The Holy Spirit Works In Peter’s Heart

Acts 10:9-23

In the Jewish culture, association with non Jews was viewed much like associating with blacks in areas where the KKK was strong, or with Jews in Germany just before the start of world war II. Peter describes the attitude in Acts 10:28. “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;…” Peter’s prejudices and religious upbringing were a major obstacle to Cornelius’ salvation. The Holy Spirit will have to overcome them before he will consent to teach the gentiles. Frequently, the first thing that needs changed is the preacher’s attitude.

“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: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 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: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.” (Acts 10:9-12)

About noon the day after the angel appeared to Cornelius, Peter went up to pray while waiting for lunch. During his prayer, God sent a vision to Peter. As a Jew, Peter was forbidden to eat most kinds of animals and birds, as a sign of their relationship to God. The animals Peter saw in his vision were forbidden.

“And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.” (Acts 10:13-14)

Peter was not asleep and was still able to think and make decisions, and viewed the vision as a temptation he was determined to resist. He refused to eat ordinary food like other people’s ate. He was not going to compromise his standards. God rebuked him for putting his standards ahead of God’s command. How often do we let our standards keep us from obeying the Lord?

“And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.” (Acts 10:15-16)

Not all dreams and visions are from the Lord. Peter could well have decided that the vision was an attempt to tempt him and ignored it. If it was a product of his hunger or Satanic influence it probably would not have been repeated when he refused to eat. It came three times. God was making it clear what he wanted. Joseph refers to this in his statement to Pharaoh in Genesis 41-32. “And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.” Peter would have to reconsider his standards.

“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, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.” (Acts 10:17-18)

Eighteen hours or so after Cornelius saw the angel, his messengers arrived at Simon’s house asking for Peter. Peter was still thinking about the vision and it’s implications when they arrived. Isn’t God’s timing marvelous?

“While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 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? “ (Acts 10:19-21)

Peter had no idea what they wanted, but the Holy Spirit told him they were looking for him and that he was to go with them. His first question was why they were looking for him.

“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. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.” (Acts 10:22-23)

Previously, Peter might well have just sent them on their way, because they were gentiles and not deserving his time, but God has shown him he isn’t to judge by such standards as he expressed in Acts 10:28, “…but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Improper standards often hinder God’s work, turning people away who seek the truth. One of the reasons Mahatma Ghandi rejected Christianity and led India away was the English attitude toward dark skinned people, claiming it was God ordained.

Peter actually asked the gentile servants to stay with him, then accompanied them the next day. What a difference the Holy Spirit makes.