Slices
Prepare
God intervenes directly to move the great story forward at critical moments in the story of Acts. The gospel reaching beyond Jews to Gentiles is one such giant step. It is so encouraging to see God’s involvement here! Where do you see God involved today?
Bible passage
Cornelius calls for Peter
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!’
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. ‘What is it, Lord?’ he asked.
The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.’
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Explore
As we move to chapter 10, we meet Cornelius. He was a Gentile, an Italian centurion in the Roman army. Even though he was already connected to the Jewish people as a devout and God-fearing foreigner, it is still striking that he was actually a foreigner. (Of course, the Ethiopian official in chapter 8 was also a foreigner. Nevertheless, this is a significant moment.)
There is no sense that Cornelius’ introduction to the story is a coincidence. God himself directly intervenes! He sends an angel in a vision. The angel encourages him that his prayers and offerings have not gone unnoticed by God in heaven. But now it is time for a new instruction: an active pursuit of a man named Peter. Cornelius jumps into action and sends for the man God wants him to meet.
God is often at work in unseen ways, working together the details of people’s stories so that they can hear the good news for themselves. But sometimes, God works more overtly!
Respond
Whether or not God’s weaving of your story was so overt, praise God for how he has worked in your life. Also, pray for God to directly call many more through dreams and visions, just like he did with Cornelius.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Joel 1,2; Psalm 139
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mission Partner LightSpace Ministries in Grantham. After saying goodbye to Jennie Fytche, the Schools Worker in post for six years who did an incredible job, they are seeking God for the direction he wants to take them this year to support the local schools.
