使徒言行録10:24-43 Acts 10:24-43

Today’s scripture passage is a scene in which Cornelius, a centurion in the Roman army, meets Peter, who has been given the mission to preach God’s word. Cornelius welcomed Peter with heartfelt respect as a man sent by God. Peter and Cornelius then discussed how they had each received guidance from God. Peter spoke about the vision God showed him and Cornelius spoke about the angel telling him to invite Peter. Cornelius said, “Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” Thus, Peter was ready to proclaim Jesus’ salvation to non-Jews. How wonderful!

Peter told Cornelius that no matter where you are from, if you believe in Jesus, you will be saved. First, Peter told Cornelius about Jesus’ miracles that Jesus healed people who were suffering from demonic spirits. “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”

He then went on to tell of Jesus’ resurrection on the third day after his death on the cross. “And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear.” Peter’s words, “they put him to death by hanging him on a tree,” indicate that Jesus died on the cross in order to atone for the sins of mankind by taking God’s curse on their behalf. This is because the Old Testament stipulated that “anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (Deut. 21:23). Moreover, Jesus did not end with his death on the cross. God the Father in heaven resurrected Jesus with a body of eternal life. Jesus did not end by dying as a sacrifice for mankind, but received the highest glory of eternal life. Thus, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection demonstrated his salvation, that those who believe in him can be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life.

Furthermore, Peter told them that he had been given the task of testifying about Jesus. “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” In other words, Peter said, “Jesus will judge all human beings on the Last Day, so believe in him and receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. We have been given the testimony to witness to this.”

Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and shared this wonderful gospel. Then the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius and his companions from heaven, who were listening to the word. Thus, Cornelius and his companions believed in Jesus and received his salvation. They were baptised as a sign of their salvation. There are many people around us who need forgiveness of sins and salvation of eternal life. God leads us to meet such people. We too want to be sent by God to proclaim Jesus’ salvation.