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Witnesses Chosen by God

Text: Acts 10
19 February 2017

JEWISH AND GENTILE HOSTILITY

1. Long-standing problem

2. A great divide between the Jews and Gentiles

THE GENTILE CENTURION CORNELIUS

1. Centurion of the Italian Regiment   (Acts 10:1)

2. Character of Cornelius   (Acts 10:2)

a) A devout man
b) One who feared God with all his household
c) Gave alms generously to the people
d) Prayed to God always

A SPECIAL ANGELIC VISIT

1. Angel’s message to Cornelius

a) His prayers
b) His alms They were “a memorial before God”   (Acts 10:4)

2. He was asked to send some of his men to call Simon Peter

a) Peter will tell him what he must do
b) Cornelius immediately sent two of his men on a mission to find Peter

PREPARATION OF PETER

1. God had to change Peter before he could minister to Cornelius

a) His mindset towards Gentiles
b) His views of Gentiles

2. This was done in two ways

a) A vision from heaven was given to him   (Acts 10:9-16)
b) The Holy Spirit’s special word to him   (Acts 10:19-20)

PETER IN THE HOME OF CORNELIUS

1. The Gospel in a nutshell

a) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power   (Acts 10:38)
b) His ministry
i) He went about doing good
ii) Healing all who were oppressed by the devil
iii) God was with Him   (Acts 10:38)

2. The Witnesses

a) Witnesses chosen by God   (Acts 10:41)
b) Witnesses of the death of Jesus
c) Witnesses of His resurrection   (Acts 10:39-40)
d) Commanded to preach the gospel   (Acts 10:42)

3. Invitation to believe

a) Whoever believes in Jesus will receive remission of sins   (Acts 10:43)
b) Cornelius and his household believed and were baptised   (Acts 10:48)

4. A Special act of the Holy Spirit

a) He came upon Cornelius and those who heard the message   (Acts 10:44)
b) This confirmed the witness of the Apostle Peter   (Acts 10:44)