Acts 10:30-33

Summary retelling of Acts 10:30-33

Cornelius tells Peter (and the rest of the gathered people) his side of the story.  He recounts how he was praying when he received the messenger.  He also recounts how the messenger told him that God had heard and answered his prayers as well as how the messenger told him about Peter.  Cornelius tells how he sent for Peter and he acknowledges a gratitude for Peter’s willingness to come to him.  Cornelius concludes by telling Peter that he has gathered people who are present to hear what Peter has come to teach them about God.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Cornelius is honest.  I know that people were genuinely more accepting of supernatural events in people’s lives back then, but I still believe that Cornelius is taking a bit of a risk by opening himself up to Peter like this.  Cornelius confesses to seeing a divine messenger and having a conversation with this messenger.  This is bold, but it is important for both Peter and Cornelius to understand one another and to move forward with boldness.  Often, true spirituality relies upon full disclosure and honesty.

Do you have a few people with whom you can be honest and experience full disclosure and know that they will hear you and not judge you because of the truth that is happening in your spiritual life?

Second Thought:

Cornelius tells us that it is while he was praying that he received the messenger.  Remember also that Peter was praying when he received his vision.  I think we often forget how important prayer is.  Yes, God can come to us whenever he wants.  But it seems like the Bible tells us that over and over again it is when people commit themselves faithfully to pray that God speaks most loudly.

Do you really believe in the power of prayer?  How do you live out your belief in prayer being an important aspect of a spiritual life?

Third Thought:

Cornelius displays grace and gratitude to Peter.  He shows a considerable appreciation for Peter’s willingness to journey quite a distance to come to Cornelius.  He also shows a considerable amount of humbleness in gathering people and submitting to whatever Peter has come to teach.  Cornelius takes a position of student rather than co-worker.  Cornelius and the people are there to learn rather than assert their own understanding.  In order to grow, we must be willing to become the student.  Often spiritual growth starts with that simple act of humbleness before God and humbleness before the people that God has brought into our life.

To whom are you humble in learning about spirituality?  How does that humbleness play out?  Are there times when you can invite others into your humble times of learning?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 10:34-38