27 As he talked with him, he entered and found many people assembled . 28 And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean . 29 "That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for. So I ask for what reason you have sent for me." 30 Cornelius said , " Four days ago to this hour , I was praying in my house during the ninth hour ; and behold , a man stood before me in shining garments , 31 and he said , 'Cornelius , your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God . 32 'Therefore send to Joppa and invite Simon , who is also called Peter , to come to you; he is staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the sea .' 33 "So I sent for you immediately , and you have been kind enough to come . Now then , we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord ."
34 Opening his mouth , Peter said : "I most certainly e understand now that God is not one to show partiality , 35 but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. 36 "The word which He sent to the sons of Israel , preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all )- 37 you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judea , starting from Galilee , after the baptism which John proclaimed . 38 "You know of Jesus of Nazareth , how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power , and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil , for God was with Him. 39 "We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem . They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross . 40 " God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible , 41 not to all the people , but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God , that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead . 42 "And He ordered us to preach to the people , and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead . 43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 10:27-43
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.