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| 1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, |
Cesarea – Became a Church of considerable size. R2222:3
Called Cornelius – The first Gentile convert. R5048:6, 3755:4, 3440:4, 2620:6, 2222:3, 1451:2, 5454:2, 1526:1
About October 1st, 36 AD, at the end of Israel's seventy weeks of favor. B71, B214; R5048:3, 4344:2, 3440:4, 2620:6, 2132:3
Not a Jew, no part of the covenant of Israel. R3440:4, 4344:3, 2989:1, 2620:2
Who sought harmony with God. R5200:6
Was accepted into fellowship without becoming a Jewish proselyte. R1451:2, 5454:2
Converted to God and to righteousness years prior to this incident. R2988:6
A centurion – Probably the one whose servant Christ healed. (Luke 7:2-10) R1922:6, 2620:6, 2132:3
The mention of three centurions in the Scriptures may be three different ones. R3755:4
All evidently reverential. (Matt. 27:54; Luke 7:1-17) It is not prre two cent R1922:6
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| 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. |
A devout man – A just, reverential, benevolent man, every way prepared to be a Christian. R4344:3, 5834:5, 5776:1, 5101:1; CR318:6
It was said of probably the same centurion, in Luke 7:4,5: "He was worthy; for he l R2620:2, 1922:3, 2071:3, Q600:T
A fine character; but a Gentile and could not come in under the call. R5776:1; CR318:6; HG117:4
That feared God – With all the good he did before, such a man, upon receiving the Gospel, would become ten-fold more zealous. R2222:3
Gave much alms – His endeavor to overcome selfishness and to copy divine benevolence. R2133:1
Prayed to God alway – Implied faith in God and a desire for harmony with him. Later his prayers would be heard. R2133:1, 5321:2, 5200:6. 2989:1
Because he was a Gentile, God did not accept him until the due time for him to receive the truth. R5321:2, 5833:1, 5021:5, 5048:6; Q600:T
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| 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. |
A vision evidently – In a vision openly, not in a dream. He talked with an angel. R4344:5, 4142:4*
Coming in to him – It was just like the Lord to send the Gospel to him first. R1923:1
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| 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. |
Thy prayers – Could not be accepted until the seventy symbolic weeks ended. R5832:6, 4344:2; Q174:1
Thine alms – Now received of the Lord because the due time had come. R4344:5
His alms and prayers had not saved him. We may be sure that the alms of other Gentiles had been heard. His was for a special lesson. R4344:5
For a memorial – Of his piety. R2989:1
Ascended up as incense to the Lord. R4344:5, 5832:6; Q600:T
They had been noted before, but God could not receive them until now. R5776:1, 5833:1, 5200:6; CR319:1
If prayers cannot be answered immediately they are not forgotten, but are kept as memorials until the right time comes for their answer. R1945:5
Any who pray to God sincerely now, not knowing the appointed way, God takes note of their prayers, to be rewarded now or later. R5834:6
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| 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: |
And now – Exactly 3 years after our Lord's crucifixion. R4344:2, 5834:6, 5379:1, 5200:6; Q600:T
Call for one Simon – Peter had the key to open the door to the Gentiles. R2657:6, 376:1
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| 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou ougthest to do. |
Whose house – Pastor Russell visited in 1892. R1381:1
He shall tell thee – These words were necessary directions; but they did not bring Cornelius into covenant relationship with God. R5776:1, 4344:6
God has placed the promulgation of the Gospel in the hands of men, not angels. R2989:1
Essential to further progress. R2989:2
Now, by reason of the art of printing the message reaches many otherwise--by printed words. R4345:1
These words of life were the simple story of the cross. R4345:1
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| 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; |
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| 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. |
Declared all these things – Prepared to cooperate with God. His light pervaded his household as should ours. R2989:2
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| 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
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Sixth hour – Noon-time. R4344:6
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| 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, |
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| 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: |
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| 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. |
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| 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. |
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| 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. |
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| 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. |
God hath cleansed – Replacing the blood of bulls and goats, the antitypical cleansing through the blood of Christ had been confined for a time to Israel only. R4345:4
Now the time had come for dealing with such Gentiles as were in proper condition of heart. R4344:3
Common – While God calls "the mean things," he does not leave them thus, but justifies them by faith in Christ, and sanctifies them by the truth. R4493:3
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| 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. |
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| 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, |
Now while – About, during. R1980:3; B49
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| 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. |
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| 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. |
The Spirit said – God, by his power, in some manner made his will known to Peter. E274; R372:5
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| 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. |
I have sent them – It was God's due time for dealing with such Gentiles as were in proper condition of heart. R4344:3
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| 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? |
Peter – Chosen for this work because of his impetuous disposition and zeal to follow the Lord's directions quickly and heartily; and being the oldest of the apostles, and in many respects the most influential one. R2989:3
A just, reverential and benevolent man, in every way prepared to be a follower of Jesus. R4344:3, 5101:1
The first Gentile received into the Gospel privileges. R5004:6, 2620:6, 1455:1
God honors and uses his faithful ones as his mouthpieces. R4345:1
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| 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. |
Hear words of thee – God attaches great importance to the words or message of his grace. R4344:6, 2989:2, 3550:6
No one can receive the holy Spirit except he has received the truth. R5550:1
The only way to know the glad tidings. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Rom. 10:17) R4345:1
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| 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. |
Certain brethren – Six men, probably as witnesses. R4344:6
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| 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 – To hear the apostle Peter. The spirit of devotion, light and truth should pervade every family. R5394:1, 2989:3
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| 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. |
Fell down – Feelings of reverence to a representative of the Lord. R2989:4
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| 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. |
But Peter – Not acting as a Pope would have done under such circumstances, he refused to receive unauthorized homage. R2989:5
Even heavenly beings are not to be worshipped. "Worship God." (Rev. 19:10) R144:5
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| 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. |
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| 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. |
God hath shewed me – Yet he afterward so far forgot it that Paul was obliged to publicly rebuke him. (Gal. 2:11-14) A26, A27
The "Lazarus" class received into favor. R1087:1
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| 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? |
Without gainsaying – Because evidently the Lord was leading him in the matter. R2989:3
Intent – Greek, logos; intention, plan, purpose, expression. R338:1, 421:2
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| 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, |
Cornelius – The first adopted son of God from amongst the Gentiles. R2132:2, 5379:2
Was fasting – The centurion's heart had been troubled. R4345:1
The heart thus would be brought nearer to God. NS153:2, 4
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| 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. |
Cornelius – The first Gentile convert. R2090:4, 1760:5, 1526:1, 376:1, 189:5
Also see comments on verse 1.
Thy prayer is heard – The first Gentile whose prayers were received. R5379:1, 5776:1
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| 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. |
Speak unto thee – The knowledge was indispensable; there can be no justification in ignorance. R5776:1
Speak to those that have some knowledge of God. R1451:5
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| 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. |
Present before God – Proper respect for the servant of God. R2133:2
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| 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: |
Opened his mouth – Used the second "key" to the Kingdom, the time having come for the Gospel to go to the Gentiles. R4345:4, 2996:3, 1455:1, 1760:5; NS803:5
No respecter of persons – The message was open for all. R2990:3
But is a respecter of character. R2988:3
Yet God's favor was given first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. R5168:3, 4345:4, 2133:2
We must recognize the consecrated Church of Christ as does the Head of the Church, irrespective of denomination. OV187:3,4
God is equally as willing to forgive the repentant sins of the world as the sins of the Church. R5531:1; SM207
Does this not suggest that all shall come to a knowledge of the truth. HG336:2
Every man shall stand equal before the law of God. HG514:3
No denomination can be conceded the right to appropriate the name which our Lord gave to all truly his disciples. CR79:5
"Of one blood God created all the families of the earth." NS63:6
Expresses a general truth. R1180:3
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| 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. |
In every nation – Now, henceforth, the righteous, God-fearing in every nation were to be acceptable. R4345:4, 2458:1
Peter now realized the meaning of his house-top vision (verse 15), and that the Lord "hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition." (Eph. 2:14) R4345:4, 5504:1, 1472:1, 586:6, 503:1
The "Lazarus" class died, or ceased from their former condition, and were received into favor of God. R1087:1
Feareth him – Perfect love casts out slavish but not reverential fear. (1 John 4:18) R2986:6, 2289:6
Is – Now. R2133:2
Accepted with him – Through the merit of the sacrifice given. R2133:2, 2989:6
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| 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) |
The word – Is kindly disposed toward us. R3059:1
Preaching peace – No suggestion of eternal torment, but full of mercy and grace. R4308:4
The old, old story. R2989:6
He is Lord of all – Having purchased all mankind. R1068:2
By reason of the great work of Atonement. (Rom. 14:9) E134
Not the pre-human Logos, nor yet the man Jesus, but the resurrected Messiah. "The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords." (Rev. 19:16) E136
Partaker of the divine nature, "that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father." (John 5:23) R1278:5
"The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the Son." (John 5:22) R587:1, 710:4
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| 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; |
That word – The good news. R240:5
In harmony with what the Prophets had witnessed. R1451:6
Ye know – Probably having heard Christ himself preach it at the time the servant was healed. R1922:5
After the baptism – Jesus was not the Messiah, the Anointed, the Christ, until after his baptism, at thirty years of age. B66; A224
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| 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. |
How God anointed – At thirty years of age. R289:4
The word "Christ" means "anointed." A81; R270:2, 240:5
The evidence that Our Lord was set apart for a very high office. R5227:6
"The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings." (Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18) R240:5
The Jewish age harvest started at the beginning of Jesus' ministry when he was anointed. It is proper to say that the Gospel age began with the anointing of Jesus. A223, A224; R271:6, 273:1
Thirty years from the babe Jesus until he stood in Jordan's and was anointed. R289:4
Jesus of Nazareth – The Royal Priesthood began with him; although justified believers had lived long before that time, just as the tribe of Levi existed long before the Jewish priesthood was formed. T27
With the Holy Spirit – Thus beginning the Gospel age or spirit dispensation. A224; R273:1
And with power – "God gave not the Spirit by measure unto him." (John 3:34). T37; R370:1
Doing good – Teaching, healing the sick, the deaf, the blind, and instructing his disciples. R5375:6
Abundant in good works. And to preach the gospel. R2157:3*, 84:5*
Some get the erroneous view that our Lord's chief work amongst men was to heal their sicknesses. This was incidental to his preaching. R4137:2
Our Lord's wrought thirty-six miracles during his ministry. R4137:2
The Christ is not commissioned merely to negative goodness but to positive. R2157:3*
Healing – Greek, iaomai, as in "Pray one for another, that ye may be (morally or spiritually) healed" (Jas. 5:16), and as in "Lest they shoeal them." (John 12:40) R4099:5*
Oppressed of the devil – Through sickness, etc.; traceable, either directly or indirectly, to sin and the author of sin, Satan. R2133:3, 423:6
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| 39 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: |
And we – The apostles chosen for the purpose. E213; F211; R1522:5
Are witnesses – To behold his works, to hear his message; and to be the specific witnesses of his resurrection. F211, F214, F215; E213
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| 40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; |
Him God raised up – Christ could never have raised himself. R2795:2
He was raised up from death a glorious divine being. R4964:5, 2133:4
As "Lord of all." (verse 36) E136
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| 41 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. |
Not to all the people – The people in general did not see the Lord Jesus after his resurrection. R2133:4, 773:2; B124
Even to us – The apostles. E213
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| 42 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. |
He commanded us – The apostles. F215; R2990:1
To testify that – Of the resurrected Jesus. B124; R2989:6, 2133:4
God to be the Judge – "God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained." ( Acts 17:31) R2990:3
Of quick – The angels who kept not their first estate. (Jude 6) R2133:4
The living. B124
And dead – In the sense that all are under the sentence of death. "Dead in trespasses and sins." (Eph. 2:1) R2133:4
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| 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. |
Through his name – "There is none other name under heaven." ( Acts 4:12) R2997:4
Believeth in him – Faith in Jesus' blood, and in no others. R4476:1, 2997:4
Remission of sins – There is no other means of approach to God. R2997:4; E461
Abraham did need a Redeemer, and so do we. PT267
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| 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. |
Spake these words – He proceeded to tell them the true story of Jesus: his death, his resurrection, the call of the Church class--proving their worthiness by loyalty and faithfulness unto death. PD75/89
Cornelius had to believe what everybody must believe in order to become a Christian. HG117:6; NS803:4
The Holy Spirit fell – Without the laying on of hands as it was bestowed at Pentecost. Peter was not ready to lay his hands upon him. Peter quickly learned the lesson. R2990:5
The baptism of the holy Spirit comes upon the Church collectively. Indicating that the Gentiles also may become members of the Anointed. R5394:1, 1523:1
And has continued with all the consecrated and faithful ever since. R1523:1
The promised favor to Israel were fulfilled. B71.
The third baptism of the holy Spirit. Peter, used the second key to open the door for the Gentiles. E214; R375:5; Q75, 783; HG737:5; NS803:5, 213:2; SM465, 466
Them which heard – Those who appreciated, not infants. F448
The Church at Ceasarea was of considerable size; Philip made it his headquarters, Paul visited it three times. R2222:3
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| 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
Were astonished – Yet they were not envious. R2990:5
Shows that the Gospel had not been preached to any Gentiles for some time after Pentecost. R189:5
On the Gentiles – At the end of Fleshly Israel's seventieth week of favor. A223; R5832:6, 4344:2, 271:6
The gifts – Differed from "the fruits" of the Spirit. Conferred by laying on of the hands of the apostles. E207
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| 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, |
Magnify God – Praising him, and rejoicing in their acceptance. R2990:5
Peter was merely the agent chosen. R1525:2
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| 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? |
Can any man forbid water – Appropriate and proper symbol. R1545:5
Baptized – Water immersion, symbolic of the immersion into Christ's death which he had already experienced. R4345:4, 2990:5, 760:3 10:48
Commanded – Directed. Similarly the Lord directs all of his people. R2990:6
In their consecration vow and in water. The custom of all the apostles. F448
In "fulfilling all righteousness," it is a joy and privilege. R760:6
Baptized – As a symbol of death and burial with Christ, and of a resurrection to newness of life. Our Lord's request and the Apostle's command. R2990:5, 937:4
Greek, dipping; immersion. R444:3, 5394:1, 4333:6, 1541:2,3, 760:3
It is certain that our Lord and his apostles practiced and enjoined upon all followers the rite of water baptism. R1539:3, 1540:4; NS54:4
Different from John's baptism. R445:4
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| 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. |
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