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G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Morgan adds “I think angels watched that house that night (ED: AND I WOULD ADD WITH JOY AND AMAZEMENT!, with the despised tanner (who was) a fellow-disciple, the great apostle, (and) the three Gentiles as they lodged (together).” Indeed, there must have been a fierce spiritual struggle in the heavenlies, for Satan knew full well the implications of the coming strategic meeting between Peter and Cornelius! Perhaps in heaven some day we will be allowed to hear or or see the supernatural struggle which occurred on this fateful night! (Acts of the Apostles) Charles Swindoll - Back in the 1970s, Ronald Sider wrote a book that bothered me from the first page to the last—for all the right reasons. Many consider Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger one of the most influential books ever written up to that time on the subject of Christian responsibility. I cried through some parts and ground my teeth in others. I squirmed as he probed the issue of prejudice and exposed examples of blatant partiality. By the end, I had to face the facts and accept my responsibility as a Christian—middle-class by American standards, yet affluent with respect to a world in which more than one billion people continue to starve. At the beginning of the third chapter, Sider asks a penetrating question: “Is God biased?” We embrace a biblical theology that says no. Our behavior, on the other hand, suggests we believe otherwise. What we say we believe matters less than what we declare by our actions. (See Insights on Acts) And on the next day he got up and went away with them - Since this all began around lunch time, the 3 Gentiles stayed with Peter and Simon the Tanner for the rest of the day. One can only imagine the conversations! And remember the 3 envoys did not fully comprehend why they had been summoned to bring Peter. And note that in getting up and going with them Peter is obeying God. Peter is not a puppet and this is a choice that he made personally. So they began their trip which would enable them to cover about 15-20 miles on foot, which would only be half way, so that they had to spend the night somewhere at the end of day 3 and finish up the last half of their trek the next day arriving in the afternoon as shown in the chronological summary below: Day 1 - Cornelius' Vision - at ninth hour the time of afternoon prayer and 3 men sent (Acts 10:3+, Acts 10:7, 8+) Day 2 - Peter's vision - 3 envoys arrive (Acts 10:9, 17+) Day 3 - Peter leaves with the three Gentile men (Acts 10:23) - they spent the night en route to Caesarea. Day 4 - Peter arrives at Caesarea Maritima and the residence of Cornelius “Four days ago to this hour," (Acts 10:30, cf Acts 10:3ff+) which would be the ninth hour or about 3 in the afternoon. And some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him - Acts 11:12 says there were six brethren. Unlike Jonah, neither Peter nor these six Jewish men fled for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). We discover later that these six men accompanying Peter were also Jews who believed in Jesus (Acts 10:45+). It is interesting that these Jews would be willing to follow Peter's lead, for they too undoubtedly had a built in anti-Gentile bias and unlike Peter they had not seen the "sheet vision.' Why did these Jewish believers go with Peter? Luke does not specifically say, but first of all Peter's words and witness were undoubtedly Spirit filled, and thus convicting and convincing. It seems logical to assume that Peter wanted these six men to serve as witnesses, because Jewish believers fellowshipping with Gentile believers was a major turning point in the spread of the Gospel and was likely to incense the more legalistic orthodox factions among the Jews. Gilbrant on Peter taking six Jewish witnesses with him - He knew he would be called into question by other believers for entering a Gentile house, so he wanted witnesses he could depend on. Just to be sure, he took double the two or three required by the Law (Deuteronomy 19:15; compare Matthew 18:16). G Campbell Morgan - In the taking of these men there is detected the anxiety of Peter, his wonder, and his perplexity. He had seen the vision; some gleam of light had broken upon his mind, and he was quite conscious that the journey toward the house of the Gentile was an entirely new movement; so he took with him six brethren, Hebrews, who were Christians. (Exposition of Acts) Accompanied him (4905)(sunerchomai) means they went along or traveled with Peter. Peter knew that his being a Jew and going into a Gentile's house would cause an uproar so he wisely was "arming" himself with these 6 men. Wisdom includes the ability to foresee and prepare for difficult situations before they arise. This is not always possible, but it was in this case and again it reflects Peter's being open to the guiding of the Holy Spirit, the "spirit of wisdom" (cf Isa 11:2+). Bengel on the six Jewish believers who accompanied Peter to Caesarea - They were not divinely ordered to go; and yet it was with a pious feeling they did so. Many things are often left to the free discretion of the godly; in which, however, they are governed (guided) by the secret hand of GOD. Afterwards it became evident, how advantageous it was, that so many witnesses were present: Acts 11:12 (They enabled him to meet the charge of those of the circumcision, Acts 11:2).—συνῆλθον, went with) A holy company, consisting of ten men of various ranks. Jack Andrews - Too many churches still have prejudices that need to be broken down and done away with. Too many in the church still have hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness in their hearts. Mahatma Gandhi shares in his autobiography that in his student days in England he was deeply touched by reading the Gospels and seriously considered becoming a convert to Christianity, which seemed to offer a real solution to the caste system that divided the people of India. One Sunday he attended church services and decided to ask the minister for enlightenment on salvation and other doctrines. But when Gandhi entered the sanctuary, the ushers refused to give him a seat and suggested that he go elsewhere to worship with his own people. He left and never came back. He said, “If Christians have caste differences also I might as well remain a Hindu!” And he did! God changed Peter’s heart. We learn that he welcome these men. He invited them in and lodged them....Are we prejudiced in any shape, form, or fashion? R. Kent Hughes prayed this prayer in his book on Acts, “O God, please forgive me for not allowing Your great love to flow through me to others, for refusing to love and win those whom I deem dangerous or dirty or unworthy—those who have hurt me or whom I consider beneath me. I confess that I am the worst of sinners. How could anyone be lower than me? Impossible! May Your grace burst through my walls of pride and prejudice, and may Your love conquer my selfishness and others’ sinful rebellion, so that in me and in them Your name will be extolled and exalted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” (Expository Sermons) Giving Credit - Sometimes we can fall into the trap of thinking that we’re the brains behind the operation. Illustration - David N. Dinkins, then the mayor of New York, was riding through the city in his limousine with his wife, Joyce. Looking out the window, they recognized a man doing manual labor on the roadside as “John,” a former suitor of Mrs Dinkins’. Seeing him, the mayor smiled a bit smugly at his wife. “You must be so glad,” he said, “to be married to the powerful mayor in the limo rather than to poor John shoveling alongside the road.” His wife smiled. “If I’d married John, he’d be with me in the mayor’s limo.” Acts 10:24 On the following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. KJV Acts 10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. called together his relatives Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2; Zech 3:10; 8:20-23; Mt 9:9,10; Mark 5:19,20; Luke 5:29; John 1:41-49; 4:28,29; 1:1-3 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CORNELIUS' EXPECTANT AND EVANGELISTIC SPIRIT While Cornelius did not know the content of the message, clearly he knew that Peter was known in heaven (as he would have deduced from the angel's message) and that in some way Peter would bring "good news," thus he wanted others to hear. In short, his angelic visit clearly signaled to Cornelius that there was something very special about this coming meeting with Simon Peter. Jack Arnold - This situation was a glorified evangelistic home Bible class. What did Cornelius do? He opened his home, he gathered together his relatives and friends; he probably had some refreshments, and he invited Peter to be the teacher and present the gospel. Evangelistic home Bible classes are still one of the best means for reaching people for Christ. (Acts 10:23b-48 He Is Lord of All) On the following day he entered Caesarea - On the fourth day (from the day the three envoys had originally departed Caesarea) they reached their destination. THOUGHT - Here is a convicting question - "Peter and his friends took a two-day journey to obey God—How far would you go to obey God?" (Josh McDaniel). John
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Morgan - Two men are thirty miles apart. They must be brought together. In order that they may meet, while Joppa is busy with its trade, and Caesarea with its great shipping interests, and will know nothing of what is going on; God within the shadows keeping watch above His own, sends the angel to Caesarea, and grants the ecstatic trance in Joppa. They were thus brought together. (Acts of the Apostles) On the next day - The day after Cornelius had explained everything to them. Here is a summary of the chronology Day 1 - Cornelius' Vision - at ninth hour the time of afternoon prayer and 3 men sent (Acts 10:3, 7, 8 ) Day 2 - Peter's vision - 3 envoys arrive (Acts 10:9, 17) Day 3 - Peter leaves with men (Acts 10:23) - they apparently spent the night en route Day 4 - Peter arrives at Cornelius (Acts 10:30) which was “Four days ago to this hour." In this passage we see the providence of God at work, for while Cornelius's men were coming to get Peter, God was preparing Peter through a vision. This is beautiful example of the mysterious, comforting truth of divine providence. And so we clearly get a glimpse of the mysterious ways of God by which He "works all things after the counsel of His will" (Eph 1:11+), for in this section He was working simultaneously in the heart of Cornelius and also in the heart of Peter. And so in Acts 10-11 we encounter one of the most illustrative examples of God's providence at work, as we see His supernatural activities occurring in two cities, to assure that the Gospel is taken to the Gentiles! As Gotquestions explains "Divine providence is the governance of God by which He, with wisdom and love, cares for and directs all things in the universe. The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God is in complete control of all things....Through divine providence God accomplishes His will. To ensure that His purposes are fulfilled, God governs the affairs of men and works through the natural order of things. The laws of nature are nothing more than God’s work in the universe. The laws of nature have no inherent power; rather, they are the principles that God set in place to govern how things normally work. They are only “laws” because God decreed them. How does divine providence relate to human volition? We know that humans have a free will, but we also know that God is sovereign. How those two truths relate to each other is hard for us to understand, but we see examples of both truths in Scripture." Jack Andrews - As they were journeying to Joppa they found that the Lord Jesus went before them to prepare the way for them. The Lord often goes before us to prepare our way for ministry. As the servants of Cornelius drew near the city God was already at work in the city of Joppa and God was already at work on His servant. They came to the place that they were sent to! When we obey God’s simple instructions we find that God will use us, bless us, and bless others through us. We need to be where God wants us at and when God wants us there. God’s got work for us to do on: A dirt road, a desert Road (Phillip), a country lane, a city street, a neighborhood housing project, a city apartment complex. We need to make sure that we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit of God to know where He wants us and when He wants us there. (Expository Sermons) As they were on their way and approaching the city - God was sovereignly orchestrating the timing of these separate events as He was preparing Peter for a most unexpected entourage of three Gentile visitors sent on mission by Cornelius. It is worth noting that Luke does not give us these three men's names, but God knows their names and He will reward their faithful service in carrying out Cornelius' instructions. I would posit that we will want to meet these three men when we are in Heaven to personally thank them for their mission, which was one piece of puzzle by which Gentiles (this is most of us reading this note!) were brought into the Kingdom of Heaven! THOUGHT - Perhaps you feel unappreciated for you are anonymous to many as were these three in Acts 10. If so, this story should greatly encourage you if you are faithfully fulfilling the mission you know God has given you to accomplish (cf Eph 2:10+). Be fully assured that your faithfulness in time will yield fruitfulness throughout eternity (cf 2 Cor 5:10+, Jn 15:16)! BE ENCOURAGED! Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray - Note that ANY TIME is a good time to pray (Cornelius at 3PM, Peter at noon). Rosscup adds that "we see all-night prayer (Lk. 6:12+), pre-dawn prayer (Mk. 1:35), all evening (Mt 14:23), and other times, indeed any time (cf. Php 4:6+, 1 Th 5:17+)." Regarding the timing of prayer, see Paul's exhortation to the saints at Ephesus (in the context of spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10-17+) -- "With ALL prayer and petition pray at ALL times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with ALL perseverance and petition for ALL the saints." (Eph 6:18+). Peter went up on the housetop - Near Eastern houses Peter's day usually had flat roofs which could be accessed by outside stairs or a ladder. Remember that Simon the tanner's house was near the sea, so Simon the Stone (meaning of petros = Peter) would have had a great view of the Mediterranean Sea. The rooftop would also be cooler and provide a peaceful place to pray, free of distractions and allow Peter to focus on God. And the prevalent sea breezes coming off of the Mediterranean sea would waft away any offensive odors that were commonly associated with the tanning process! THOUGHT - When I seek God, do I seek a location that will be free of distractions so that I can fully focus on God? Do I let my mind drift when I am praying? Thomas Page adds that "The flat roofs of Oriental houses were used for many purposes, e.g. drying corn, hanging up linen, as places of recreation in the evening and as sleeping places at night (1 Sam. 9:25, 9:26; 2 Sam. 11:2, 16:22; Prov. 21:9); as places of devotion and even idolatrous worship (2 Ki 23:12 = for idolatrous worship; Jer. 32:29 = "offered incense to Baal on their roofs")." (Commentary) KJV Bible Commentary - The quietest and most retiring spot in an Eastern house is the housetop (cf. 1 Sa 9:25,26). PETER A MAN OF PRAYER About the sixth hour would be about noon, "midday prayers." The psalmist says "Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice." (Ps. 55:17, cf Daniel 6:10+ = he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God). Do I pray at noon? Bob Utley on the sixth hour - Although rabbinical Judaism had set aside 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to pray (the times of the daily sacrifices in the Temple), the Pharisees had added noon as another appropriate time. To pray (4336)(proseuchomai from pros = toward, facing, before [i.e., Coram Deo before the face of God] + euchomai = originally to speak out, express a wish, then to pray or to vow - A Greek technical term for invoking a deity) in the NT is always used of prayer addressed to God (to Him as the object of faith and the One who will answer one’s prayer) and means to speak consciously (with or without vocalization) to Him, with a definite aim (See study of noun proseuche).
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Morgan comments that Peter "told them how contrary it was to law and tradition and custom for a Jew to enter the house of a Gentile and eat; and in that statement we see his lingering prejudice. He still described himself as a Jew, as an apostle of Jesus Christ; but he had not come to the full consciousness of what Christianity really meant, or he would never have said such a thing." (Acts of the Apostles) Unlawful (111)(athemitos from a = negative + themis = statute, an adjective from themis= law) is literally contrary to statute, and thus illegal or unlawful. It describes that which is forbidden.
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Morgan on katalambano - Peter said: “I perceive,” and the word is one that indicates the coming to a clear comprehension. It is the very word Paul used about his conversion when Christ apprehended him (Php 3:12). Here it is used in the realm of the mind. It indicates the sudden grasping of ideas. He had come to a new view, to a larger understanding, fresh light had broken in upon him.“ (Commentary) Robertson on katalambano in this passage - To lay hold with the mind. It had been a difficult thing for Peter to grasp, but now "of a truth" (ep’ alētheias) the light has cleared away the fog. It was not until Peter had crossed the threshold of the house of Cornelius in the new environment and standpoint that he sees this new and great truth. (Acts 10 Commentary) Luke's 3 uses of katalambano - Acts 4:13; Acts 10:34; Acts 25:25. Katalambano is translated in the NAS as - attained(1), caught(2), comprehend(2), found(1), laid hold(2), lay hold(1), overtake(2), seizes(1), understand(1), understood(1), win(1). Paul later spoke of this same truth asking "Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.:" (Romans 3:29-30). God is not one to show partiality - Favoritism is the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another. Favoritism is not exactly identical to prejudice, but they are "kissing cousins." Remember that the definition of prejudice is defined as a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation. It is an opinion formed beforehand, especially an unfavorable one based on inadequate facts. Prejudice is a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience and usually results in unjust behavior from one's preconceived and unfounded opinions. THOUGHT - Neither favoritism nor prejudice is NOT a divine attribute! And it should not be something that characterizes God's children ("like Father, like son")! Do you have any prejudice you need to confess and repent? James Montgomery
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Morgan notes that Peter's words teach us that "There is no race superiority, there arc no inferior races. But even beyond that, more astonishing, and more unbelievable, it is true that the Christian preacher or teacher must call no man common or unclean. He has no right to look with contempt upon any man because he does not share his religious doctrine or creed. To change the word “unclean,” and render the passage more literally: “God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or uncleansed.” The remarkable thing about the word “common” is that it is the root, Koinos, from which we derive our rich word koinonia, fellowship. “God hath showed me that I should not call any man common.” Here is a strange and apparent contradiction. There is no finer explanation of the word than that of its use in the beginning of this book: “having all things in common.” That means the ending of all degrees, the breaking down of all castes, the coming to a realization of the unity of life. That is the true idea of the word. But Peter said: “God hath showed me that I should not call any man common.” In that statement we have an instance of the false use of the word. The Gentile is common clay: we are a spiritual aristocracy! So the Hebrew had said for generations; and so says the Christian Church altogether too often at the present hour. The man outside is common, not within the sacred circle, shut off from privileges. Peter said God had taught him that he should call no man common, outside the circle. How is that false conception of the meaning of the word “common” to be corrected? By a discovery of the fact that all men in the sight of God, for some wonderful reason occupy the same position. (Commentary) Larkin - In a day of religious pluralism, when compassionate Christians seek to guard against prejudicial bias and see the good in all religions, Peter’s speech clearly teaches us that though God does not play favorites with nations, he does make distinctions in matters of religion. Only those who worship him, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent can know eternal life (Jn 17:3). (The Mission Is Inaugurated Through Peter Acts 9:32-11:18) Acts 10:36 "The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)-- KJV Acts 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) The word Acts 2:38,39; 3:25,26; 11:19; 13:46; Mt 10:6; Luke 24:47 preaching peace through Jesus Christ Ps 72:1-3,7; 85:9,10; Isaiah 9:6; 32:15-17; 55:12; 57:19; Luke 2:10-14; 2 Cor 5:18-21; Eph 2:13-18; Col 1:20; Heb 7:2,3; 13:20 He is Lord of all Acts 2:36; 5:31; Ps 2:6-8; 24:7-10; 45:6,11; 110:1,2; Isa 7:14; 45:21-25; Jer 23:5,6; Da 7:13,14; Hos 1:7; Mic 5:2; Mal 3:1; Mt 11:27; 22:44-46; Mt 28:18; Jn 3:35,36; 5:23-29; Ro 10:11-13; 14:9; 1 Cor 15:27,47; Eph 1:20-23; 4:5-12; Php 2:11; Col 1:15-18; Heb 1:2,6-12; 1 Pe 3:22; Rev 1:5,18; 17:14; 19:16 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE GOSPEL TO THE JEW AND TO ALL THE WORLD It is notable that Peter's message to the Gentiles is very similar to the message to the Jews (except he does not mention the OT prophecies (e.g., Acts 2:16-21, 25-31, 34-35+, etc) which would not have been as relevant to the Gentiles who had no knowledge of the OT. Ray
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Morgan - He is “the Judge of quick and dead,” not merely the Judge Who is to sit upon a throne in some dim and distant time as the Judge of the dead; but the Judge today, the Criterion of conduct, the One before Whose bar men are for ever standing (cf Jn 3:18-20). (Acts of the Apostles) Kistemaker - No person is able to escape judgment, for everyone must appear before God. Peter uses the idiomatic expression the living and the dead to indicate that everyone is included when Christ judges the people. Here, then, Peter warns the members of his audience to seek forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ, so that when they appear before the God-appointed judge they may be acquitted. Paul alludes to this appointment in his solemn warning his disciple Timothy to preach the Word in 2 Timothy I solemnly charge (diamarturomai) you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach (aorist imperative - speaks of urgency!) the word; be ready (aorist imperative) in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort (All these verbs are commands in aorist imperative ), with great patience and instruction.(2 Ti 4:1-2). Has been appointed (3724)(horizo from horos = limit; English "horizon" - "the apparent line that divides the earth and the sky" which leads to the thought that Jesus is the "line" that divides all time into BC/AD!) means strictly speaking “to limit” and then figuratively “to fix,” “to appoint.” Horizo is in the perfect tense which speaks of this appointment as abiding! All NT uses of horizo - Lk. 22:22; Acts 2:23+ (predetermined plan); Acts 10:42; Acts 11:29; Acts 17:26 ("having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,'); Acts 17:31; Rom. 1:4; Heb. 4:7 Horizo is used in a parallel passage in Acts 17:31 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man (JESUS - JUDGE OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD) Whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30, 31+) The word "Judge" comes from a Greek word that gives us our English word "crisis" As Ray Stedman said Jesus Christ "is the paramount figure in the universe, the ultimate crisis of all men. He is no low-caloried option in life for you to take or leave as you like; He is the ultimate person. There is not one of us here this morning who ultimately is not going to confront Jesus Christ. He stands at the end of every path down which men go, and he waits there as the One ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. Therefore the most important question you will ever face in life is, "What do you do with Jesus of Nazareth?" What have you done with him?" (Acts 10:23-11:18 Life For All) Judge (2923)(krites from krino = to judge) is one who decides, the one who makes decisions based on examination and evaluation. Krites is used of of human beings (Mt 5:25; Lk 12:14, 58; 18:2.Ac 24:10). Krites is used of God (Heb 12:23; Jas 4:12; 2 Ti 4:8; Acts 10:42; Jas 5:9) Krites was a leader of the people in the period of the Judges (Acts 13:20). BDAG - (1) one who has the right to render a decision in legal matters (2) one who rules in a special sense in the accounts of Israel’s theocratic period- Krites - Matt. 5:25; Matt. 12:27; Lk. 11:19; Lk. 12:14; Lk. 12:58; Lk. 18:2; Lk. 18:6; Acts 10:42; Acts 13:20; Acts 18:15; Acts 24:10; 2 Tim. 4:8; Heb. 12:23; Jas. 2:4; Jas. 4:11; Jas. 4:12; Jas. 5:9 Krites in the Septuagint - Deut. 1:15; Deut. 1:16; Deut. 16:18; Deut. 17:9; Deut. 17:12; Deut. 19:17; Deut. 19:18; Deut. 21:2; Deut. 25:2; Deut. 29:10; Deut. 31:28; Jdg. 2:16; Jdg. 2:17; Jdg. 2:18; Jdg. 2:19; Ruth 1:1; 1 Sam. 24:15; 2 Sam. 7:11; 2 Sam. 15:4; 2 Ki. 23:22; 1 Chr. 17:10; 1 Chr. 23:4; 1 Chr. 28:1; 2 Chr. 1:2; 2 Chr. 19:5; 2 Chr. 19:6; 2 Chr. 26:11; 2 Chr. 34:13; Ezr. 7:25; Ezr. 10:14; Job 9:24; Job 12:17; Job 13:8; Ps. 7:11; Ps. 50:6; Ps. 68:5; Ps. 75:7; Ps. 141:6; Ps. 148:11; Isa. 1:26; Isa. 30:18; Isa. 33:21; Isa. 63:7; Dan. 9:12; Hos. 7:7; Amos 2:3; Mic. 7:3; Hab. 1:3; Zeph. 3:3 Isaiah 1:26 (Isa 1:25 describes the Time of Jacob's Trouble) “Then (IN THE MILLENNIUM) I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning; After that you will be called the city of righteousness, A faithful city.” Larkin comments that "The theme of final judgment occurs consistently in speeches to Gentiles (Acts 17:31; 24:25). It seems to be a way to talk about repentance in terms relevant and motivating to them. Indeed, Peter moves easily in this one sentence from a particularist view, he commanded us to preach to the people (the Jews), to a universal view, he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead (all humankind). To this universal Judge all must answer. Peter immediately turns to the good news that through the name of this universal Lord (Acts 2:38; 4:12) all are presented with the unique opportunity to receive the forgiveness of sins. He grounds this expression of salvation blessings, forgiveness of sins (Lk 24:47; Acts 2:38; 5:31; 13:38; 26:18; compare Lk 1:77; 4:18), in the witness of all the Old Testament prophets (Is 33:24; 53:4–6, 11–12/Lk 22:37; Jer 31:34; Dan 9:24; compare Lk 24:25–27, 44–47). And he moves again from the particular, the Jewish prophets’ witness, to the universal, the promise that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness." Peter’s preaching on the impartial God and the universal Lord and Savior now shows how Christ’s Great Commission lies at the heart of a “go” theology (Lk 24:47; Acts 1:8). Such a centrifugal momentum must drive the church today." (Amen!) (The Mission Is Inaugurated Through Peter Acts 9:32-11:18)
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Morgan - They heard these men with loosened tongues giving utterance to the fact of the new life which had come to them. Observe that these men received the gift of the Holy Spirit before baptism in water, without the laying on of apostolic hands. Some had received the Spirit because the apostles laid their hands on them. Some had received the gift of the Spirit after water baptism. Here was another irregularity, and the value of this story of the Acts of the Apostles is that it is for evermore revealing the fact that “The wind bloweth where it will.“ (John 3:8KJV) The Spirit interrupted the apostle in his discourse, falling upon the listening men and women when they had heard enough of the message to believe into the Christ. So the Spirit fell; and they of the circumcision were amazed as they heard them magnify God. (Commentary) Acts 10:47 "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" KJV Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 8:12,36; 11:15-17; 15:8,9; Genesis 17:24-26; Ro 4:11; 10:12 Acts 10 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries BAPTISM FOLLOWS SALVATION Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized - He asks a rhetorical question that expects a negative answer. The Ethiopian eunuch's question was similar “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). As Larkin says "Only at the risk of resisting God would someone dare to hinder the full incorporation into the church via baptism of Gentiles who have the Spirit’s baptism (compare Lk 18:16; Acts 5:39; 8:36; 28:31)." (The Mission Is Inaugurated Through Peter Acts 9:32-11:18) Ray