Acts 10:17-23a 17Now while Peter was deeply perplexed in himself as to what the vision that he saw was, behold, the men sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate 18and calling out, asked whether Simon, who was called Peter, was staying as a guest there. 19And while Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you, 20so rising, go down and go with them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21And after going down to the men, Peter said, “I am the one you are seeking. What is the reason you have come?” 22And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23So he invited them in to be his guests.
The next scene brings the two visions together. The timing was clearly ordained by the sovereign God who guided each person in the story. Peter could not figure out the meaning of the vision he saw, but it must have disturbed his Jewish sensibilities. We often argue with God in our minds when God speaks to us. The objectivity of Peter’s trance is difficult to determine, but God was clearly speaking to him and challenging his limited worldview and understanding of God’s purposes for the world. While he had the vision and thought about it, the three men sent by Cornelius had arrived at the front gate and called out to see Simon. In normal circumstances, it might have taken some effort to find the house of Simon, the tanner, but the angel gave clear and specific directions on where to go.
Verse 19 reinforces the miracle of God’s perfect timing. Peter received another revelation, but this one came through the Holy Spirit. How Peter perceived the voice of the Spirit is unclear, but once again, the directions were clear and could not have come from Peter’s own thinking or imagination. There is a difference between human mind wandering and imagination and the direction of the Holy Spirit. This occasion was special in history, but the Holy Spirit still speaks to people who walk close to God in faith, like Peter was doing. The next scene would be a test of Peter’s trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Without even listening to the request of the men, Peter introduced himself as the one they were looking for. That must have been a big surprise to the visitors. The challenge was that Peter did not know the details but had to trust the voice of the Holy Spirit. Everything was a mystery that would test his faith. He may have been surprised at the announcement from downstairs that a centurion wanted to see him. Most people would have a wave of emotional fear flash through their bodies hearing that a Roman soldier was at the door, but Peter had confidence because he had heard the instructions of the Holy Spirit.
The delegation’s description of Cornelius as God-fearing and Jew-friendly would have added confirmation to any human thinking Peter had. The mention of an angel speaking to Cornelius about going to see Peter added further assurance. Even more significant is that these men were sent by the Holy Spirit. This was all God’s plan, and Peter needed to follow to the unknown outcome. He may still not have connected his vision of the sheet and unclean animals to the visit of Cornelius’ team. Their invitation was clearly the plan of God. Early Christian hospitality is evident in verse 23 as Peter invited them in as guests. Even at that point, he likely began to share the gospel as they visited around food and fellowship.
This part of the story continues to reveal God’s prevenient grace at work drawing people towards the gospel of Jesus Christ. We may not see an angel like Cornelius or have a vision like Peter, but we can listen to the Holy Spirit direct us to the people around us. Not everyone we meet will be open to the gospel or hearing the voice of God, but many do, even in visions and dreams. Peter gives us a good example of openness to the Holy Spirit’s promptings and how important it is to build bridges of friendship and fellowship in obedience to these promptings.
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