THE VISIT TO CORNELIUS

Cornelius did not greet Peter as an ordinary guest, but as someone honored by heaven and sent by God. In Eastern lands the custom is to bow before a prince or other high official and for children to bow before their parents. But Cornelius, overcome with reverence for the apostle who had been sent by God, fell at Peter's feet and worshiped him.SRme 1.1315

Peter stepped back in horror. Quickly he lifted Cornelius up saying, "Stand up! I am only a man." Peter then started a conversation with the captain to help remove any feeling of great reverence the captain had.SRme 1.1316

The Roman Catholic Church says that Peter was the first pope. But Peter did not say he had any special position or more authority in the church than other apostles. Popes demand that kings and emperors bow at their feet. But Peter refused to let Cornelius bow down in front of him. Peter said he was only a man who, the same as others, was not perfect and makes mistakes.SRme 1.1317

Peter then explained to Cornelius and the people gathered that it was against the law for Jews to visit socially with Gentiles. "You yourselves know very well that a Jew is not allowed by his religion to visit or associate with Gentiles. But God has shown me that I must not consider any person ritually unclean or defiled. And so when you sent for me, I came without any objection. I ask you then, why did you send for me?'" (Acts 10:28, 29).SRme 1.1318

Cornelius described his vision and repeated the command of the angel to send for Peter. Cornelius added, "'So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.'SRme 1.1319

"Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right'" (Acts 10:33-35, NIV).SRme 1.1320

God had blessed the Jews more than other nations. But the Jews rejected truth and did not obey God. God regarded them no better than other nations. Gentiles who feared God and did good works were loved by God, and their sincere service was accepted.SRme 1.1321

Cornelius' faith and righteousness were accepted by God, but could not be perfect without a knowledge of Christ. Through Peter, God sent truth and knowledge to Cornelius so that Cornelius might continue to develop his righteous character.SRme 1.1322

Many people refuse to receive the truth God sends to them. They make excuses for not accepting truth. Some people repeat Peter's words to Cornelius and his friends, that whoever fears God and"does what is right is acceptable to Him." People argue that it doesn't matter what people believe if their works are good. Those people are wrong. Faith must join with works. People should grow with the truth that they are taught by God's servants who have received God's truth. People should accept truth with joy. Truth is onward. Truth is upward. People who say that faith alone will save them are trusting in a rope made of sand. Faith is strengthened and made perfect by works.SRme 1.1323