III. Peter Preaches in Judea and is Sent to the Uncircumcised (continued) (9:31-11:18)
G. Peter's Sermon to the uncircumcised (vv. 34-43)
v.34,35 Peter truly does understand his housetop vision, God is no respecter of persons. The criteria for being acceptable in God's sight is not race, nationality, wealth or social position. The criteria is that a man revere God and work righteousness.
v.36 Peter recounts the story of Jesus. The good tidings were originally sent to the Jews, but Christ is Lord of all.
v.37 John the Baptist began the introductory work for Jesus. Cornelius had previous knowledge of this. Christ himself had evangelized Judea, Galilee, Samaria and Jerusalem. The disciples from Jerusalem had been scattered and they also carried the word. Acts 8:1,4
v.38 Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit in Luke 3:22. Jesus healed all that were oppressed of the devil.
v.39 The apostles were witnesses of Christ, from his early ministry to his crucifixion. Cornelius had heard of the things concerning Jesus, but Peter had witnessed them. Notice that Peter puts the blame of Christ's death on the Jews not the Roman government.
v.40,41 The people were working contrary to the will of God. The witnesses were chosen beforehand of God, what does this mean?
v.42 Preach to the people Mk. 16:15. Jesus had authority Mt. 28:18. Jn. 5:21,22. Who are the quick and the dead?
v.43 The prophets had pointed toward the Christ. Peter had earlier declared this in Acts 3:34 . Peter had previously preached remission of sins through the name of Jesus in Acts 4:12.
H. The Uncircumcised Receive the Holy Spirit and are Baptized (vv. 44-48) Now Peter's sermon is interrupted by an incident that stands alone in the history of the church.
v.44 The Holy Spirit came as it had come on Pentecost Acts 11:15. This now fulfills the prophecy of Joel, Acts 2:17.
v.45 The method of receiving the Holy Spirit is what surprised the Jewish brethren. They would have not been surprised if the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the apostles' hands, but for the Gentiles to receive the direct impartation or "baptism" of the Holy Spirit was indeed a surprise!
v.46,47 The speaking in tongues was parallel to Acts 2:4,11. Now we have the conclusion of the Patriarchal age. The gospel has been brought to the Gentiles. Since the Gentiles had received Holy Spirit baptism just as the Jews had, they deserved all of the benefits and privileges of the gospel.
v.48 Peter then commanded them to be baptized. Was Cornelius and his household saved now? According to the implication, Peter tarried with Cornelius for a time.
ADDENDA- Miracles in the book of Acts
18) An angel appears to Cornelius Acts 10:4
19) Peter's vision of the clean and unclean together Acts 10:9-22
20) The Holy Spirit comes upon the Gentiles Acts 10:46