Today, I want to focus again on the story of Cornelius in Acts 10. More specifically, I would like to analyze Peter's first speech before the Gentiles.
To recoup, Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. According to the Acts, Cornelius and his family knew the Jewish God; was a devout man; gave generously to the people and even prayed to God!
a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms liberally to the people, and prayed constantly to God (Acts 10:2).
It was remarkable indeed for a Gentile to be pious to the Jewish God. It was even more remarkable when we remember that Judea was only a Roman colony. Jewish subjects had a lower status than the Romans overlords and yet, this Roman official practised the faith of an "inferior" people!
Of course, he made the right choice because his prayers were answered. An angel appeared to him while he was praying in the afternoon, instructing him to send for Peter who happened to be staying in Joppa. Meanwhile in Joppa, while he was praying before lunch, Peter had a vision. Later, he understood that God wanted him to admit Gentiles into the Church. Peter prudently brought along a few brethren from Joppa to bear him witness. When he arrived, Cornelius told him the angelic apparition. Then Peter delivered his speech before the Gentiles (Acts 10:34-43).
Peter began with these words.
Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality
but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him (Acts 10:34b-35).
Who was Peter speaking to, Cornelius or brethren from Joppa? Obviously, it must be the brethren from Joppa. Peter had the vision but they did not. Peter had not told them his vision. Peter needed to open up their minds to accept these Gentiles. Of course, these words also reassured Cornelius that he had been doing the right things all along.
Probably, Cornelius had heard something about Jesus but was not yet able to connect what he, Cornelius, had been doing with the ministry of Jesus in Judea. Peter's job was to make the connection.
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
And we are witnesses to all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem (Acts 10:38-39a).
The God Cornelius had been worshipping was one and the same God who worked with and through Jesus of Nazareth.
In evangelization, we do not simply tell the life of Jesus who lived two thousand years ago. We need to make Jesus relevant to modern man. How do I make Jesus relevant to my students? This is a big issue. Where is the entry point? Their studies? Their hobbies? Their peers? Current issues? No. They are not their perspectives but ours. We need to listen to them and identify their needs.
And how shall we bear witness? Obvious, it is not enough just to do it in words and support not these words with our deeds and our life. People need to see the image of Jesus visible in our life. Otherwise, how can they put their faith in Jesus?
Now came the most crucial part --- the passion and resurrection of Jesus.
They put him to death by hanging him on a tree;
but God raised him on the third day and made him manifest
not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead (Acts 10:39b-41).
I wonder why Peter did not use the term "crucifixion" or the cross. Instead he said hanging Jesus on a tree. Shouldn't a Roman centurion be more familiar with crucifixion than hanging on a tree? Probably, Peter was speaking as a Jew did, describing crucifixion as hanging on a tree. He might not be as knowledgeable as Paul who applied the theme of curse mentioned in Deuteronomy 21:23 to the crucifixion of Jesus in Galatians 3:13.
Who are chosen by God as witnesses? Of course we Christians are. We eat and drink with him when we partake the Holy Communion in mass. Remember, when we bear witness, we do it in words and in deeds. We must lead a Christian life so that the image of Christ is clearly visible to our neighbours. So, what is our message?
And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the one ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
To him all the prophets bear witness that every one who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name (Acts 10:42-43).
Here, Peter introduced a new concept which he had never mentioned before, not even to the people in Jerusalem. The concept is that Jesus is ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead. Why should Jesus ascend to heaven? Now, Peter had a deeper understanding. What goes up must come down. Jesus will come down again. Now that Jesus has already accomplished his mission by dying and by resurrection, what is he supposed to do in his second coming? He is going to be the universal king, judging everyone, Jews and Gentiles; the living and the dead. It is because God's salvation is meant for all. Therefore, our preaching is incomplete if we fail to mention what will happen at the end of time. Not only shall we talk about the life and the redemptive death of Jesus, we must talk about our future, judgment and eternal life.
Throughout his speech, Peter wanted to make clear the will of God that all would be saved. No doubt, Jews had the advantage to hear the gospel first but Gentiles would not be deprived of this opportunity. God is impartial.
My Lord, be with us and accompany us so that Your image can be clearly impressed on people we encounter. Pour forth Your Spirit to empower us so that we may be Your handy tools. Amen.
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