Simon Peter's Sermon in Caesarea

Acts 10:39–40 KJV 1900

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Acts 10:40

Acts 10:40 KJV 1900

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Illustration: America and really the world today, is not much different than it was when Peter took a little trip to Joppa. You see, there was a man there named Cornelius who know about the God of the Jews, the God of the Bible. He was a man who knew how to treat his neighbor. He was religious. But sadly, religion couldn’t provide what his soul desperately needed: The forgiveness of sins. No matter how hard he prayed, no matter how much he gave, no matter how faithfully he worked, he was lost without hope. He needed God’s man to bring him God’s Word and for God’s Holy Spirit to work in his heart, his life and his home. Come and join me, on the western coast of Israel, near the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, and come and hear the tale of the greatest man who ever walked the earth!

Sub-Intro:

a

is divided into five movements.

a) Vision (vv.1-8)

▪ Herod renamed Caesarea in honor of Caesar Augustus.

▪ Caesarea is the capital of Judea, major Romans seaport for Palestine, center of Roman military activity. Where Pilate lived. Herod modernized the city and built magnificent harbor. Center of Roman government and military activity, etc.

▪ Cornelius was a common Roman name. He, centurion, Roman officer having 100 soldiers under him, commanded 100 soldiers; interestingly, throughout Scripture centurions are spoken of positively.

▪ Italian band or Italian cohort. – Comprised of 600 soldiers. Had ties with Italy.

▪ Centurion is given positive light in the NT.

▪ Cornelius Represents New kind of person in Acts. Though Ethiopian Eunuch…Centurion is looked down upon because occupation of force upon Palestine. Jesus’ contact with a Centurion . prophesied by Jesus.

▪ Devout man – lived a moral life; feared God of Israel; prayed; was generous toward the poor. Some had felt he was saved before Peter got to him. ß John Sanders, open theism; inclusivism in the vol. what about those who have never heard? Reputation of inclusivism view: Ramesh Richard in BSac 601.

▪ Was Cornelius saved before Peter came to see him? probably yes.

▪ At 3pm Cornelius was praying (v.3).

▪ Cornelius sent men to Joppa to get Peter.

b) Another Vision (vv.9-16)

▪ Most Jews pray 2 times; pious three times.

▪ Roof top – for solitude.

▪ Peter was hungry (v.10) – this explains why God used a vision of food.

▪ Falls into a trance and he sees a sheet/canvas (like a ship sail) filled with clean and unclean animals.

▪ He is told to rise, kill, and eat, but he strongly resists initially because it is against Mosaic Law. Parallel – Peter in Joppa and Jonah went Joppa. Will Peter obey? Jonah disobeyed when he was in Joppa.

c) Visitation (vv.17-23a)

▪ Cornelius' messenger calls out for Peter; they present Cornelius to Peter in the best light possible and ask him to help.

▪ Invites them inside – very unusual. Evidently Peter starts to get the point.

▪ Unusual for Peter to invite the men in – perhaps he is understanding the vision.

▪ Peter takes 6 others (Jewish Christians) with him – 2 day trip to Joppa.

d) Visitation (vv.23-43)

▪ Takes 6 other people with him.

▪ Probably took 2 days.

▪ When Cornelius meets Peter, attempt to worship him. Response of the first pope. Much different current vicar of Rome. Kiss the toe of image of Peter.

▪ Associate with Gentile which Mishna taboos it

▪ Cornelius makes arrangements for Peter's arrival (v.24)

▪ Peter preaches to his first Gentile audience. First sermon to purely Gentile audience. Similar in . Spent more time in pre-crucifixion ministry of Jesus.

e) Vindication (vv.44-48)

▪ Gentiles believed Peter’s message and are given the Holy Spirit immediately. Outward evidence is that they speak in tongues. Probably spoke in Aramaic (Jewish dialect which they have not known).

▪ Vindication of what is taking place.

▪ Outward evidence is speaking in tongues.

C. Jason Walker, Course Notes - Pensacola Theological Seminary | Commentary, n.d., .

A. Peter’s Own Growth in Grace and Knowledge ().

Acts 10:34 KJV 1900

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Note - Peter “opened his mouth”

Note how Peter’s perception has been seen in his previous experience (i. e. perception concerning Jesus, perception at the tomb, etc.)

Note - “respecter of persons” lit. receiving the face; that is, God does not allow Himself to be influenced by appearances.

B. Peter’s Guidance in God’s Revelation ().

Acts 10:35 KJV 1900

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Note - Whom does God accept? Anyone, of any ethnicity, that reverently fears Him and works uprightness. Note that Cornelius would have known enough to understand loving God and others.

He is described as devout and God-fearing, i.e. at least, one of those men so numerous in that effete age of decadent heathenism who, discontented with polytheism, yearned for a better faith, embraced, therefore, the monotheism of the Jews, read the Scriptures, and practised more or less of the Jewish rites. He was well reported of by the Jews, and his religion showed itself in prayer at the regular hours, and in alms to the people (of Israel). Even Jewish bigotry was dumb in presence of so noble a man. Moreover, he seems to have made his house a sort of church, for his kinsfolk and friends were in sympathy with him, and among the soldiers who closely attended him were some devout ones (, ). [G. H. Trever, “Cornelius,” ed. James Orr et al., The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company, 1915), 721.]

Transition: We’ve considered briefly how that Peter came to perceive the hand of God bringing specific revelation to the house of Cornelius, now let’s see how:

II. Peter Preaches the Good News to Cornelius ().

A. The Word of the Gospel ().

1. The Entrance of the Gospel ().

Acts 10:36 KJV 1900

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Note - The Logos…

John 1:1–13 KJV 1900

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Note - “the children of Israel” lit. The the Sons of Israel.

* The the Sons of Israel.

Note - Peace comes by means of or through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV 1900

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

2. The Expansion of the Gospel ().

Acts 10:37 KJV 1900

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

Note - “word” here is rhema (seen in context supplied “I say”, and “published”)

* From Galilee to all Judea.

Note - If we are to follow the life of Christ, though He was born south of Jerusalem in Bethlehem, we must begin many miles north of Jerusalem, where His ministry headquarters were, from Galilee spreading to all Judea.

Note - Word really began to spread about Jesus right after John the Baptist inaugurated Him in Jordan.

Matthew 3:13–17 KJV 1900

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

3. The Evangelistic Ministry of Jesus ().

Acts 10:38 KJV 1900

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.

a. Jesus’ Anointing and Power (v. 38a).

Note - “anointed” lit. ekrisen. I.e. the dove at His Baptism.

Note - “power” - dunamei. That is, capability.

Note - That same power has now been given to Peter

Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

b. Jesus’ Compassion (v. 38b).

Note - “doing good” - homolegomena

euergeteo (εὐεργετέω, 2109), “to bestow a benefit, to do good” (eu, “well,” and a verbal form akin to ergon), is used in .¶ [W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 275.]

¶ Indicates that all the NT occurrences of the Greek word under consideration are mentioned under the heading or sub-heading.

W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 275.]

Note - “oppressed” lit. - to be exploited by.

2 Timothy 2:24–26 KJV 1900

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Note - The reason, God was with Him.

John 3:1–2 KJV 1900

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jn. 3:1-2

John 4:29 KJV 1900

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

John 4:39 KJV 1900

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

Jn. 4:

John 4:41 KJV 1900

And many more believed because of his own word;

John 4:41–42 KJV 1900

And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Jn. 4

B. The Witness of the Gospel ().

1. The Eyewitnesses of Jesus’ Ministry ().

Acts 10:39 KJV 1900

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Note - Peter begins to move the message towards Calvary! e.g. From the land of the Jews (all Judea) to Jerusalem.

Why did Peter use the phrase, “Hanged on a tree”? Why didn’t he just say, “Whom they slew”? The Jewish method of execution was by stoning. It was the Romans—the Gentiles—who utilized crucifixion. Thus, by using this phrase, Peter was saying, “There’s no room for anti-Semitism. All men are guilty—Jew and Gentile alike.” [Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 702.]

* From all Judea to Jerusalem.

Why did Peter use the phrase, “Hanged on a tree”? Why didn’t he just say, “Whom they slew”? The Jewish method of execution was by stoning. It was the Romans—the Gentiles—who utilized crucifixion. Thus, by using this phrase, Peter was saying, “There’s no room for anti-Semitism. All men are guilty—Jew and Gentile alike.” [Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 702.]

Jon Courson, Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2003), 702.]

Note - Can you imagine the pathos with which Peter would say these words to Cornelius, as his mind takes him back to the Upper Room, the Garden, the fireside during his trial, the roosters, the look from Jesus, the forsaking, the tomb now empty, the love of Christ, the fish and bread by the fire, the upper room, His ascension into clouds of glory....

2 Peter 1:15–21 KJV 1900

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Pet. 1:

2. The Evidence of Jesus’ Resurrection ().

a. He Arose and He Appeared! ().

Acts 10:40 KJV 1900

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Note - This verse is why I selected this passage for our sermon on this Easter Sunday!

Friend, there is not a single sermon preached, as recorded in the Book of Acts, that does not mention the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is the very heart of the gospel. Until that is preached, the gospel has not been preached. Jesus Christ died, He was buried, He rose again from the dead. Those are the historical facts. Your relationship to a risen Savior determines your eternal destiny. He died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was raised again for our justification (). [J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: Church History (), electronic ed., vol. 40 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 129.]

Note - “shewed him openly” lit. - He [God] made Him [Jesus] to become visible!

John 20:24–31 KJV 1900

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

John 20:

b. His Apostles had Fellowship with Him! ().

Acts 10:41 KJV 1900

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.

Note - Not everyone had the privilege of seeing the Resurrected Christ, but only those who were hand selected by God prior.

Acts 1:1–4 KJV 1900

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Acts 1:1-

C. The Whosoever of the Gospel ().

1. The Great Commission ().

Acts 10:42 KJV 1900

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.

Acts 10:42

Note - Commanded to Preach Jesus and Testify His Judgment.

* Commanded to Preach Jesus and Testify His Judgment

* Commanded to Preach Jesus and Testify His

Note - “ordained”

Judgment

horizo (ὁρίζω, 3724), (Eng., “horizon”), lit., “to mark by a limit,” hence, “to determine, ordain,” is used of Christ as ordained of God to be a judge of the living and the dead, ; of His being “marked out” as the Son of God, ; of divinely appointed seasons, , “having determined.” See define. [Vine, Unger, and White Jr., 34.]

2 Timothy 4:1–2 KJV 1900

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

horizo (ὁρίζω, 3724), (Eng., “horizon”), lit., “to mark by a limit,” hence, “to determine, ordain,” is used of Christ as ordained of God to be a judge of the living and the dead, ; of His being “marked out” as the Son of God, ; of divinely appointed seasons, , “having determined.” See define. [Vine, Unger, and White Jr., 34.]

Luke 24:46–48 KJV 1900

And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and White Jr., 34.]

2. The Great Truth of Scripture ().

Acts 10:43 KJV 1900

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Isaiah 33:17–24 KJV 1900

Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: They shall behold the land that is very far off. Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? Where is he that counted the towers? Thou shalt not see a fierce people, A people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; Of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand. Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: Thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, A tabernacle that shall not be taken down; Not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, Neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. But there the glorious Lord will be unto us A place of broad rivers and streams; Wherein shall go no galley with oars, Neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, The Lord is our king; he will save us. Thy tacklings are loosed; They could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: Then is the prey of a great spoil divided; The lame take the prey. And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: The people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.

Is. 33:17-24

Acts 10:43

Isaiah 53:11 KJV 1900

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 55:1–3 KJV 1900

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, And he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Even the sure mercies of David.

Joel 2:32 KJV 1900

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: For in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, As the Lord hath said, And in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.

Note - All who believe in Jesus may receive forgiveness of sins through His name!

* All who believe in Jesus may receive forgiveness of sins

* All who believe in Jesus may receive forgiveness of sins through His name!

Acts records three representative conversions. The Ethiopian eunuch was a son of Ham. Saul of Tarsus was a son of Shem. Cornelius was a son of Japheth. In each instance the Holy Spirit moved, using a man of God and the Word of God. [McGee, 130.]

J. Vernon McGee, 130.]

through His name!

Peter certainly was privileged to minister to a model congregation (). They were all present, they wanted to hear the Word, and they listened, believed, and obeyed. What more could a preacher ask? [Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 446.]

Peter certainly was privileged to minister to a model congregation (). They were all present, they wanted to hear the Word, and they listened, believed, and obeyed. What more could a preacher ask?

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 446.]

Note - The story concludes with God showing up at Cornelius’ house, and the Holy Spirit coming on them like He did at Pentecost. After they all believed, and got saved, Peter, I can imagine with all the water of the Mediterranean Sea right over his shoulder, says, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”

Friend, have you ever believed on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to receive from God forgiveness for all your sins? If so, have you followed the Lord’s Command to be baptized to identify with Him publicly and with His Church?