June 15

1 Kings 14:1-15:24
Acts 10:1-23
Psalm 133:1-3
Proverbs 17:7-8

New Testament: Acts 10:1-23

Summary: Peter and Cornelius, Peter’s Vision

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 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. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ~ Acts 10:1-5

Why did the angel not deliver the message directly to Cornelius?

The ministry of sharing the gospel with sinners is not given to angels by God. Evangelizing lost souls is a privilege we have, one that angels do not have.

It is intriguing to me how God got the message to the ministers of the Gospel in the early Church. Instructing Cornelius himself was not the angel’s purpose, but to direct him to an apostle of Christ and minister of the Gospel; not angels, but men, are selected in the ministry of the word, which is the normal method of acquiring spiritual knowledge. Therefore, Philip instructed the eunuch, Ananias instructed Saul, and Peter instructed Cornelius.

Peter is going to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Cornelius bearing witness that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
In my opinion, sharing the good news that Jesus can save anyone who repents of their sins and obeys Him is extremely inspiring.