David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 10:34-48

So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶ As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), ³⁷ you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ³⁹ And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, ⁴⁰ but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, ⁴¹ not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

⁴⁴ While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. ⁴⁵ And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Instant replay has become a regular feature of televised sports. More recently we have come to expect that controversial calls will undergo video review by the referees. Some of them looking into a hooded display on the side of the field. Others remotely reviewing the plays. The goal is to make certain that what actually happened determines the call. Did he step out of bounds? Was she offsides when she got the ball and scored? It shouldn’t left be up to a fickle or biased umpire. If it’s a three-pointer, it should yield three points.

Peter speaks to the people in Caesarea about the impartiality of God. His message is direct and clear: God shows no partiality. He says, “In every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Every nation. Anyone. Fear God and do what is right, you are acceptable to God.

This would be a challenging message to the Jews of Peter’s day. The Jewish people were convinced that they had special privilege before God. They were the chosen people. They were precious to God. Theirs were the prophets. Theirs was the law. Theirs was the covenant. But now God was reaching beyond bloodline and ancestry. Not just the Jewish nation, but every nation. Not just certain ones, anyone.

But this would be good news to these here in Cornelius’ household. “Every nation” and “anyone” included them all. And the basis for this was and is the ministry of Jesus. He brings peace. He is Lord of all. He did good to those who were oppressed. “And he commanded [them] to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.“

I wonder, however, if their reaction might be like my own, and maybe yours as well. We know we’ve got a problem. We don’t always fear God and do what is right. We are all too aware of our sins in thought, word, and deed. The idea of being judged totally impartially is maybe not totally welcome. We’d prefer not to be shown that we stepped out of bounds, were offsides, or didn’t make the play. A totally impartial judgment might not be what we want.

Thank God Peter reminds us that, “everyone who believes in [Jesus] receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” The judgment for our sins fell on Jesus. He fulfilled all righteousness for us. All who believe in him are justified by his death and resurrection. That’s grace. We all need grace. Jesus is full of grace and truth. Whoever believes in him will be saved.

Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
² Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
³ There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
⁴ Their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
⁵     which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
⁶ Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
⁸ the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
⁹ the fear of the Lord is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
    and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
¹¹ Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

¹² Who can discern his errors?
    Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
¹³ Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
    and innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 49:1-9

Hear this, all peoples!
    Give ear, all inhabitants of the world,
² both low and high,
    rich and poor together!
³ My mouth shall speak wisdom;
    the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
⁴ I will incline my ear to a proverb;
    I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.

⁵ Why should I fear in times of trouble,
    when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me,
⁶ those who trust in their wealth
    and boast of the abundance of their riches?
⁷ Truly no man can ransom another,
    or give to God the price of his life,
⁸ for the ransom of their life is costly
    and can never suffice,
⁹ that he should live on forever
    and never see the pit.

Psalm 79:8-11

Do not remember against us our former iniquities;
    let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
    for we are brought very low.
⁹ Help us, O God of our salvation,
    for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins,
    for your name’s sake!
¹⁰ Why should the nations say,
    “Where is their God?”
Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants
    be known among the nations before our eyes!

¹¹ Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;
    according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die!

Psalm 109:26-27

Help me, O Lord my God!
    Save me according to your steadfast love!
²⁷ Let them know that this is your hand;
    you, O Lord, have done it!

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
³ You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
⁵ You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.

⁷ Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light about me be night,”
¹² even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.

¹³ For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
    I awake, and I am still with you.

¹⁹ Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
    O men of blood, depart from me!
²⁰ They speak against you with malicious intent;
    your enemies take your name in vain.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord?
    And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
²² I hate them with complete hatred;
    I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
²⁴ And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting!

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016.
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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Acts 10:17-33

Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, ¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. ²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”

²¹ So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”

²² They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” ²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” 

I just finished listening to a biography of Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. It’s a very interesting listen, made even more interesting by an accompanying PDF showing 144 drawings and reproductions of his paintings. One curious notation in his notebook was “Describe the tongue of the woodpecker.” You might wonder why that was on his to-do list. Most likely it was because he was inveterately curious. The interesting insight by such a description proved to help understand how a woodpecker can bang its beak against a tree at 100 times the force that would be fatal to a human being. The tongue – three times as long as its beak – apparently helps cushion the bird’s brain.

What has this to do with being curious to learn, and in particular to learn about God. Da Vinci held some patently heretical beliefs. And even though his funeral was in the Roman Catholic Church – where three separate masses were held, and perhaps as many as 60 more to boot – it’s difficult to find in his notebooks or in his life a clear confession of faith. That said, he painted some remarkable religious works. And he was curious.

Cornelius was curious as well. He wanted to hear what Peter had to say. He was waiting before God to hear the message the Lord had given Peter. He went to a lot of trouble for this. He sent three men to find Peter and bring him back to Caesarea. He gathered his friends, colleagues, and family to be present when Peter arrived so they could all hear God’s message through Peter. He even imposes on Peter having him come into a Gentile home which was was against their laws. 

But he wanted to hear from God.

I wonder if I could use a bit of Cornelius’ curiosity. Rather than reading the first few paragraphs of a book I’ve been given, I may need actually to read the whole book. Rather than leaning on the truth that there’s nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), perhaps I should be more humble; that doesn’t mean I know everything under the sun that is to be known. I’m pretty quick to dismiss the latest findings by Barna, or insights of recent biblical scholarship – or at least to assume I already know them, or don’t need them. A bit of curiosity would serve me well in those areas.

This goes, too, for listening to others. A bit of curiosity can go a long way to finding out where someone really needs God’s grace, truth, comfort, challenge, or love. We all need all those things. Thank God Jesus embodies them all. But a bit more curiosity can help me understand my friend or neighbor’s true need. It might also serve to help me understand God’s grace and truth more fully if I don’t think I know it all and am willing to wait before God to learn from him.

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Acts 10:17-33

Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, ¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. ²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”

²¹ So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”

²² They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” ²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” 

The pointer flew across the cancel and landed in my lap, and the congregation laughed. The staff team sat around the table and prayed for each other. The parents of confirmation-age children came to me with an idea. The elders gathered around me and prayed for me and my son. Diane came with me on a hospital visit. These are my immediate thoughts about doing ministry together. These were enriching, encouraging, emboldening, and enlightening moments that I would never have had alone. We are better together!

This is nothing new. Although Peter is alone in prayer when the men from Cornelius’ house come seeking him, they are a group of three. And when Peter goes on to Cornelius’ house, he is not only in the company of these three, but some brothers from Joppa travel with him. He is definitely not alone. He is among a cadre of fellow travelers. They will go together.

And when they arrive they discover that there is a group of family household members and friends present with Cornelius. They are ready to hear with Peter has to say. There is strength in numbers – not only in mission, but in hearing as well. Whole families are brought into the fellowship of believers. Cornelius’ family and friends will receive the Holy Spirit and be baptized. In a time to come the Philippian jailer and his family will hear, believe, and be baptized.

We are individualists. We think about how the political climate will impact us individually. We consider our relationship with God to be a personal and individual issue. While these things are true, God’s vision is far wider. He wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. But he doesn’t want those who come to faith to be alone in their faith walk. We’re better together. This is God’s plan.

So don’t go alone. To church. To share the gospel message. To serve. To help. Take people along with you. You’ll both be blessed for it.

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Acts 10:17-33

Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, ¹⁸ they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

¹⁹ Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. ²⁰ Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”

²¹ So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?”

²² They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” ²³ So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

²⁴ They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” ²⁷ So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.

²⁸ Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. ²⁹ So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. ³¹ He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! ³² Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” 

I’m pretty good at closing loops of conversation. Just ask my wife! Most often I’m correct when I intuitively figure out what someone is going to say, or what they mean. Except when I’m not. I can close the loop incorrectly, and think I understand before all has been explained when in fact the point is entirely different. It’s been called, going to MSU – Making Stuff Up!

In that manner I’m like Peter. He was the first to confess that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living God. He was the first of the men to the tomb on Easter morning. He was among the first of the disciples Jesus called. In so many ways he got it. And in some ways he got it wrong. He rebuked Jesus (!) when Jesus said he was going to be crucified. He saw the threat to Jesus on the night of his arrest and cut off the ear of the slave Malcus. He also confidently said, “Though they all fall away from you, I will never fall away from you.” Ugh. When he was right he was very right. But when he was wrong…

That’s why it’s so remarkable to me that Peter goes to such lengths to determine just what is going on in this encounter with Cornelius. Why did you ask me here? What do you have to say? What do you want from me? He’s not jumping to any conclusions here. He’s probing carefully to discern what is happening and how he is to be part of it.

Is it because Jesus is gone now? He’s ascended to the right hand of God. He’s not right there in the flesh to guide, correct, encourage, or challenge Peter. Is it because he sees that the Gospel message is passing into new areas and peoples? That’s certainly going to happen. But is there maybe another reason?

There is one big difference between impulsive Peter before and careful, deliberate, and measured Peter we see here. Could it be the Holy Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience… (Galatians 5). There it is! Patience!

Ugh. I think I need a strong dose of the Holy Spirit and the gift of patience he gives. It’s not so much a matter of waiting for a future event for which I need patience. It’s a matter of being patient and deliberate in seeking to understand others – giving them a chance to speak and explain themselves.

I once was interviewed by an FBI agent regarding a man I knew who was to have a high level cabinet post in the George W. Bush administration. That agent didn’t jump to any conclusions. He asked insightful questions and never assumed he knew the conclusion until all the questions had been asked and answered. Peter is no FBI agent, but he will make certain he understands what Cornelius wants and discerns that the door is open for him to share the Good News of Jesus.

There’s no conclusion jumping here!

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Acts 10:17-33

Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

³⁰ And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour,^[d] and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

I’m not sure I was 100% correct, but I said it nevertheless. When it comes to mission work, I’d rather have chaos than gridlock. My point is that the mission of God requires us sometimes (?) to get dirty. It can be messy work.

I’m thinking of a young man who was far from God, quite unrefined in his understanding of how to act in church, and yet being brought into the Body of Christ. It was not easy or neat. But God was at work on him. The same can be said of the woman who was visited by a young evangelist, going door to door asking if she could pray for the residents of her apartment complex. The woman was nervous and obviously under duress. She closed the door. The next time, the young woman asked if she could pray for this resident, she allowed it and shared her story of abuse, addiction, and hopelessness. It took a while. And it wasn’t easy or pretty. But the story ends with her baptism, and she invited her friends to celebrate with her! They were a motley crew, but nonetheless, the focus of God’s redeeming love. Maybe not chaotic. But certainly not gridlock!

Some would think that Peter’s interaction with these people from Cornelius’ household was chaotic. Unrefined. Unscripted. Unexpected. But that is what God was up to: Expanding the reach of the Gospel. Isaiah puts it this way:

“Enlarge the place of your tent,
    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
    and strengthen your stakes.
³ For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left. – Isaiah 54:2-3

Ever been part of a renovation or remodeling project? It can surely be chaotic. But in the end you enjoy the fruits of your labors and the results overshadow the inconvenience.

God has set up all this for Peter and Cornelius and his household. This will prove to be a major shift in the spread of the Gospel message. The phrase which Luke uses throughout this book, The Word of the Lord grew, is coming true before our eyes. It may not appear to be that chaotic to our sensibilities. But trust me it was. And for this time – even though God does want things done decently and in order – there will be some chaos. Not 100% chaos, but I’m thinking maybe 75%. What do you think?

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Acts 10:17-33

Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

³⁰ And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour,^[d] and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

When I was first introduced to Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, I was impressed with the simple manner in which Luther explains the 10 Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, Apostle’s Creed, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. His refrain is, “What does this mean?”  While some may make fun of this simple approach, it has proved to be very helpful in explaining the simple expression, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” What does this mean? It’s not just that God created all things, but that he still preserves us. And he does this because of his “fatherly divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me.” 

Peter will not have a catechism to look at. Martin Luther would learn things from Peter 1500 years later. But for now, Peter didn’t know how to understand his vision and the command to rise and eat, much less how to apply the admonition, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” (v. 15) But he is about to have something better than a catechism answer to his ponderings. God was setting things up for him to receive these visitors and agree to their request to go with them back to Cornelius’ house.

I’m not sure, though, that I understand Peter’s comment once he’s there.

And Peter said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.” (v. 28-29)

This is not the Peter of whom I’ve read elsewhere. Peter who speaks first and thinks later now seems to be thinking before he speaks. I think he’s cautiously trying to understand what God is up to. Rather than offering to evangelize them, he’s asking that they admit to their interest in Jesus. This is totally new territory for Peter. He will feel his way forward, all the while thinking, What does this mean?

Peter will now be invited to share God’s message with Cornelius. He’ll hear it for himself. Peter will have the grand opportunity to tell Cornelius and his household what this means. It means that the gospel message is for Jew and Gentile. It means that God really does love all people. It means that the Word of the Lord is growing. It means that people are being saved.

Years later Peter will write, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) It means you and I are invited to repent and believe the Good News of Jesus. It means that God’s glorious grace has come to us. This is most certainly true.

Please pray these psalms with me on this Lord’s Day

Psalm 12:1-2

Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;
    for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
² Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
    with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

Psalm 42:1-6

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.
² My soul thirsts for God,
    for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?^[b]
3 My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while they say to me all the day long,
    “Where is your God?”
⁴ These things I remember,
    as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
    and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
    a multitude keeping festival.

⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul,
    and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
    my salvation ⁶ and my God.

Psalm 72:1-4

Give the king your justice, O God,
    and your righteousness to the royal son!
² May he judge your people with righteousness,
    and your poor with justice!
³ Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
    and the hills, in righteousness!
⁴ May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
    give deliverance to the children of the needy,
    and crush the oppressor!

Psalm 102:1-2

102 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
let my cry come to you!
² Do not hide your face from me
    in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
    answer me speedily in the day when I call!

Psalm 132:9

Let your priests be clothed with righteousness,
    and let your saints shout for joy.

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016.
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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Acts 10:1-16

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

I heard today the account of Pastor Paul Korabandi, a Lutheran pastor from India. His calling to the ministry began in 2015 when he worked as a pastor in India with another church body. Somehow he learned of the Lutheran Church and particularly of the climate in Texas for people such as him to enter the ministry here. It was 2019 when I actually met Paul, then a young and idealistic man whom another pastor and I interviewed as a first step toward becoming a Lutheran pastor. The interview proved to be helpful in a way he had not intended.

Through our conversation he was better prepared to take the next step in that process. That was to interview with church leaders in Missouri where our church headquarters is located – together with one of our two seminaries. He indicated that the conversation there was not as cordial or encouraging as ours had been. In fact it seems as though it was almost off-putting. Nonetheless he continued to pursue his dream of becoming a Lutheran pastor in the United States – even after having to return to India and wait for a visa to study and live here.

Paul and his family received his visa in 2019, and in 2021 Paul was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in the north Houston area. He now serves an Indian congregation in that area. But the path was long and challenging to get there. He credits it all to God’s timing. I think of it as patience.

We’re not told how long Cornelius had been praying before God answered in the way he did. But the description of his faithfulness indicates that it may have been years. Finally he is told to summon Peter. Peter was made ready for this by means of the vision of the formerly unclean or common foods and the command to rise and eat. All this came together by God’s timing.

Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix is one of the most insightful books I’ve read. Written by Edwin Friedman, this book in its title captures the challenge we all face. We live in the age of the quick fix. We want our solutions now. We want to see God move now. We want to have the results of our efforts and the answers to our prayers now. We too often are willing to settle for a quick fix when God has a much better blessing planned for us.

However long Cornelius prayed, God did (finally?) answer. Peter was dispatched. New things are on the horizon. God’s story will continue to unfold. I like to say that we overestimate what we can do in the short term and way underestimate what God will do in the long term. God’s timing is perfect and gracious. His answers are always good. That’s why we pray faithfully without ceasing and wait hopefully for God’s answers – whenever the timing of God brings them to pass.

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Acts 10:1-16

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. ³ About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

I had just had hip replacement surgery 6 weeks before we headed out from Arlington, Texas to San Antonio. I had pain pills, thankfully. But even if I had not taken any pain medicine I was in no condition to drive. We stopped a couple of times on the trip so I could get out and stretch – albeit with crutches in hand. We were headed to SA to take part in what would become a significant ministry and mission-shaping experience and association with the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI).

PLI was designed for pastors and their wives, and the wives were full participants in the process. They were called partners – at that time not so much a politically-loaded term. The Partners were in most of the same presentations as the pastors. They had their own separate breakout sessions, as did the pastors. Issues around men and women, marriage and ministry had some very common components, as well as unique-to-each issues. But the Partner part of PLI was a breakthrough for most all of the wives and husbands. Diane went on to work for PLI initially as the director of the Partner Ministry.

Diane has always been a strong and significant partner to me in life and ministry. Sometimes, however, partners are closer than you think and not obvious in their importance. I think of that as I see how Cornelius used some unlikely partners for his interaction with Peter. Luke tells us that “He called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.” It surprises me that he involves these three in this mission. They would be in the know as well as on the ground in their help.

Partners are in the know. They have insights into your life, thoughts, plans, and motives if they are to serve well as a mission or life partner. If you really want to undercut your effectiveness, keep your partners in the dark. Don’t let them know what you’re thinking or planning.

Partners are also on the ground and in the game. A partner on the bench does no good. But one who is engaged in life and mission with you is vital. This is old news, but worth repeating:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! A cord of three strands cannot easily be broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

Jesus himself had 12 partners, three special ones and one beloved disciple. He sent his disciples out two by two in their mission efforts. This is God’s design, summarized in the words, “Don’t go alone.” I thank God for Diane, my partner in life and ministry, as well as others who have come along side of me in each realm. Fellow pastors and friends, church leaders and members, teachers and trainers have all helped me do whatever good I have done. As I’ve said many times before, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (cf. Genesis 2:18) That’s true in life as well as in mission.