ACTS 10 CORNELIUS

[Doug]

Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Cornelius was a Gentile, but, he was devout to the Lord.

Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He was told to send for Peter.

Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Peter had a vision of the Lord and was told that what the Lord had said was clean should not be seen as otherwise. The Lord was talking of Gentiles, no longer being deemed as unclean.

The book of Acts is a transitional book; it moves from the old economy of the Law to the dispensation of Grace; it moves from the diminishing of Israel toward the Gentiles. It moves from the twelve to Paul.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Peter spoke to those gathered, consisting of Jews and Gentiles.

Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Jesus is Lord of all, but he went first, to the house of Israel.

Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
10:38 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.
10:39 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:

Here Peter is accusing Israel, once again, in slaying Jesus.

Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

Peter is confirming the resurrection.

Acts 10:42 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.

This is the "great commission", which can be noted, was not given to the Body of Christ, but to the Apostles (Luke 24:46-49 Acts 1:8 Mark 16:15-17). The Body of Christ is to be the ambassadors of Christ, pleading for all to be reconciled to God thru faith in Christ.

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter is not preaching the cross here, he is preaching faith in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
10:45 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 Ghost.

The Gentiles believed and received the Holy Ghost, just as the Jews had. These Gentiles became members of the church of God, the believing remnant of Israel. They did not become members of the body of Christ.

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Peter, preaching the Gospel of the Circumcision, commanded baptism under the program of Israel and the commandment of Christ in Mark 16:16.

 

[bdavidc]

Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Cornelius was a Gentile, but, he was devout to the Lord.

Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He was told to send for Peter.

Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Peter had a vision of the Lord and was told that what the Lord had said was clean should not be seen as otherwise. The Lord was talking of Gentiles, no longer being deemed as unclean.

The book of Acts is a transitional book; it moves from the old economy of the Law to the dispensation of Grace; it moves from the diminishing of Israel toward the Gentiles. It moves from the twelve to Paul.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Peter spoke to those gathered, consisting of Jews and Gentiles.

Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Jesus is Lord of all, but he went first, to the house of Israel.

Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
10:38 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.
10:39 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:

Here Peter is accusing Israel, once again, in slaying Jesus.

Acts 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

Peter is confirming the resurrection.

Acts 10:42 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.

This is the "great commission", which can be noted, was not given to the Body of Christ, but to the Apostles (Luke 24:46-49 Acts 1:8 Mark 16:15-17). The Body of Christ is to be the ambassadors of Christ, pleading for all to be reconciled to God thru faith in Christ.

Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Peter is not preaching the cross here, he is preaching faith in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
10:45 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 Ghost.

The Gentiles believed and received the Holy Ghost, just as the Jews had. These Gentiles became members of the church of God, the believing remnant of Israel. They did not become members of the body of Christ.

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Peter, preaching the Gospel of the Circumcision, commanded baptism under the program of Israel and the commandment of Christ in Mark 16:16.

I appreciate your effort to walk through Acts 10, but there are some serious errors in your interpretation that need to be corrected by Scripture. You said the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house did not become part of the Body of Christ, but that is not what the Bible teaches. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles.” There is no such thing as a Gentile being saved and not becoming part of the Body of Christ. The moment they believed, they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and placed into the same body as every other believer.

You also claimed that Peter was preaching a different gospel than Paul, but that directly contradicts Galatians 1:8–9, which warns that if anyone preaches another gospel, they are accursed. Peter preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in Acts 10:39–41. That is the same gospel Paul defines in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4. The gospel is not limited to the use of the word “cross,” it is the message of the crucified and risen Savior, which Peter clearly proclaimed.

Saying the Great Commission was not given to the Body of Christ is also off base. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19), and Paul echoed this same mission in 2 Corinthians 5:20, saying we are ambassadors for Christ. The early church, including Paul, fulfilled the Great Commission by preaching the same gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, calling them to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Finally, saying that baptism in Acts 10 was part of Israel’s program only, and not for the Body of Christ, ignores the order of events. Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit before water baptism, proving that salvation was by faith alone. Peter then commanded baptism as an act of obedience, not as a requirement to enter any so-called Jewish program. Ephesians 4:4–5 says there is one body and one baptism, not separate baptisms or systems.

This is not my opinion, this is what the Bible says, there is one gospel, one body of believers, and one Spirit who saves both Jew and Gentile the same way, by grace through faith. We must let Scripture speak for itself, not divide God's plan into man-made programs.

 

[Doug]

I appreciate your effort to walk through Acts 10, but there are some serious errors in your interpretation that need to be corrected by Scripture. You said the Gentiles in Cornelius’ house did not become part of the Body of Christ, but that is not what the Bible teaches. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles.” There is no such thing as a Gentile being saved and not becoming part of the Body of Christ. The moment they believed, they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and placed into the same body as every other believer.

Paul persecuted the church of God.....what church?.......it was the church formed by Christ and his disciples....Christ called it the little flock.....this church operated before Paul was converted and before Christ started forming the body of Christ at that time........the Gentiles in Acts 10 believed the preaching of Peter and were in the believing remnant not the body of Christ

 

[Doug]

You also claimed that Peter was preaching a different gospel than Paul, but that directly contradicts Galatians 1:8–9, which warns that if anyone preaches another gospel, they are accursed.

Look at this verse........[Gal 1:9 KJV] 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
If any preach unto YOU.....this is very specific........someone preaching a different gospel to those who received Paul's gospel would be the ones accursed..............Peter preached to Israel
Paul was not antagonistic to Peter and acknowledged his apostleship in Galatians 2:8 and they decided to separate their ministries in Galatians 2:9

 

[Doug]

Peter preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in Acts 10:39–41.

[Act 10:39 KJV] 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:
Peter is not preaching that Christ died for our sins.....he is accusing them of killing their Messiah

[Act 10:40 KJV] 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Peter is only saying he was raised and they were witnesses'......he never says he was raised for our justification as Paul does in Romans 4:25.......his resurrection was in the prophets in Psalm 16:10.....which Peter referenced in Acts 2:31
Peter preached his resurrection not for our justification but to sit on David's throne in his kingdom on earth in Acts 2:30

 

[Doug]

Saying the Great Commission was not given to the Body of Christ is also off base. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19),

Jesus DID NOT tell his followers to obey this "commission" he commanded the eleven apostles

 

[Doug]

Paul echoed this same mission in 2 Corinthians 5:20, saying we are ambassadors for Christ.

We are indeed ambassadors but we are not preaching the gospel of the kingdom as in Matthew 24:14

 

[Doug]

Ephesians 4:4–5 says there is one body and one baptism,

The one baptism is not water it is being baptized by the Spirit.................[1Co 12:13 KJV] 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 

[bdavidc]

Paul persecuted the church of God.....what church?.......it was the church formed by Christ and his disciples....Christ called it the little flock.....this church operated before Paul was converted and before Christ started forming the body of Christ at that time........the Gentiles in Acts 10 believed the preaching of Peter and were in the believing remnant not the body of Christ

There is no biblical support for separating believers into different “groups” of salvation after Christ’s resurrection. According to Sola Scriptura, the Bible teaches one body, one Spirit, and one faith (Ephesians 4:4–5). When Peter preached to Cornelius’ household, it says plainly, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word” (Acts 10:44). That same Spirit places all believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). It doesn’t say they were placed into a separate remnant, it says they received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers did (Acts 11:15–17). Peter even said, “God gave them the like gift as he did unto us,” meaning no difference. Romans 10:12 confirms this: “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” The idea of a saved Gentile who is not in the Body of Christ is foreign to Scripture. There is no “little flock” remnant after the cross. All who believe the gospel are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Your interpretation divides what God has joined together. Let God be true, and every man a liar (Romans 3:4).

 

[bdavidc]

Look at this verse........[Gal 1:9 KJV] 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
If any preach unto YOU.....this is very specific........someone preaching a different gospel to those who received Paul's gospel would be the ones accursed..............Peter preached to Israel
Paul was not antagonistic to Peter and acknowledged his apostleship in Galatians 2:8 and they decided to separate their ministries in Galatians 2:9

Galatians 1:9 doesn’t just warn against preaching a different gospel to the Galatians, it establishes that there is only one gospel for all people. Paul said in Galatians 1:8, “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” That is a universal standard. Paul wasn’t limiting the warning to just his listeners, he was defending the purity of the one true gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, as he clearly states in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4.

The idea that Peter preached a different gospel to Israel contradicts Acts 15, where Peter, Paul, and the other apostles came together and affirmed that the same gospel was being preached to both Jews and Gentiles. Peter stood up and said, “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:11). That’s not a different message, that’s the exact same gospel of grace Paul preached.

Yes, Galatians 2:9 says they agreed to focus on different groups, Paul to the Gentiles, Peter to the Jews, but that was a division of labor, not a division of doctrine. The same Lord, the same gospel, the same salvation. Ephesians 4:5–6 says, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Scripture leaves no room for two gospels. Anyone trying to separate Peter’s message from Paul’s is doing what Paul explicitly warned against, preaching another gospel. Let God’s Word speak for itself.

 

[bdavidc]

[Act 10:39 KJV] 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:
Peter is not preaching that Christ died for our sins.....he is accusing them of killing their Messiah

[Act 10:40 KJV] 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Peter is only saying he was raised and they were witnesses'......he never says he was raised for our justification as Paul does in Romans 4:25.......his resurrection was in the prophets in Psalm 16:10.....which Peter referenced in Acts 2:31
Peter preached his resurrection not for our justification but to sit on David's throne in his kingdom on earth in Acts 2:30

You're making a false division that the Bible does not make. Peter clearly preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in Acts 10, and not just as historical facts, but as the basis of salvation. In Acts 10:43, Peter says plainly, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” That is the gospel. Forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ, not through the law, not through works, not by birthright, but through believing in the risen Christ.

You’re wrong to say Peter didn’t preach that Christ died for our sins. Just because the words “for our sins” don’t appear in that exact sentence doesn’t mean that’s not the message. Acts 10:39 says, “whom they slew and hanged on a tree.” That connects directly with 1 Peter 2:24, where Peter later writes that Christ “bare our sins in his own body on the tree.” That’s substitution, that’s atonement, that’s the heart of the gospel.

You also claim Peter didn’t preach resurrection for justification, but that’s missing the point. Romans 4:25 explains what resurrection accomplishes, it proves the work is finished. Peter didn’t need to use Paul’s exact language. The Holy Spirit already fell on those who believed Peter’s message in Acts 10:44, which means God confirmed the gospel was fully present in Peter’s preaching. They didn’t receive the Spirit for believing a partial gospel. That would contradict Ephesians 1:13, which says you are sealed with the Spirit after you believe the gospel of your salvation.

Whether it’s Peter, Paul, or anyone else, salvation comes one way, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. There is no split gospel in Scripture, only one gospel for all who believe.

 

[bdavidc]

Jesus DID NOT tell his followers to obey this "commission" he commanded the eleven apostles

I disagree that the Great Commission was only for the eleven apostles. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells them to make disciples and teach them to obey all His commands, including the commission itself, so it extends beyond just them. Acts 8:1-4 and 11:19-21 show regular believers, not just apostles, spreading the gospel. Plus, Ephesians 4:11-12 and 2 Timothy 2:2 indicate all saints are equipped for ministry and to pass on Christ’s teachings. Jesus’ promise to be with them “to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) shows it’s for the whole Body of Christ, not just the eleven.

 

[bdavidc]

We are indeed ambassadors but we are not preaching the gospel of the kingdom as in Matthew 24:14

Your claim that ambassadors for Christ don’t preach the gospel of the kingdom from Matthew 24:14 doesn’t hold up. The Bible says we are ambassadors for Christ because we carry His message to the world, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). That message of reconciliation through Christ aligns with the gospel of the kingdom, because God’s kingdom is about His reign through Jesus (Colossians 1:13–14). You can’t separate the gospel of grace from the gospel of the kingdom, they are one and the same. In Acts 20:24–25, Paul said he preached the gospel of the grace of God, and then right after that, he said he preached the kingdom of God. In Acts 28:30–31, Paul is still doing the same thing, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:6–9 makes it clear there is only one gospel, and any attempt to split it into different messages brings a curse, not clarity. Matthew 28:18–20 confirms that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus, and His commission includes preaching everything He commanded, which absolutely includes the kingdom. The gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of Christ are not two separate messages. They are centered on the same truth, Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, and King. Stop overcomplicating it, let the Bible speak for itself.

 

[bdavidc]

The one baptism is not water it is being baptized by the Spirit.................[1Co 12:13 KJV] 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 says the one baptism that puts us into the Body of Christ is done by the Holy Spirit, not by water. That fits perfectly with Ephesians 4:4–5, which says there is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. That “one baptism” is spiritual, not physical. It’s what happens the moment someone truly believes in Jesus. You don’t need water to be placed into Christ, you need the Holy Spirit. Romans 6:3–4 says we’re baptized into Christ’s death, and that’s something only the Spirit can do. You could go under water a hundred times and still be spiritually lost. But the second you put your faith in the gospel, the Spirit baptizes you into Christ (Galatians 3:26–27). That’s salvation.

But let’s be clear, this doesn’t mean we downplay water baptism. Jesus commanded it in Matthew 28:19, and the apostles carried it out faithfully. Baptism doesn’t save you, but it’s a serious step of obedience for every true believer. It’s how we publicly show our faith and identify with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:4). The Bible never treats it as optional. In fact, if someone claims to follow Jesus but refuses to obey His clear command to be baptized, that raises a red flag about whether their faith is real (Luke 6:46).

So yes, the “one baptism” in Ephesians 4:5 is Spirit baptism, the moment of true salvation when the Holy Spirit places you into Christ. But water baptism is still commanded, still important, and still expected from every believer. It doesn’t cause salvation, but it should follow it. It’s not the root of your salvation, but it is one of the first visible fruits.

 

[Doug]

There is no biblical support for separating believers into different “groups” of salvation after Christ’s resurrection

There is the believing remnant of Israel and there is the body of Christ BUT both groups are in Christ and in the dispensation of time will be one in Christ.................[Eph 1:10 KJV] 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him:......................those in heaven is the body of Christ and those on earth is believing Israel

 

[Doug]

he Bible teaches one body, one Spirit, and one faith (Ephesians 4:4–5).

Jesus revealed that to Paul for this dispensation

 

[Doug]

When Peter preached to Cornelius’ household, it says plainly, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word” (Acts 10:44). That same Spirit places all believers into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). It doesn’t say they ..placed into a separate remnant, it says they received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers did (Acts 11:15–17). Peter even said, “God gave them the like gift as he did unto us,” meaning no difference. Romans 10:12 confirms this: “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”

The Jews received the Holy Ghost at Pentecost before there was a body of Christ....the body was only formed with Paul

The Gentiles in Acts 10 received the Holy Ghost just as Peter said would happen in Acts 2...........[Act 2:38 KJV] 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost............God just extended this to include Gentiles as well

 

[Doug]

There is no “little flock” remnant after the cross

Paul said there was

[Rom 11:5 KJV] 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

There were saints in the remnant who helped Paul

[Rom 16:7 KJV] 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

 

[Doug]

Galatians 1:9 doesn’t just warn against preaching a different gospel to the Galatians, it establishes that there is only one gospel for all people.

There is only one gospel for Jew and Gentile in this dispensation and that was given to Paul
Peter and the disciples preached their gospel only to Israel as seen in Galatians where they separated their ministries....................[Gal 2:9 KJV] 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

 

[Doug]

Paul said in Galatians 1:8, “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” That is a universal standard. Paul wasn’t limiting the warning to just his listeners, he was defending the purity of the one true gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, as he clearly states in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4.

Paul said if an angel preached another gospel..........look at this verse...........[Rev 14:6 KJV] 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,..............here is an angel preaching the everlasting gospel

Did the angel preach the death burial and resurrection of Christ?....................what is the gospel the angel will preach..................[Rev 14:7 KJV] 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters...........not Paul's gospel

We are to believe Paul's gospel and I am glad you do