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Acts Chapter
Ten
Acts 10
The undiminished power of Peter
his apostolic authority
in the midst of which the entrance of Cornelius into the spiritual house of God
takes place
in connection with Peter's ministry
and that
after the calling
of Saul
which opened a new perspective-all these facts taken together
confirmed that which went before. The original work was in no wise set aside to
bring in another. Nevertheless
Peter's vision did not reveal the assembly as
the body of Christ
neither did the admission of Cornelius. They only shewed
that in every nation he who feared God was acceptable to Him-in a word
that
the favour of God was not limited to the Jews
and that there was no need of
becoming a Jew in order to share the salvation that is in Christ. The oneness
of the body united to its Head in heaven was not brought out by this event; but
it prepared the way for the promulgation of that truth
since in fact the
Gentile was admitted on earth without becoming a Jew. The thing was done on
earth individually
although the doctrine itself was not taught. Repentance
unto life eternal was granted to the Gentiles as such. The Holy Ghost-the seal
of christian blessing among the Jews
the fruit of redemption accomplished by
Jesus-was given to Gentiles as to Jews. The latter might be astonished at it;
but there was no resisting God. Through grace they could praise Him for it.
From chapter 9:32 to 11:18
we find then
the power of the Spirit of
God with Peter in the midst of Israel
and the admission of Gentiles into the
earthly assembly
without their becoming Jews
or submitting to the ancient
order which was passing away; the seal of the Spirit put upon them; and the
heads of the assembly at Jerusalem
and the most ardent of the circumcision
accepting the fact as the will of God
and praising Him while submitting to it
in spite of their prejudices. The door then is open to the Gentile. This was an
immense step. The precious doctrine of the assembly had yet to be announced.
Peter had proclaimed the call of the Gentiles in his
first discourse; but to realise it
and give form to its conditions
in
connection with that which had already existed historically
required the
intervention
the authority
and the revelation of God. Progress is evident
through the patient grace of God; for it was not the wisdom of man. Altogether
Jewish at the commencement
the people of Jerusalem were taught that Jesus
would return if they repented. This testimony of grace is rejected
and
in the
person of him who maintained it
the firstfruits of the assembly go up to
heaven. The Holy Ghost
in His sovereign liberty
acts in Samaria and among the
proselytes. The assembly being scattered by the persecution
Saul is brought in
by the revelation of a glorious Christ
and by a testimony from His mouth which
implies the union of saints on earth with Himself their Head in heaven as only
one body. After this a pious Gentile
converted but still a Gentile
receives
faith in Christ and the Holy Ghost; so that
marked out by this testimony-this seal
from God Himself to his faith-the apostle and the disciples who were the most
attached to Judaism receive him; Peter by baptising him
and the others by
accepting Peter's act.
Let us notice here
that salvation is not only the fact
of being quickened and pious
but that of complete deliverance so as to present
us to Himself in righteousness
which God grants to every one who has life
through the operation of God. Cornelius was pious and earnestly so; but he
hears words of a work done for him whereby he may be
and (as we know) was
saved. Finally the seal of the Holy Ghost
upon believing in Jesus
[1] is the ground on which those whom God
accepts are acknowledged. That is to say
it is the full evidence for man.
[1] If
we examine closely the scriptures in its statements and facts
we shall find
I
think
as to detail
that it is faith in the work of Jesus for the remission of
sins which is sealed.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》
Acts 10
Chapter Contents
Cornelius directed to send for Peter. (1-8) Peter's
vision. (9-18) He goes to Cornelius. (19-33) His discourse to Cornelius. (34-43)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out. (44-48)
Commentary on Acts 10:1-8
(Read Acts 10:1-8)
Hitherto none had been baptized into the Christian church
but Jews
Samaritans
and those converts who had been circumcised and observed
the ceremonial law; but now the Gentiles were to be called to partake all the
privileges of God's people
without first becoming Jews. Pure and undefiled
religion is sometimes found where we least expect it. Wherever the fear of God
rules in the heart
it will appear both in works of charity and of piety
neither will excuse from the other. Doubtless Cornelius had true faith in God's
word
as far as he understood it
though not as yet clear faith in Christ. This
was the work of the Spirit of God
through the mediation of Jesus
even before
Cornelius knew him
as is the case with us all when we
who before were dead in
sin
are made alive. Through Christ also his prayers and alms were accepted
which otherwise would have been rejected. Without dispute or delay Cornelius
was obedient to the heavenly vision. In the affairs of our souls
let us not
lose time.
Commentary on Acts 10:9-18
(Read Acts 10:9-18)
The prejudices of Peter against the Gentiles
would have
prevented his going to Cornelius
unless the Lord had prepared him for this
service. To tell a Jew that God had directed those animals to be reckoned clean
which were hitherto deemed unclean
was in effect saying
that the law of Moses
was done away. Peter was soon made to know the meaning of it. God knows what
services are before us
and how to prepare us; and we know the meaning of what
he has taught us
when we find what occasion we have to make use of it.
Commentary on Acts 10:19-33
(Read Acts 10:19-33)
When we see our call clear to any service
we should not
be perplexed with doubts and scruples arising from prejudices or former ideas.
Cornelius had called together his friends
to partake with him of the heavenly
wisdom he expected from Peter. We should not covet to eat our spiritual morsels
alone. It ought to be both given and taken as kindness and respect to our
kindred and friends
to invite them to join us in religious exercises.
Cornelius declared the direction God gave him to send for Peter. We are right
in our aims in attending a gospel ministry
when we do it with regard to the
Divine appointment requiring us to make use of that ordinance. How seldom
ministers are called to speak to such companies
however small
in which it may
be said that they are all present in the sight of God
to hear all things that
are commanded of God! But these were ready to hear what Peter was commanded of
God to say.
Commentary on Acts 10:34-43
(Read Acts 10:34-43)
Acceptance cannot be obtained on any other ground than
that of the covenant of mercy
through the atonement of Christ; but wherever
true religion is found
God will accept it without regarding names or sects.
The fear of God and works of righteousness are the substance of true religion
the effects of special grace. Though these are not the cause of a man's
acceptance
yet they show it; and whatever may be wanting in knowledge or
faith
will in due time be given by Him who has begun it. They knew in general
the word
that is
the gospel
which God sent to the children of Israel. The
purport of this word was
that God by it published the good tidings of peace by
Jesus Christ. They knew the several matters of fact relating to the gospel.
They knew the baptism of repentance which John preached. Let them know that
this Jesus Christ
by whom peace is made between God and man
is Lord of all;
not only as over all
God blessed for evermore
but as Mediator. All power
both in heaven and in earth
is put into his hand
and all judgment committed
to him. God will go with those whom he anoints; he will be with those to whom
he has given his Spirit. Peter then declares Christ's resurrection from the
dead
and the proofs of it. Faith has reference to a testimony
and the
Christian faith is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets
on
the testimony given by them. See what must be believed concerning him. That we
are all accountable to Christ as our Judge; so every one must seek his favour
and to have him as our Friend. And if we believe in him
we shall all be
justified by him as our Righteousness. The remission of sins lays a foundation
for all other favours and blessings
by taking that out of the way which
hinders the bestowing of them. If sin be pardoned
all is well
and shall end
well for ever.
Commentary on Acts 10:44-48
(Read Acts 10:44-48)
The Holy Ghost fell upon others after they were baptized
to confirm them in the faith; but upon these Gentiles before they were
baptized
to show that God does not confine himself to outward signs. The Holy
Ghost fell upon those who were neither circumcised nor baptized; it is the
Spirit that quickeneth
the flesh profiteth nothing. They magnified God
and
spake of Christ and the benefits of redemption. Whatever gift we are endued with
we ought to honour God with it. The believing Jews who were present
were
astonished that the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the Gentiles
also. By mistaken notions of things
we make difficult for ourselves as to the
methods of Divine providence and grace. As they were undeniably baptized with
the Holy Ghost
Peter concluded they were not to be refused the baptism of
water
and the ordinance was administered. The argument is conclusive; can we
deny the sign to those who have received the things signified? Those who have
some acquaintance with Christ
cannot but desire more. Even those who have
received the Holy Ghost
must see their need of daily learning more of the
truth.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》
Acts 10
Verse 2
[2] A
devout man
and one that feared God with all his house
which gave much alms to
the people
and prayed to God alway.
Who gave much alms to the people — That is
to the Jews
many of whom were at that time extremely poor.
Verse 3
[3] He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of
God coming in to him
and saying unto him
Cornelius.
He saw in a vision —
Not in a trance
like Peter: plainly
so as to leave one not accustomed to
things of this kind no room to suspect any imposition.
Verse 4
[4] And
when he looked on him
he was afraid
and said
What is it
Lord? And he said
unto him
Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a
memorial before God — Dare any man say
These were only splendid
sins? Or that they were an abomination before God? And yet it is certain
in
the Christian sense Cornelius was then an unbeliever. He had not then faith in
Christ. So certain it is
that every one who seeks faith in Christ
should seek
it in prayer
and doing good to all men: though in strictness what is not
exactly according to the Divine rule must stand in need of Divine favour and
indulgence.
Verse 8
[8] And
when he had declared all these things unto them
he sent them to Joppa.
A devout soldier —
How many such attendants have our modern officers? A devout soldier would now
be looked upon as little better than a deserter from his colours.
Verse 10
[10] And he became very hungry
and would have eaten: but while they made
ready
he fell into a trance
And he became very hungry — At the usual meal time. The symbols in visions and trances
it is easy
to observe
are generally suited to the state of the natural faculties.
Verse 11
[11] And
saw heaven opened
and a certain vessel descending unto him
as it had been a
great sheet knit at the four corners
and let down to the earth:
Tied at the corners —
Not all in one knot
but each fastened as it were up to heaven.
Verse 14
[14] But
Peter said
Not so
Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or
unclean.
But Peter said
In nowise
Lord — When God commands a strange or seemingly improper thing
the first
objection frequently finds pardon. But it ought not to be repeated. This doubt
and delay of St. Peter had several good effects. Hereby the will of God in this
important point was made more evident and incontestable. And Peter also
having
been so slow of belief himself
could the more easily bear the doubting of his
brethren
Acts 11:2
etc.
Verse 15
[15] And
the voice spake unto him again the second time
What God hath cleansed
that
call not thou common.
What God hath purified — Hath made and declared clean. Nothing but what is clean can come down
from heaven. St. Peter well remembered this saying in the council at Jerusalem
Acts 15:9.
Verse 16
[16] This
was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
This was done thrice — To make the deeper impression.
Verse 17
[17] Now
while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean
behold
the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's
house
and stood before the gate
While Peter doubted in himself
behold the
men — Frequently the things which befall us
within and from without at the same time
are a key to each other. The things
which thus concur and agree together
ought to be diligently attended to.
Verse 19
[19]
While Peter thought on the vision
the Spirit said unto him
Behold
three men
seek thee.
Behold three men seek thee
arise therefore
and go down
and go with them
doubting nothing —
How gradually was St. Peter prepared to receive this new admonition of the
Spirit! Thus God is went to lead on his children by degrees
always giving them
light for the present hour.
Verse 24
[24] And
the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them
and
had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
Cornelius was waiting for them — Not engaging himself in any secular business during that solemn time
but being altogether intent on this one thing.
Verse 26
[26] But
Peter took him up
saying
Stand up; I myself also am a man.
I myself also am a man — And not God
who alone ought to be worshipped
Matthew 4:10. Have all his pretended successors
attended to this?
Verse 28
[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.
But God hath showed me — He speaks sparingly to them of his former doubt
and his late vision.
Verse 29
[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?
I ask for what intent ye have sent for me? — St. Peter knew this already. But he puts Cornelius on telling the story
both that the rest might be informed
and Cornelius himself more impressed by
the narration: the repetition of which
even as we read it
gives a new dignity
and spirit to Peter's succeeding discourse
Verse 30
[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
Four days ago I was fasting — The first of these days he had the vision; the second his messengers
came to Joppa; on the third
St. Peter set out; and on the fourth
came to
Cesarea.
Verse 31
[31] And
said
Cornelius
thy prayer is heard
and thine alms are had in remembrance in
the sight of God.
Thy prayer is heard —
Doubtless he had been praying for instruction
how to worship God in the most
acceptable manner.
Verse 33
[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.
Now therefore we are all present before God — The language of every truly Christian congregation.
Verse 34
[34] Then
Peter opened his mouth
and said
Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons:
I perceive of a truth — More clearly than ever
from such a concurrence of circumstances.
That God is not a respecter of persons — Is not partial in his love. The words mean
in a particular sense
that
he does not confine his love to one nation; in a general
that he is loving to
every man
and willeth all men should be saved.
Verse 35
[35] But
in every nation he that feareth him
and worketh righteousness
is accepted
with him.
But in every nation he that feareth God and
worketh righteousness — He that
first
reverences God
as great
wise
good
the cause
end
and governor of all things; and secondly
from this
awful regard to him
not only avoids all known evil
but endeavours
according
to the best light he has
to do all things well; is accepted of him - Through
Christ
though he knows him not. The assertion is express
and admits of no
exception. He is in the favour of God
whether enjoying his written word and
ordinances or not. Nevertheless the addition of these is an unspeakable
blessing to those who were before in some measure accepted. Otherwise God would
never have sent an angel from heaven to direct Cornelius to St. Peter.
Verse 36
[36] The
word which God sent unto the children of Israel
preaching peace by Jesus
Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
This is the word which God sent — When he sent his Son into the world
preaching - Proclaiming by
him-peace between God and man
whether Jew or Gentile
by the God-man. He is
Lord of both; yea
Lord of and over all.
Verse 37
[37] That
word
I say
ye know
which was published throughout all Judaea
and began from
Galilee
after the baptism which John preached;
Ye know the word which was published — You know the facts in general
the meaning of which I shall now more
particularly explain and confirm to you.
The baptism which John preached — To which he invited them by his preaching
in token of their repentance.
This began in Galilee
which is near Cesarea.
Verse 38
[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.
How God anointed Jesus — Particularly at his baptism
thereby inaugurating him to his office:
with the Holy Ghost and with power - It is worthy our remark
that frequently
when the Holy Ghost is mentioned there is added a word particularly adapted to
the present circumstance. So the deacons were to be full of the Holy Ghost and
wisdom
Acts 6:3. Barnabas was full of the Holy Ghost
and faith
Acts 11:24. The disciples were filled with joy
and with the Holy Ghost
Acts 13:52. And here
where his mighty works are
mentioned
Christ himself is said to be anointed with the Holy Ghost and with
power. For God was with him-He speaks sparingly here of the majesty of Christ
as considering the state of his hearers.
Verse 41
[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.
Not now to all the people — As before his death; to us who did eat and drink with him - That is
conversed familiarly and continually with him
in the time of his ministry.
Verse 42
[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.
It is he who is ordained by God the Judge of
the living and the dead — Of all men
whether they are alive at his
coming
or had died before it. This was declaring to them
in the strongest
terms
how entirely their happiness depended on a timely and humble subjection
to him who was to be their final Judge.
Verse 43
[43] To
him give all the prophets witness
that through his name whosoever believeth in
him shall receive remission of sins.
To him give all the prophets witness — Speaking to heathens he does not quote any in particular; that every one
who believeth in him - Whether he be Jew or Gentile; receiveth remission of
sins - Though he had not before either feared God
or worked righteousness.
Verse 44
[44]
While Peter yet spake these words
the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard
the word.
The Holy Ghost fell on all that were hearing
the word — Thus were they consecrated to God
as the
first fruits of the Gentiles. And thus did God give a clear and satisfactory
evidence
that he had accepted them as well as the Jews.
Verse 45
[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.
The believers of the circumcision — The believing Jews.
Verse 47
[47] Can
any man forbid water
that these should not be baptized
which have received
the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Can any man forbid water
that these should
not be baptized
who have received the Holy Ghost? — He
does not say they have the baptism of the Spirit; therefore they do not need
baptism with water. But just the contrary: if they have received the Spirit
then baptize them with water. How easily is this question decided
if we will
take the word of God for our rule! Either men have received the Holy Ghost or
not. If they have not
Repent
saith God
and be baptized
and ye shall receive
the gift of the Holy Ghost. If they have
if they are already baptized with the
Holy Ghost
then who can forbid water?
Verse 48
[48] And
he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him
to tarry certain days.
In the name of the Lord — Which implies the Father who anointed him
and the Spirit with which he
was anointed to his office. But as the Gentiles had before believed in God the
Father
and could not but now believe in the Holy Ghost
under whose powerful
influence they were at this very time
there was the less need of taking
notice
that they were baptized into the belief and profession of the sacred
Three: though doubtless the apostle administered the ordinances in that very
form which Christ himself had prescribed.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Acts》
Chapter 10. Remove the Barrier
What God Has
Made Clean
Do not Call it Impure
I. Cornelius
the Centurion
II. Peter's
Vision
III. The Holy
Spirit Confirms Everything
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》