The Vision of Peter

Acts 10:1-17; 11:1-18

                In this vision the Lord appeared to Cornelius and delivered to him an important message. One, that his prayers had been heard by God; a simple truth applicable to all people. The other message that he delivered was that Cornelius was to send men to ask for Peter.  Cornelius was a good man, he helped the people and prayed to God continually. There is no question as to why the Lord would answer his prayers.

                The message of Peter’s vision is quite simple; the Lord is no respecter of persons. He loves each of us equally and desires us all to have the same eternal blessings. Peter was surprised by this vision because at the time preaching to the gentiles was more unheard of. There was still a segregation in groups as to who was or wasn’t approachable for the message of Christ. Peter immediately doubted the vision and its origin. Because of the awesomeness and context of the message, the Lord saw fit to repeat this vision three times. He wanted all doubt to be gone and for Peter to recognize and accept the importance and impact of this message.

Acts 10:18-36, 44

               

                Peter acted upon the vision and met Cornelius; it was at this point when he understood the purpose of his vision. He said, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35). Essentially the message is that all men are equal in the eyes of God. Superficial characteristics don’t change the love that God has for each human being. As when any truth is being taught, the holy ghost bore witness to the people that this is a truth of God. The spirit testified to them that all are equal and all deserve the same opportunity to repent and come unto Christ.