ac. 21:20 - And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

3.  Then hath God also to the Gentiles

Is. 49:6 - And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

[Lk. 2:32 - A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.]

Mt. 8:11 - And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Jn. 11:52 - And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Ac. 10:34-35 - ³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Rom. 10:12-13 - ¹² For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

This reality is celebrated by the Apostle Paul elsewhere in his Epistle to the Romans:

Rom. 15:7-13, 16 - ⁷ Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. ⁸ Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: ⁹ And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. ¹⁰ And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. ¹¹ And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. ¹² And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

¹³ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost….¹⁶ That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Ac. 13:42-48 - ⁴² And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. ⁴³ Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. ⁴⁴ And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. ⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. ⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷ For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. ⁴⁸ And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

4.  granted repentance unto life

God grants repentance - none can or will repent of their sins without being granted this gift of God!

Lk. 3:8 - Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Ac. 5:31 - Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

2 Tim. 2:25 - In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

Repentance is a Gospel command!

Ac. 20:21 - Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ac. 26:20 - But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Repentance is fully expounded in the great “Repentance Chapter” of the Bible, 2 Corinthians 7:

2 Cor. 7:7-11 - ⁷ And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. ⁸ For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. ⁹ Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. ¹⁰ For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. ¹¹ For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The purpose for which God grants His people the gifts of faith and repentance is to display that we are His workmanship in our good works for which we were created by God in Christ!

Eph. 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Conclusion:

I.  Remember the Word of the Lord (11:16) - The Gift of the Word

II.  Remember to Submit to God (11:17) - The Gift of the Spirit

III.  Remember to Give God the Glory (11:18) - The Gift of Repentance

[Sermon preached 9 MAR 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

---

^[1] Smith, J. H. (1992). The new treasury of scripture knowledge: The most complete listing of cross references available anywhere- every verse, every theme, every important word (1257–1258). Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] Polhill, J. B. (1995). Vol. 26: Acts. The New American Commentary (267–268). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Pastor's Sermon Notes: The Gentile Pentecost (Acts 10:24-48)

The Gentile Pentecost

Acts 10:24-48

²⁴ And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. ²⁵ And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. ²⁶ But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. ²⁸ And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. ²⁹ Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? ³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, ³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

 ³² Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. ³³ Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. ³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. ³⁶ The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) ³⁷ That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 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. ³⁹ 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. ⁴² 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. ⁴⁴ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ⁴⁵ And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, ⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Introduction:

Review the first half of Acts 10

Outline:

I.  The Sending by Cornelius - Explanation (10:24-33)

II.  The Sermon of Peter - Exposition (10:34-43)

III.  The Spirit on the Gentiles - Evidence (10:44-48)

I.  The Sending by Cornelius - Explanation (10:24-33)

²⁴ And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. ²⁵ And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. ²⁶ But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. ²⁸ And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. ²⁹ Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? ³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, ³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. ³³ Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

1.  The Meeting (10:24-27)

2.  The Clarification (10:28-29)

3.  The Preparation (10:30-33)

There are two explanations here.  One by Peter, and the other by Cornelius.

1.  The Meeting (10:24-27)

²⁴ And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. ²⁵ And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. ²⁶ But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

1)  ²⁵ And as Peter was coming in….²⁷…. he went in

One small step for Peter (as he went through Cornelius' doorway), one giant leap for the Church![1]

Two possible sources of illustrations of a reality-altering entrance or passage to compare to Peter's entrance into Cornelius' house:

(1)  Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There (1871).  Israel, look at yourself in this looking glass!  Peter has passed through!  Who is viewed as unclean now?

(2)  C. S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Vol. 1, The Chronicles of Narnia (1950).  The reality that Lucy discovered as she passed into the wardrobe was reacted to with unbelief by her older brother Peter, until he too entered the wardrobe.

The salvation-historical shift exhibited in Peter's passage through the doorway into the home of the Gentile Centurion Cornelius surpasses movement in other socio-economic cultural spheres that would also be astonishing or unheard of:

(1)  from the slavemaster's mansion to the slave's cabin,

(2)  from the Brahmin's palace to the Untouchable's hovel, and, 

(3)  From the Lord's palace to the peasant's cottage.

The salvation-historical shift exhibited in Peter's passage through the doorway into the home of the Gentile Centurion Cornelius was foreshadowed by and "opens the door" to a transcending of Christ's dining with tax-collectors and sinners (Mt. 11:19; Lk. 7:34), and His physical contact with the unclean (Mt. 8:2-3; and the Synoptic parallel in Mk. 1:40-41; Mt. 9:20-22; 14:36; 26:6; and the Synoptic parallel in Mk. 14:3).

Mt. 8:2-3 (Mk. 1:40-41) - ² And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. ³ And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Mt. 9:20-22 - ²⁰ And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: ²¹ For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. ²² But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Mt. 11:19 (Lk:34) - The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Mt. 14:34-36 - ³⁴ And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. ³⁵ And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; ³⁶ And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Mt. 15:22-28 - ²² And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. ²³ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. ²⁴ But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ²⁵ Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. ²⁶ But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. ²⁷ And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. ²⁸ Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Mt. 26:6 (Mk. 14:3) - Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

This transitional exhibition of the tearing down of the middle wall of partition indicates that now it is not just the crumbs from the table of Israel that is left for the Gentiles (Mt. 15:22-28). Christ has not just sent His Spirit in this age to the lost sheep of the House of Israel!

May we consider that there were three major phases in the transition from the Old Covenant Temple worship to the New Covenant realities in the Church?

(1)  The veil rent at the death of Christ, 

(2)  the middle wall of partition - understood as fencing the Gentiles out of the Temple proper, and restricting them to the Court of the Gentiles due to their ceremonial uncleanness and uncircumcised state - is now beginning to be perceived as having been removed, and finally, 

(3) the Temple itself destroyed in 70 AD.

2)  ²⁵ ….Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

 ²⁶ But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

What would have led Cornelius to do this?  What was he thinking?  

This may be related directly to what he had been requesting in prayer, which remains an unknown quantity due to details unrevealed in the inspired account.

Notice is made of other occasions in the Scriptures when prostration before created beings was corrected.  Darrell L. Bock[2] along with others makes comparison to Rev. 19:10; and 22:8-9.

Rev. 19:10 - And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Rev. 22:8-9 - ⁸ And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. ⁹ Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

F. F. Bruce notes that the verb is also used in Mt. 8:2; 9:18; 15:25; 18:26; and 20:20, in the sense of “paying homage to someone of whom a favour is being asked”, and not just of "worship" in a religious sense.[3]

A Gentile bowing before a Jew - a fulfillment or "foreshadowing" of the fullfillment of OT prophecies?  On Cornelius bowing down to Peter in relation to OT Millennial prophecies concerning the Gentile nations bowing down to Israel consider the following: 

Is. 45:14 - Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.

Is. 49:22-23 - ²² Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. ²³ And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. 

Is. 60:14 - The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 

Might what occurred in Acts 10:25 be considered as a "first fruits", foretaste or foreshadowing on an individual level of what will occur on a national scale in the actual Millennial fulfillment of the prophecies listed above?

What Cornelius does before Peter in Acts 10:25 may also be compared in this regard to the following:

Dan. 2:46 - Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.

Acts 16:29 - Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, (the keeper of the prison in Philippi)

2.  The Clarification (10:28-29)

²⁸ And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. ²⁹ Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

This is the crux of the matter!

Why would Peter speak of it being “unlawful” for a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation?  What is this based on?

3.  The Preparation (10:30-33)

³⁰ And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, ³¹ And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

 ³² Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. ³³ Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

We should focus on verse 33!

This is not your normal Sunday morning church service, but maybe…!?!?!

II.  The Sermon of Peter - Exposition (10:34-43)

³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. ³⁶ The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) ³⁷ That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 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. ³⁹ 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. ⁴² 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.

1.  The Wideness of the Gospel (10:34-35)

2.  The Word of the Incarnation (10:36-38)

3.  The Witness of the Apostles (10:39-43)

1.  The Wideness of the Gospel (10:34-35) - accepted with Him

³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

1)  The Impartiality of God’s Grace (10:34)

God is no respecter of persons

This follows on to what Peter had said when he first entered Cornelius’ house in verse 28.

2)  The Basis for God’s Acceptance (10:35)

in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him

How should we understand verse 35, since it seems to base acceptance with God upon our response and works?

Do not lose sight of the fact that this is spoken as a proof of the fact that God is no respecter of persons!

2.  The Word of the Incarnation (10:36-38) - God was with Him

³⁶ The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) ³⁷ That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 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.

1)  The Nature of the Word

(36) The word....(37) That word…

2)  The Proclamation of the Word

(36) …sent….preached….(37)…was published…

3)  The Content of the Word

(36) peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)

(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.

3.  The Witness of the Apostles (10:39-43) - whosoever believeth in Him

³⁹ 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. ⁴² 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.

1)  The Particular Identity of the Witnesses (10:39-42)

(39)…we….

(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.

(42) And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify…

2)  The Historical Focus of the Witness (10:39-41)

3)  The Soteriological Purpose of the Witness (10:42-43)

III.  The Spirit on the Gentiles - Evidence (10:44-48)

⁴⁴ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. ⁴⁵ And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, ⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

1.  The Reception of the Holy Spirit (10:44)

2.  The Reaction of the Jewish Christians (10:45-46b)

3.  The Response of the Apostle Peter (10:46c-48)

1.  The Reception of the Holy Spirit (10:44)

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Notice especially what is not included in the inspired record of this event!

Observe what did not happen both prior to and during this “Pentecost”!

2.  The Reaction of the Jewish Christians (10:45-46b)

⁴⁵ And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

The circumcison is astonished at the uncircumcision empowered by the Holy Spirit of God.

The purpose of tongues[4] has everything to do with convincing those of the circumcision who did not believe that God was judging their nation, and turning to the Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy. Tongues always has been a sign of the impending judgment of God for breach of covenant, and is always terminated by the dispersion included with that judgment.

3.  The Response of the Apostle Peter (10:46c-48)

Then answered Peter, ⁴⁷ Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

This is one of the most significant events in all of God’s dealings with mankind!

The “middle wall of partition” between Jew and Gentile has been broken down!  Christ is now making it clear by His Spirit that this is an accomplished fact.  Nothing would ever be the same again.  This major covenantal shift is directly tied to the fulfillment of the Abahamic covenant in Christ, the Seed of Abraham.  Here during this era of transition another large piece of the New Covenant reality is being magnificently and unmistakably displayed.

Eph. 2:11-22 - 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Conclusion:

We should expect to be led to and through the doorways in life by God!

We can count on being surprised by God!

God will open our eyes!

Having our horizons expanded and our misconceptions corrected is part of the process of our sanctification as we interact with the Word of God by the Spirit of God, and relate to other people!

God is in the business of smashing our prejudices!

God is not a racist!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ observes no national boundary lines!

There is absolutely no room for racism of any kind in the Church of Jesus Christ!

I.  The Sending by Cornelius - Explanation (10:24-33)

1.  The Meeting (10:24-27)

2.  The Clarification (10:28-29)

3.  The Preparation (10:30-33)

II.  The Sermon of Peter - Exposition (10:34-43)

1.  The Wideness of the Gospel (10:34-35)

2.  The Word of the Incarnation (10:36-38)

3.  The Witness of the Apostles (10:39-43)

III.  The Spirit on the Gentiles - Evidence (10:44-48)

1.  The Reception of the Holy Spirit (10:44)

2.  The Reaction of the Jewish Christians (10:45-46b)

3.  The Response of the Apostle Peter (10:46c-48)

[Sermon preached 23 FEB 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

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[1] Paraphrasing Neil Armstrong’s “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” (21 JUL 1969)  Source:  Natalie Wolchover, “'One Small Step for Man': Was Neil Armstrong Misquoted?” (27 AUG 2012), on

Space at http://www.space.com/17307-neil-armstrong-one-small-step-quote.html [accessed 23 FEB 2014].

[2] Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pg. 393.

[3] The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952), pg. 221.

[4] On this see especially O. Palmer Robertson, “Tongues: Sign of Covenantal Curse and Blessing”, Westminster Theological Journal, Fall 1975, pp. 43-53; and  The Final Word (Banner of Truth, 1993), pp. 41-51.