Acts 10:1-18 – Wild Olive Branches

The description of Cornelius is all the more remarkable given that he was a soldier and probably lived among very openly ungodly men. He was evidently a believer since “without faith it is impossible to please him (God)” (Hebrews 11:6). He had believed on the Lord through the Old Testament Scriptures and was a man of prayer, practical godliness, and household religion. The Lord sent an angel to say who Peter was, and he was to be listened to.

Meanwhile, the Lord brought Peter to Joppa (within reach of Caesarea) and gave him a vision showing him that believing Gentiles were to be received into the Church, not by becoming part of the Jewish nation nor even by circumcision; but the continuing church of God was no longer co-extensive with a nation but international within the nations. The wild olive branches were being grafted in (Romans 1:17; Ephesians 2:15-16). This was shown by the abolition of the ceremonial distinction between clean and unclean animals in the Old Testament which pointed to the moral purity that was to be found among God’s people. That obligation remains (1 Peter 1:16).

Questions
1. Who defines holiness?
2. The State submitting to Christ and the State merging with the Church are not the same. What is the difference?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks that Gentiles have been brought into the kingdom of God.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.