THE GENTILE OUTPOURING IN ACTS TEN

Our God is the God who fulfills promises, who answers prayers specifically, and not one word of His Word ever fails. What He says is – is, what He says was – was, what He says will be – will be. This is a study of a great turning point of history, where God’s eternal promises, that were held in a mystery, were fulfilled, and Christ’s victory for every man, Jew or Gentile, was fully manifested for all time.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 10:44-46 NKJV

In understanding the will of God, there are two great realities that you must understand – doctrinal reality and practical reality. For doctrinal reality to become applicable in your life you must grasp the practical side, the practical reality. The Bible says that we are seated in the heavenlies on thrones of authority, but we will never live like kings until we learn to walk like kings. Practical reality must be grasped and lived out, and many times that takes years of spiritual growth.

PRELUDE

The secret plan of God to save all mankind and bring them into the family of God was ordained from before the foundation of the world and kept hidden in Him.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Cor 2:7-8 NKJV

Do you realize that God has secret plans for you personally? But unlike this plan, those plans must be prayed out by you in tongues before they can fully manifest. God needs your cooperation. The two most important practical things you can do are pray in tongues passionately and read the Word with joyful appreciation. Do those…and you will see Romans 8:28 as a manifest reality and see God’s perfect plans for you unfold!

Now back to God’s secret plan… It was not a secret in the OT that the Gentiles would be blessed, but there was no indication at all that the Lord would draw out of Jew and Gentile to make His body of which He would be head and make them joint heirs with Him. The calling of the one Body would be His master work, the POIEMA of God (Eph.2:10).

…how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, Eph 3:3-7 NKJV

In doctrinal reality, this was fulfilled in Acts chapter two. Everyone, Jew or Gentile, could get born again and filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38,39). Doctrine is wonderful because it sets a new spiritually legal standard, but it doesn’t have benefit until it comes into practical reality, just like every born again one can speak in tongues – that is the doctrinal reality – but it doesn’t bring benefit until they do. So, the doctrinal reality, the calling from before the foundation of the world, the secret plan of God for all mankind, came into effect in Acts Two but was fully manifested in Acts Ten. This is the moment that changed everything!

This drama is set in three acts after the PRELUDE – ANGELS AND ROOFTOPS, CORNELIUS AND PETER, and PETER BEFORE THE BROTHERS.

ACT I – ANGELS AND ROOFTOPS

There are a number of truly wonderful ways to study Acts (I spent a whole year in Bible College studying Acts), but one of the ways is in light of two men and their ministries: Peter and Paul. Peter’s ministry is covered in Acts One through Twelve and Paul’s in Acts Thirteen through Twenty-Eight. Our drama begins in Acts Ten with an earnest Gentile centurion and a hungry apostle…

10 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”

Have you ever asked yourself, ‘Why do good people need to get saved?’ Cornelius was a good guy. He was probably a better ‘Christian’ than most Christians. One time, I went to visit a man with my friend and another brother, a Baptist. After we visited, we sat in the car and I said, ‘So and So is a good man.’ Our Baptist brother in the back seat said, dead panned, “There are lots of good men in hell.” My friend who was driving looked at me and we laughed and laughed! So true… Good is not good enough if you are dead in trespasses and sins!

Cornelius met an angel. Our young sister Samalie saw angels ministering in the conference last week. I can say I’ve seen an angel one time – HS showed me the presence of angels at other times – in the clearest and most specific dream I’ve ever had. Eight feet tall, a huge sword and a ‘no nonsense’ attitude…just my kind of angel! Cornelius got an angel…

So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. 

Why didn’t the angel get Cornelius born again? Angels don’t have the ministry of reconciliation. We do! They are there to help us to lead the lost to salvation, and to keep us alive and out of trouble, if we cooperate with the Lord. Now watch the timing of God, something I am always aware of.

9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 

A trance is the word EKSTASIS, meaning a vision where you are fully in the vision with all your senses. I had one of these when God called me to Africa. One second, I was sitting alone on a picnic bench outside the main hall of our Bible college; the next second I was on an airplane landing at Jomo Kenyatta airport in Nairobi, Kenya. Then other things happened! The point is that I was totally immersed in that vision – that was a trance. Peter is totally immersed. He sees the animals, he hears the birds, he smells the breath and stench of the animals, and he hears a voice, which in his mind couldn’t be God because it was telling him to do something contrary to the Law!

14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” 15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”  16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. 17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” 

This EKSTASIS occurs in a flash of time right before the men arrive. God’s timing is perfect! In the EKSTASIS and its aftermath the Lord speaks to Peter seven times. Go back and count. Seven is the number of spiritual perfection. The Lord has Peter’s attention!

21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him. Acts 10:1-23 NKJV

Peter gets more revelation, to bring six brethren with him, which will have an impact in the second and third act.

ACT II – PETER AND CORNELIUS

 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.  26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” 

This is incredible. The Roman centurion bows down and reverences Peter. One of the keys in successful ministry is to go where you are respected or carry yourself in such a way as to gain respect. You can’t help people who don’t respect you. Notice Peter’s questions. Walking by the Spirit does not mean you ignore your soul. Jesus asked questions, even of people that obviously came to Him for healing. If you don’t know something, ask; and sometimes ask even when you know the answer. Peter was prepared by the sovereign hand of God for this moment. Peter had led the apostles as they received in Acts Two; now he would lead the Gentiles.

30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” 

Peter was well known throughout Israel. Cornelius was a sharp leader and probably knew much about Peter by reputation, or through Roman ‘FBI’ files. This could be a major reason why the Lord had the angel to tell him to send for Peter, and not someone else, because his faith in God working through Peter was already established. Cornelius was prepared. Perhaps one of his servants had run back early to inform Cornelius. Preparation is one of the highest forms of faith, and Cornelius had prepared unknowingly for the moment that would change all of history!

…Then Peter opened his mouth…

I believe when it says ‘Peter opened his mouth’ that it meant he was opening his heart and would now speak by the spirit of God (Mt. 5:2, 1 Peter 4:11).

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ — He is Lord of all —  37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” 

Peter preaches the Word by the Spirit of God, and here is the moment that changed everything…

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

This was the turning point! In Acts One through Nine only Jews by religion or birth had gotten born again. Now the great commission could be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit fell on Gentiles who had not become proselytes to Judaism, and they had gotten born again with the wonderful incontrovertible evidence of speaking in tongues. The believers would now turn from just reaching out to the twelve tribes of Israel to the nations of the Gentiles, and the Gentiles would respond by the billions, including even this formerly Gentile writer.

Peter just preached the Word by the Spirit of God. I think of some of the silly things we as leaders have done to try to get people filled with the Spirit. Aren’t you glad Peter DIDN’T say, “Now say SHOULDABOUGHTAHONDA five times fast then start speaking”? No…Peter just walked by the spirit in love, and the miracles came (Gal. 3:5).

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. Acts 10:24-48 NKJV

Water baptism, with its symbolic passage from death unto new life, is one of the seven major ministries to every new believer, as evidenced in the conversion of Paul. Paul got saved, healed, delivered of demons, filled with the Spirit, water baptized, had a prophetic word over his life, and got a mentor, in his case…Peter. This should be the normal experience for every new believer.

Now Peter is accountable to the other saints, as all of us should be, so he is going to give account to the brethren in Jerusalem of this world changing, history pivoting moment…

ACT III – PETER BEFORE THE BROTHERS

Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” 

Now I have been through a number of these accountability sessions over the years, and I can tell you they are rarely sweet and gentle, which is understandable because we are all passionate for God, and we all don’t have the same level of understanding, as we see here. But Peter patiently and honestly answered the critics, and they all came to a marvelous conclusion!

4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. 6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’  8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’  10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’  17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 

18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” Acts 11:1-18 NKJV

I’m sure in their hearts they said, “What just happened? What did God really do?” I know they didn’t fully understand it because in Acts Fifteen they were still fighting about circumcision. They really didn’t get the understanding of it until Paul taught the revelation of the mystery and wrote the book of Ephesians. Can you imagine what it must have been like for Paul to teach the mystery to the saints at the school of Tyrannus in Acts Nineteen? No wonder they reached all of Asia Minor in two years and three months…they were ON FIRE! Their hearts burned within them. Dear one, can I pray for your heartburn? May your heart so burn within you with the holy, cleansing and purifying fire of God that it cooks carnality to a crisp and releases the love of God in you to make you a flamethrower by the Spirit of God, in Jesus’ name. May you burn everywhere you go and spread the fire of God…because the moment that changed everything happened! Amen? Love you!

Remember dear ones, we must be about our Father’s business…