T V¹ 10:1-24-. Preparation. V² 10:-24-48-. Conference.
V¹ c 1-4. Vision. d 5,6. Command. e 7,8-. Obedience. f -8,9-. Messengers sent. c -9-19-. Vision. d -19,20. Command. e 21,22. Obedience. f 23,24-. Messengers sent.
10)
1: There was a certain man in Caesarea (see note on 8:40) by name Cornelius (= of a horn), a centurion (= a captain over 100 men [500?]) of the cohort called the Italian band (it would be one levied in Italy),
2: A pious man, and one that revered Yahaveh (Gr. Theos, used here in the N.T. of the Father, as the revealed God) with all his house, which gave much alms (see 3:2) to the people, and prayed to Yahaveh always. (He, a Gentile, searched for the truth)
3: He saw in a vision clearly (i.e. objectively) about the ninth hour (3 p.m.) of the day an Angel of Yehovah coming in to him, and saying to him, “Cornelius.” (the angel was speaking to a Gentile!)
4: But gazing up at him, and being affrightened, he said, “What is it, Lord?” (Gr. Kurios = Owner. It represents the authority and Lordship arising from and pertaining to ownership. Hence, when it is used of each Person of the Trinity, it is similarily used of the lower and human relationship of "master". So much depends on the presence or absence of the Greek Article [ho], when used of Divine relationship. Used as in John 4:11, where it is rendered "Sir") And He said to him, “Your prayers and your alms are come up for a memorial in the sight of Yehovah. (God does notice. It makes His day, i.e. genuine love)
5: And now send men to Joppa (= beautiful), and send for one Simon (= heard), whose is surnamed Peter (= a rock or stone): (This was a beautiful day!)
6: This one lodges with one Simon a tanner (see 9:43), whose house is by the side of the sea: he shall tell you what you ought to do.” (the text omits this clause) (God always guides and directs)
7: And when the Angel which spoke to Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually (see 1:14); (This soldier was his personal armour bearer = trust at your back)
8: And havig related all these things to them,
he sent them to Joppa. (He's obeying God!)
9: On the next day, as they went on their journey, and were drawing near to the city,
Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour (Noon, midday prayer, the same hour as was Christ's Crusifixion):
10: And he became very hungry, and wished to eat: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance (Lit a trance fell upon him. God put him in this mode. The text read, "came upon him". Ekstasis is sometimee translated "amazement", as in 3:10. It is akin to existêma [2:7; 8:9 &c.]. This was not an objective vision, as in the case of Cornelius),
11: And beheld the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending to him (the text omits), as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners (The text omits. Read "Sent down by the four corners"), and let down upon the earth:
12: In which were all fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts (the text omits), and creeping things (bugs, insects), and fowls of the heaven. (All unclean animals)
13: And there came a voice to him, “Rise, Peter; slay (as in sacrifice), and eat.” (Cp. Lev.11:4. If it seems to you God is countermanding His own rules and regulations, PAY ATTENTION, God is telling you something else in symbology! Or it's not from God.)
14: But Peter said, “By no mean, Yahaveh; for I never at any time ate any thing that is common or unclean.” (Gr. akathartos. The previous 21 occ. all aply to evil spirits. Here the reference is to the ceremonial uncleanness of the Levitical law)
15: And the voice spoke to him again the second time (Lit. from the second time), “The things which Father has cleansed, that call not you common.” (This would leave you in a quandry, no!?)
16: This was done thrice (cp. Peter's 3 denials, and Father's 3 time demand for him to "Feed the sheep"): and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
17: Now while Peter was perplexed in himself what this vision which he had seen should be, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius having inquired for Simon's house, carefully stood at the gate, (God had everything timed right)
18: And called, and inquired if Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19: While Peter turned over in his mind the vision, (he was mulling it over)
the Spirit (i.e. the Angel of Yahaveh in v.3) said to him, “Behold, three men seek you.
20: But arise, and get you down, and go with them, doubting nothing (He's reasuring him, "It's OK Peter, they are going to obey God): for I have sent them.” (This proves that it is the Angel of Yahaveh that is speaking )
21: Then Peter went down to the men which were sent to him from Cornelius (all the text omit and Syrac omits); and said, “Behold, I am he whom you all seek: what is the cause on account of which you all are present?” (i.e. "What are you here for?")
22: And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that reverences Yahaveh, and borne witness to by all the nation of the Jews (= Ethnic people in Judea), was revealed from Yahaveh by an Holy Angel to send for (as in v.5) you into his house, and to hear words from you.”
23: Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the next day Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
24: And the next day after they entered into Caesarea. (He had a crowd waiting. Do not shut out a man because of his race. But respect with dignity the difference and his customs. Thus opening the Church and the way to Christ to all people!)
V² W -24-27. Expectation. X 28,29. Peter. Y 30-33. Cornelius. X 34-43. Peter. W 44-48-. Realization.
And Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his kinsmen and intimate friends (Lit. necessarry. First occ. Translated elsewhere as "necessary", "needful", &c.).
25: Now it came to pass that Peter entered in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him (= did homage or reverence. Downfall of many a person. Don't abuse a gift from God. It is God that touches people).
26: But Peter took him up, saying, “Rise up; I myself also am a man.”
27: And conversing with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. (Remember these are all Gentiles that Peter is conversing with)
28: And he said to them, “You all know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is of Judah to keep company, or come to one of another nation (= aliens = different race and kindred); but Elohim showed me (emphatic because it stands first in the sentence. "Me Elohim showed") that I should call no man common or unclean (see vv.14,15. Man symbolic of the sheet. It has nothing to do with food).
29: Without gainsaying also I came (He didn't dispute this. Neither should you), as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what word (or reason) have you all sent for me?”
30: And Cornelius said, “From the fourth day I was fasting until this hour (the text omits "fasting", and read "until this hour I was praying"); and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in shining clothing,
31: And said, ‘Cornelius, you prayer was heard, and your alms were remembered in the sight of Elohim. (God apreciated him)
32: Send therefore to Joppa, and call to this place Simon, whose surname is Peter (see 7:14); he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he comes, shall speak to you.” (the text omits)
33: Immediately therefore I sent to you; and you did well done that you are come. Now therefore are we all here present before Elohim, to hear all things that are commanded you by Elohim.” (God does not exhibit patiality)
X g¹ 34-38. The Lord's Life. h¹ 39-. Witnesses. g² -39,40. The Lord's Death and Resurrection. h² 41. Witnesses. g³ 42. The Lord the Judge. h³ 43. Witnesses.
34: Then Peter opened his mouth (see 8:35), and said, “Of a truth I perceive (see note on 4:13) that Elohim is not a respecter of persons (Lit. One Who takes faces [i.e. persons] into account. Cp. James 2:9):
35: But in every nation he that reveres (or loves) Him, and works righteousness, is acceptabe to Him.
36: The Word which Elohim sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace by means of Yashua (Jesus) the Messiah (Christ): {He is Yehovah of all:} (Cornelius had no claim on Him as son of David. Cp. Matt.15:22-28)
37: That Word, I say, you all know, which was published (Lit. came to be) throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed;
38: How Elohim anointed Yeashua from Nazareth (the Greek reads, "Yashua from Nazareth, how Elohim anointed) with the Holy Spirit and with power (Gr. Dunamis): Who went about acting as a benefactor (cp. Luke 22:25, and see Acts 4:9), and healing (see Luke 6:17) all that were overpowered of the devil (see James 2:6. Cp. Luke 13:16. 2 Cor.12:7. Rev.2:10); for Elohim was with Him. (Power always acompanies the Holy Spirit. He defeated Satan to show how it is done)
39: And we are witnesses (Gr. martur, see 1:8) of all things which He did both in the land of the Judea, and in Jerusalem;
whom they slew having hanged Him on a tree (see 5:30):
40: This One Elohim raised up the third day, and showed Him openly (He didn't hide it. Lit. gave Him to be manifest, i.e. to be openly seen);
41: Not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before of Elohim (documentation,cp.9:15. See also 14:23), even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead (Gr. ek nekrõn. With Preposition, but without Article, which may be latent in the Preposition [ek nekrõn], it denotes out from among dead people).
42: And He commanded us (= charged, sent) to preach to the people, and to fully testify that it is He which was ordained of Elohim to be the Judge (c. Isa.53:11) of living and dead persons (Gr. nekrõs. Without the Article [nekroi] it dentes the persons who were once alive, but who are alive no longer: i.e. dead persons as distinct from dead bodied.).
43: To Him give all the prophets witness (= testify, as in v.42), that through His name whosoever believeth in him shall receive forgiveness of sins.”
44: While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word (i.e. the gospel message. Remember, they are at a Gentiles house).
45: And they of the circumcision (i.e. of Judah. Cp. 11:2. Rom.4:12; 15:8. Gal.2:12. Col.4:11. Tit.1:10. These were Jewish Christians, called "brethren", v.23, 11:12) which were faithful were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles (same as "nation", vv.22,35) also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit (see John 4:10).
46: For they heard them speaking with tongues (Same as on Pentecost Day. Cp. 2:7,8. NOT UNKNOWN TONGUES), and magnifing Elohim. Then answered Peter,
47: “Can any one forbid water (same word as "hinder" in 8:36), that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit even as we also?” (Not something different)
48: And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Yashua the Messiah.
Then prayed they him to tarry certain days (they wanted more. See John 8:7 [continue]).
F¹ i 1-3. Peter blamed. k 4-10. Peter's Vision. l 11,12. Command. k 13,14. Cornelius' Vision. i 15-17. Peter vindicated.
1: Now the apostles and brethren that were throughout Judaea heard that the nations (Gr. ethnos) also received the word (logos) of Yahaveh.
2: And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision were contending against him (I.e. Israel. See 10:45),
3: Saying, “You went in to men uncircumcised, and did eat with them.” (They were saying, "Whoa, what have you been doing here Peter?")
4: But Peter rehearsed (= retold, lest you forget) the matter from the beginning, set forth it in order to them, saying,
5: “I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a sight (see 7:31), A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet (as in 10:11), sent down from the heaven by four corners; and it came as far as to me:
6: Unto the which having gazed, I considered (Gr. katanoêo = to percieve with the senses, referring to the object of observation rather than the act of getting to know. It has regard to the conscious action of the mind in getting to see or understand), and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the heaven. (all unclean animals as in 10:12)
7: And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Arise, Peter; slay and eat.’ (as in 10:13)
8: But I said, ‘Not so, Lord (used of Christ, i.e Messiah): for never at any time came anything common (i.e. polluted) entered into my mouth.’
9: But a voice answered again (Lit. from a second time) from the heaven, ‘What Yehovah has cleansed, that make not you common.’
10: And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. (Notice that Peter at no time while he was being told this was he told it was OK to eat unclean food. Analogy; He [God the Father & Son] did not clean the meats, only men)
11: And, behold, immediately there were three men come (= stood before) to the house in which I was, sent from Caesarea to me.
12: And The Spirit (= the Angel of Yehovah of 10:3) bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren with me, and we entered into the man's house: (He's telling them exactly how it happened)
13: And he announced to us how he had seen the Angel in his house, standing and saying, ‘Send men (all text omit) to Joppa, and send for Simon, whose is surnamed Peter;
14: Who shall speak words, by which you and all your house shall be saved.’ (Teach about TRUE Salvation)
15: And as I began to speak (Lit. in my beginning), the Holy Spirit fell upon them, even as on us also in the beginning (This is cncerning end times, i.e. Cp. 2:17-21. Joel 2:28-32).
16: Then remembered I the word of Messiah, how that He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water; but you all shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
17: If therefore as Yahaveh gave them the like gift (Gr. dõra. Cp. 2:28 and John 4:10) as He did to us also, who believed on Yashua the Messiah; what was I, that I was able to hinder Yahaveh?” (i.e., "Who am I to argue with God?")
18: Now, having heard these things, they held their peace (= ceased, as in 21:14. See Luke 14:4; 23:56. 1 Thess.4:11), and glorified Yahaveh, saying, “Then has Yehovah to the nations also (this and v.3 shows that Cornelius was not a proselyte) given repentance unto life.
H4 Z¹ 19-26. In Spiritual Things. Z² 27-30. In Carnal Things.
Z¹ m¹ 19,20. Preaching by Cypriotes, &c. n¹ 21. Many believers. m² 22-24-. Preaching by Barnabas. n² -24. Much people added m³ 25,26. Preaching by Barnabas and Saul.
19: They indeed therefore which were scattered abroad (Gr. diaspeirõ. See 8:1) from the persecution (Gr. thlipsis. See 7:10) that came to pass over (or upon) Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch (the capital of Syria, about 16 miles from the sea. Seleucia was its port), speaking the word to no one except to the Jews only. (seed of Abraham = Israel)
20: And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene (Cypriotes and Cyrenians. It was open to everyone of the Gentiles [nations]), which, when they were come to Antioch, spoke to the Grecians (see 6:1. Most text read Hellênes, Greeks. There was nothing strange in speaking to the Greek-speaking Jews), preaching (Gr. evangelizõ = to announce a joyful message; having regard to the matter announced not the manner) the Yashua Messiah.
21: And the hand of Yahaveh was with them: and a great number having believed turned to Yahaveh. (This got the Church really going)
22: Then the report (or word) concerning these things was heard to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go (the text omits) as far as Antioch.
23: Who, having come, and seen the grace of Elohim (God the Creator), was glad, and was exhorting them all, that with purpose (Gr. prothesis, that which is put before one. The English word is from the Lat. propositum, which exactly corresponds to the Greek. The word is used of the showbread, i.e. the bread of presentation, in Matt.12:4. Mark 2:26. Luke 6:4. Heb.9:2.) of heart they would abide with Yehovah (commitment, whatever the consequences).
24: For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith:
and much people (Lit. crowd ) was added to Yehovah.
25: Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek (Lit. to seek up and down) Saul:
26: And having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass (the three clauses which follow are all dependant on "it came to pass"), that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And that the disciples were called (Gr. chrêmatismos. This word occ. 9 times. See note on Luke 2:26. Generally of a devine communication. Though the name may have been given at first by the Gentiles in mockery, the usage of the word by the Holy Spirit indicates that its real origin was Divine) Christians (here, 26:28. 1 Pet.4:16. Cp.15:17. Jews could not have given the name, as Christos was a sacred word) first in Antioch.
Z² o 27,28-. Prophecy of Dearth. p -28. Fulfilment. o 29. Purpose of Relief. p 30. Fulfiment.
27: And in these days came down prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28: And there stood up one of them by name Agabus (= a locust.), and signified through the Holy Spirit that there was about to be great dearth over all the world (Gr. limos. Occ 12 times. Cp 7:11. Elsewhere transl. "hunger" or "famine". Cp. Amos 8:11,12. These and those who know the Lord won't starve during the drought):
41-54 A.D
which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar (the fourth Roman Emperor [A.D. 41-54]. Roman historians mention several famines during his reign. See also Josephus, Ant.XX.iii.6).
29: Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined (lit. But as any one of the disciples prospered they determind, each one of them) to send for ministration to the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
30: Which they did also, and sending it to the elders (Gr. presbuteros. This is the first time we meet with elders in the Christian churches. Here elders include the Apostles. Cp. 8:1. 1 Pet.5:1) by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
