Grace Bible Church Gillette, Wyoming

1. Though His operations are generally behind the scenes, the Holy Spirit’s ministries are mentioned numerous times in these passages. The Spirit has been preparing hearts as well as directing the events that led to the salvation of the Gentiles.

2. The Spirit had given Peter a supernatural vision. Cornelius had seen an angel in a vision, which can be warranted as the orchestration of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Spirit prepared the hearts of both Cornelius and Peter, was leading them together, was about to give a message through Peter, and will ultimately save Cornelius and other Gentiles. This depicts the Spirit’s ministry in salvation not only to the Gentiles, but also to all who are brought to Christ.

4. [17] Peter was “perplexed” (diaporeō - mentally bewildered, cf. Ac 2:12; 5:24) by the meaning of the vision because he was a Jew who had never eaten anything unclean. In his vision, God commanded him to “kill and eat” both clean and unclean animals. While Peter was at an utter loss, the Spirit of God was directing the men sent by Cornelius to him.

5. [18] Since Simon was a tanner, his living quarters were semi-commercial. Thus Cornelius’ men were able to call to the occupants from the street.

B. The Spirit’s Communication to Peter (Ac 10:19-20)

1. [19] While Peter was attempting to decipher his vision, the Spirit communicated to him about Cornelius’ three men who were looking for him. We read that the Spirit “said” (legō - to speak) something to Peter. This most likely was an audible voice, but we cannot be sure. But what we can be sure of was that it was an unmistakable supernatural communication. This is not to be confused with one’s inner thoughts which many today interpret as divine communication. Today the Spirit guides believers, not through an audible voice, but through the Spirit’s illumination of the principles of Scripture. The Spirit does not speak today in the supernatural manner that He did to the apostle Peter (cf. He 2:4).

2. [20-21] The Spirit said to Peter that he was not to have any “misgivings” (diakrinō - evaluate, discern, hesitate) about these men. Peter would find out that there were Gentiles at his door. So Peter met with the men and asked the reason for their visit.

C. The Spirit’s Divine Attributes

1. In Ac 10:19-20, we have several of the Spirit’s divine attributes in view.

2. Omnipotence/Sovereignty - The Spirit told Peter not to hesitate in accompanying these Gentiles because, “I have sent them Myself.” The Spirit Himself had been sovereignly directing these most important events. If the Spirit claimed to have sent them, and it was done through an angel (Ac 10:3), then we can understand that the Spirit directed the angel in a vision. Clearly, the Spirit was seen as sovereignly directing. However, by accomplishing any of it, He would have to share not only in divine authority, but also divine ability (cf. Ge 1:2; Lk 1:35; 2Pe 1:21). This will especially be shown in His ability to save (Jn 3:6; Tit 3:5).

3. Omnipresence/Omniscience - In order for the Spirit to know that men were at the house to see Peter, it would require divine omniscience. In addition, for the Spirit to communicate to Cornelius in Caesarea while doing the same to Peter in Joppa, He would have to possess divine omnipresence (cf. 1Co 2:10-11; cf. Ps 139:7-10).

II. THE SPIRIT’S DIVINE CALLING (22-27)

A. The Spirit’s Calling of Cornelius (Ac 10:22-24)

1. [22] In reply to Peter’s question, the men related that Cornelius was “divinely directed” to send for Peter. Though the Spirit was directing, in the case of Cornelius, he was also “calling” him unto salvation (Ro 8:30; Ep 4:4 cf. Ro 1:6; 1Co 1:24).

a) Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit whereby convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ and renewing our wills, He persuades and enables us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel (WSC 31).

2. [23] The fact that Peter gave the men lodging was indication that Peter heeded the Spirit’s revelation. For Jews were not to associate with Gentiles (cf. Ac 10:28). Peter and the men set out the next day for Caesarea. Peter had several of the brethren from Joppa (“six” Ac 11:12) accompany them.

3. [24] Not only was the Spirit working in Cornelius’ heart but also through his exhortation to his family and friends to come and hear Peter.

B. The Spirit’s Exaltation of Christ (Ac 10:25-27)

1. [25] When Peter did arrive, he was met by Cornelius who fell at his feet and worshiped him.

2. [26-27] Peter’s reply was the proper Spirit-led response. He told Cornelius to stand up because Peter, though an apostle, was just a man. It was a Spirit-led response in the sense that every time the Scriptures teach that someone fall down before anyone other than God, they were reproved (Ac 14:11-15; Re 19:10; Re 22:8-9). Contrariwise, no one was ever rebuked for falling at the feet of God (or Christ) (Re 1:17; 5:8, 14; Re 19:4). The word “worship” in Ac 10:25 is the Greek word proskuneō which means to “bow down” or bow down to kiss the hand or feet in an act of reverence. Such worship is to be given to God alone and not man or angels.

3. The triune Godhead is to be worshiped, and God the Holy Spirit, being full deity, is worthy of the believer’s worship. Yet, the Spirit’s ministry is behind the scenes while He testifies about the Son (Jn 15:26), reveals the Son (Jn 16:14b), compels submission to the Son (1Co 12:3), and glorifies the Son (Jn 16:14a).

III. THE SPIRIT’S DIVINE MESSAGE (28-36)

A. The Spirit’s Divine Appointment (Ac 10:28-32)

1. [28-29] Peter complied with the Spirit by going to a Gentile’s house even though it was unlawful for a Jew (cf. Jn 4:9; 18:28; Ac 11:2–3; 22:21–22; Ga 2:12). The Spirit revealed to him not to call anything unclean, particularly Gentiles (Ac 10:19 cf. Ac 10:13, 15).

2. [30-32] Cornelius recounted what had divinely transpired for him and led him to converge with Peter.

3. Ultimately it was the Holy Spirit who directed this divine appointment between a Jewish apostle and a Gentile, between the gospel and a sinner.

B. The Spirit’s Divine Message (Ac 10:33-36)

1. [33] The purpose for the divine appointment was a divine message. Cornelius’ men said that Cornelius had a divine directive to hear Peter’s “message” (Ac 10:22). Here Cornelius stated that they were all gathered to “hear all that [Peter had] been commanded by the Lord.” Being an apostle, much like the prophets, the Holy Spirit would move Peter to speak “from God” (2Pe 1:21). The beginning of the Spirit’s message consisted of:

a) God Shows No Partiality (34) - This was taught in the Scriptures (Dt 10:17; 2Ch 19:7; Job 34:19; Ro 2:11; 3:29, 30; Jm 2:1) and applied specifically to Gentiles in this case.

b) Every Nation is Welcome to God through Christ (35) - This does not refer to salvation by works. Rather it alludes to all who seek a relationship with God, no matter what ethnicity or culture, are “welcome” (dektos, Lk 4:24) through Christ.

c) Peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (36) - Christ has provided peace with God (Ro 5:1) and peace for all those in Christ (Ep 2:14). For Christ is Lord is over all, both Jew and Gentiles.

IV. THE SPIRIT’S MINISTRY IN SALVATION

A. The Holy Spirit convicts unbelievers of sin (Jn 16:8).

B. The Holy Spirit brings sinners to faith and repentance (Ep 2:8; 2Ti 2:25).

C. The Holy Spirit regenerates sinful hearts (Tit 3:5; Jn 3:3, 6).

D. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to witness (Ac 1:8; Mt 28:19).

E. The Holy Spirit directs divine appointments (Col 4:3)

V. CONCLUSION

A. Fathers, it is absolutely crucial for you to have a correct understanding of the workings of the Holy Spirit, to have them a reality in your lives (salvation), and to walk accordingly in your daily life (divine appointments - evangelism and ministry), and to teach them to your family.

Grace Bible Church · 4000 E. Collins Rd · PO Box #3762 · Gillette, WY · (307) 686-1516