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Acts 10
Really? How fortunate that God doesn’t like the same people you don’t like
I am a picky eater and I don’t apologize for it
I am kind of a picky eater.
I don’t like squash, asparagus, kale, spinach, okra, zucchini, Brussel sprouts, mushrooms,
eggplant, lima beans (or really any kind of beans other than green beans in a can).
I don’t like anchovies, catfish, halibut, flounder…oh let’s be honest, I don’t like fish, but who
does? We only like fish when we marinate it or spice it so it doesn’t taste like fish. But also don’t
like Mussels, oysters, scallops, escargot, Lobster, or jellyfish (I haven’t actually tried that but
please, you don’t have to try jellyfish to know you hate it).
I don’t like avocados, pineapples, guava, honeydew, kiwi, papaya, plums, mangos, apricots,
cantaloupe, coconuts, pears, or . . . Strawberries (actually berries of any kind)
I don’t like strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, any kinds of pies, carrot cake, popovers, licorice,
jelly donuts, fruit cake, custard, pudding, apple crisps, Great Wall of Chocolate (P F Chang),
I don’t like ciabatta, crepes, carrot bread, Laobing (from china), Kulcha (from India) or matzo
While we are talking about things I don’t like, I also don’t like winter (or being cold at all),
running, horror movies, creamy peanut butter, hallmark movies, gardening, parties with people I
am expected to talk to, water, junk mail, 12K worth of repairs on church heaters, fluff books, just
cuddling,
And I don’t like people very much
People who like winter, running, horror movies, creamy peanut butter, hallmark movies… yeah
you get the idea.
But also . . .
People who don’t know the difference between a Masorah and a menorah
People who can’t understand the other side of an issue
People who sing with a twang and insist on cowboy boots
People who refuse to do a mission trip, because God hasn’t “called” them to it.
People who think Max Lucado is a deep theologian
People who buy brand new cars instead of cars 6 months old
People who insist that regular m and m’s are superior to peanut m and m’s
People who don’t understand Rugby
People who are super beautiful or super rich or super talented.
People who shelter their children
People who don’t know what appropriate restrictions for their children are
People who are untrustworthy
Now I mention all that for several reasons
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1. Its somewhat entertaining
2. It keeps you from buying me strawberries or plain m and m’s or Max Lucado books when
you could be buying me something better.
3. It helps you to know that I am both very strange (no strawberries? Really?) and super
sinful (saying that you don’t like people is not a very Jesus thing to do)
4. It brings us directly into this story about Peter and Cornelius.
This is a long story
Now this story is a chapter and half. 66 verses which tells us something quite clearly
Luke must think this story is pretty darn important
And while I agree with Luke, I can’t possibly read the whole story word for word today
But that said, I want you to look at the story in Acts 10 as I walk, or skip, through it.
What do you take away from the intro?
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the
Italian Regiment.
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He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in
need and prayed to God regularly.
Now I did a lot of reading on Caeserea and exactly what the job of a centurion was. I know how
he became a citizen. I even read a lot of differing views on what devout and God fearing meant.
Here is the summary:
We know he commanded a large group of men and was therefore honored.
We know he pronounced the last prophet in the Old Testament Malachi and he loved him some
spaghetti and meatballs
We know he was very religious.
That is all you are getting this time, because this is a lot of content
Where is he staying and what is the vision?
So our Italian (GENTILE, very important) captain has a vision. An Angel calls him and tells him
to send for Peter who is at the tanner’s house (verse 6).
Let me stop here for a second because it is significant. It’s mentioned three times in this story. In
fact, the story starts with it. Look at 9:43—I know it’s not in chapter 10 because the people who
did the chapter division made a mistake . Anyway it says that Peter stayed in Joppa for some
time with a tanner named Simon. Then again in 10:32. Almost the same words.
This is big because Peter is starting to see things differently. He is staying in the home of a
tanner. They work with dead animals. Tanners are pretty much always ritually unclean.
Unclean
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Anyway, meanwhile Peter is praying on his roof (verse 9) and apparently he is starving and
passes out or something and he sees a large sheet full of animals. A voice tells him to eat and he
refuses. Of course he refuses. There are clean AND unclean animals in the sheet.
Now this doesn’t mean they needed a bath, it means that Jewish people were not permitted to eat
certain kinds of food. Still today you can find Kosher Jews—no bacon, no shellfish, no swarming
things. It’s a long list and there is great scholarly controversy on why God said no to these. So I
am just going to skip it. The point is that it’s the way they lived, so Peter of course refused.
Verse 14
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"Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
What does God say that is so pivotal to the story?
Then a pivotal verse in the story
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The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has
made clean."
It happens a couple more times and as Peter is thinking about it, Cornelius men get there and
introduce themselves and they stay the night. The next day they journey to Cornelius who greets
them in an almost worshipful way (vs 25) which Peter puts a stop to. He is not a deity after all.
"Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."
Other than that, the first thing he says to them is in verse 28
"You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or
visit him.
Pivotal verse
But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.
That’s not exactly what God said. He was talking about food. But Peter knows this was not a
lesson about food.
Peter asks why he was invited, Cornelius tells him about the angel and basically says, God
wanted you here so you tell us what we need to hear. Verse 33
Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has
commanded you to tell us."
What is the key verse and what does Peter finally realize?
Talk about every Evangelist’s dream audience. Here we are, tell us. And he does. Verse 34 is the
key verse of this section. Maybe a key verse in the book of Acts. Because Luke is so intent on
you knowing that the good news has no barriers. No walls. It’s for everyone
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Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show
favoritism
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but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
NO FAVORITISM
What news does Peter share and what happens after?
Then he launches into an 8 verse synopsis of the gospel. It’s not the Romans Road. It’s not four
spiritual laws. I’ts not subjective. Its history. It’s what John did in announcing. . . what Jesus did
in doing good and healing and being with God. It’s how he was killed on the cross and then
raised from the dead and was seen by several witnesses and how he commanded them to spread
the word. Then verse 43
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All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives
forgiveness of sins through his name."
There it is. The culmination of the good news. Not just historical facts, but an offer to believe
and receive forgiveness. And BAM!. Sorry that was another sermon.
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While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the
message.
They spoke in tongues, they got baptized and it was now officially confirmed that God had a
plan for Gentiles. In case there was any wondering, well, the same exact thing happened to these
people as happened to Peter and his Jewish friends. The Holy Spirit was definitely in them.
So, Peter of course is blown away. I mean, he was starting to come around, after all he spent the
night with a tanner, but still. This is too much. Both Saul and Peter are getting a lesson on how
wrong their theology was. Good devout loving people, were totally wrong about what they
believed.
Kind of reminds me of American Christianity when it comes to slavery. We were so sure
we had it right and we had verses to prove it. And now it seems like a horrible nightmare.
Using God to defend our ignorant views of humanity.
Anyway, in chapter 11 we find that tons of other good Christians can’t believe what Peter has
been doing. Eating with unclean people. This is just not okay. And they criticize Peter for it. So
Luke tells them the whole story, line for line nearly exactly what we already heard.
I had a vision,
animals,
Take and Eat
No Lord, I can’t eat
Don’t call unclean what I have made clean
Three times this happened
I went to Cornelius house,
I gave them the gospel.
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They received the Holy Spirit
Still want to criticize?
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So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,
who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
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When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So
then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life." (Act 10:1-18 NIV)
Even the Gentiles?
Wow
Four take home applications
And you know that is the main point of this text and one of the main points of this book and all
of Paul’s letters. But let me show you a few other somewhat badly worded things for you to see.
1. Coincidences schmoincidences
That is not easy to say. And I have to say after years of being in the world, I am not convinced
that coincidences are as random as we like to believe. But this one certainly was not.
I love it when life purposes or just lives overlap so beautifully.
Kind of like the opposite of Romeo and Juliet right? He was doing something but the message
didn’t get to her, she did something, he misunderstood, she is dead, he is dead. A disastrous
tragedy.
But this one is different.
Cornelius hears from God
Peter hears from God.
Both hear from God about the other one. Everything is coming together because that is what God
does. He brings things together.
John Stott wrote; “We note how perfectly God dovetailed his working in Cornelius and in
Peter. For while Peter was praying and seeing his vision, the men from Cornelius were
approaching the city (9-16); while Peter was still perplexed about the meaning of what he
had seen, they arrived at the house (17-18); while Peter was still thinking about the
vision, the Spirit told him that the men were looking for him and that he must not hesitate
to go with to go with them (19-20); and when Peter went down and introduced himself to
them, they explained to him the purpose of their visit.”1
I hope this application doesn’t fall on deaf ears.
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John Stott. The Spirit, The Church and the World: The Message of Acts. (Downers Grove, ILL: InterVarsity Press,
1990) pp. 187-8.
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Remember Ruth? She just happened to end up in the field of a kinsmen redeemer. And he just so
happened to arrive at the right time to see her. Just so happened? That’s just good storytelling.
But it didn’t just happen. God happened.
If you just happen to find yourself in line at a Target, it might just be because God wants you to
talk to that clerk for those 3.5 minutes and brighten her day. Or maybe to steer the conversation
towards why there is joy unspeakable joy. Or maybe because he wants you to go buy her a $2.00
gift and write her a note and make her day and point her to Jesus.
If you just happen to be seated next to someone in a class, it might be because God has a
message for the person.
If you just happen to break your arm and someone asks you about it, it might be because God has
brought you together for something bigger
If you just happen to work in a different location, or get a call from a wrong number, or feel
something moving you when you drive by a certain house, it might be a message and a working
of God. Get ready. God is working.
2. Being religious and devout is a waste of time
Religious people drive me crazy. So much Christianeeze and getting angry if someone uses a
four letter word and looking for a reason to judge someone. That’s just stupid.
But that is not what I am talking about. Because being religious and devout is actually a good
thing. These are people who take seriously God’s word. Who seek to follow the right path. Who
do good things.
So, if it’s a good thing, why do you title this section that it’s a waste of time.
I told you these were all poorly worded, didn’t I? What I mean is, that Cornelius, as religious and
devout as he was, still needed something else. It’s not so much that it’s a waste of time to be
religious and devout, in fact, I am glad people are. It makes the world a nicer place to live in. But
what I mean is that more is needed.
Cornelius still needed to be forgiven (43). God worked out this super cool “coincidence” so that
Peter could meet Cornelius and give him the good news. That religion, by which I mean, a list of
rules to follow, or even just a general idea like “being good”, is not the good news. The good
news is that you can’t possibly follow God’s will perfectly and he loves you like crazy anyway.
When you are super promiscuous almost mocking the gift of sex God has given you, he still
loves you.
When you fool around with mind enhancing chemicals, not caring for the body he gave you, he
still loves you.
When you spend a year in prison for a fight, or get busted shoplifting, or tease someone less
popular… or even rape someone, kill someone, or hate your parents, God still loves you and
wants you in his life.
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And Peter delivers this important message. And Cornelius, A good man who doesn’t yet
understand the True God, accepts it. And you can too.
3. A bath is desperately needed
Some of you need to take this super literally. For goodness sake . . . please.
But a bath is not what I am talking about here. I am talking about being plunged into that
baptismal font now.
Some of you came to Christ years ago but never followed God in baptism. It’s simply not okay.
You need this sacred ritual, you need this sacrament because it imparts grace to you and to all
those who participate in that moment. You need it, we need it.
The Church of Christ has a baptismal pool ready every week in case someone comes to Jesus.
Peter says, “Who are we to say that they shouldn’t be baptized?” Baptists are a little different
about it…we like to make sure you have your theology straight and know what you are getting
into. I think both sides have a pretty good point and its hard to find that middle ground to be
honest. But why can’t we see this as the first move in a commitment to follow Jesus. Not a move
that comes years later when we deem you are ready for it. Maybe by being baptized, God moves
on you in a special way to move you towards better theology and more commitment to the
church and a lifetime of following Jesus.
Whatever the case, we need to stop delaying on this. Become ritually clean.
4. Jesus loves Italian
There are some lesser-known texts that didn’t make the final cut about Jesus at an Olive Garden.
Just kidding, Jesus wouldn’t go to an Olive Garden, he would go to the place in Potomac that Dr.
Yang takes me to or to Il Canale in Georgetown because he wants the authentic stuff.
Actually, I think the point here is that he would go to the Olive Garden. Because he wants to
hang out even with those people. That is, it’s not so much about the food, it’s about the people.
He likes Italians—remember Cornelius is part of the Italian regiment. The point of this text is
that he EVEN likes Italians. He EVEN likes Gentiles. He even likes those who aren’t part of the
elite group.
Because Gentiles are likely reading this book from Luke and as they read it, they want to know,
is this for us? Because Yahweh is the God of Israel and they have made that quite clear for
centuries. So now, there is this Jesus guy, who says that he is there to clarify God, to show what
God is really like, to represent God perfectly. And he wants them too.
The Jewish Gentile thing isn’t much of an issue anymore, but the in group and the outgroup sure
is. I feel like I mention this in every other sermon, but I do because this is the main thing Luke is
trying to get across.
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Did you hear in the news about the two guys who died in a car crash on the way to
church? Yeah, a white guy and a black guy were arguing about whether Jesus is white or
whether he’s black. And the argument got so heated the driver hit a concrete barrier and
they both died in the crash. They got up to heaven, and Jesus came out to welcome them
with a big hug and a greeting, “Buenos Dias, Senores!”
Remember back to that story I told about being stranded on a street in DC without a charged
phone. I wandered into that club looking for a phone and I found that it was a club specifically
for Liberal, homosexual, muslim, vegetarians. I wasn’t very comfortable there I have to be
honest. Because I am not any of those things. But Jesus was there, sitting right at the bar with a
turban having some wine and salad talking about how much he loved Obama (and even some of
his policies).
Because Jesus loves the people that you struggle to love.
He EVEN loves pretentious, conservative, anti-Muslim, anti-homosexual carnivores.
Don’t get me wrong, he has stuff to teach both groups. But he loves them.
There was stuff that Cornelius had to learn I am sure. Maybe some things he had to give up. But
he didn’t have to give up being a Gentile. He was invited in, despite his identity. Jesus loved him
and he loves you.
Churches aren’t always good at this. And even if they are good at it, people don’t think they are
so they don’t come. I had a few students in Kenya who traveled to a church as part of their
ministry assignments. Every week they talked with some guys hanging out at the end of a dirt
road, poor as the dirt they sat on, and invited them to church. They wouldn’t come because they
weren’t good enough. You know what those students did. They started coming an hour early to
church and started a church right there on the road.
They wanted them to feel loved.
I told you in the beginning all the foods I didn’t like. I also told you I didn’t like people who
liked winter (or being cold at all), running, horror movies, creamy peanut butter, hallmark
movies, gardening, parties, drinking water, junk mail, fluff books, etc.
Alexander Whyte said, “It would change your whole heart and life this very (day) if you
would take Peter and Cornelius home with you and lay them both to heart. If you would
take a four cornered napkin when you get home, and a…. Pen and ink and write the
names of the nations, and the churches, and the denominations, and the congregations,
and the ministers, and the public figures (men), and the private citizens, and the
neighbors, and the fellow-worshippers – all the people you dislike, and despise and do
not, cannot, and will not, love. Heap all their names into your unclean napkin, and then
look up and say, ‘Not so, Lord, I neither can speak well, nor think well, of these people. I
cannot do it and I will not try. (pause)
Admit it out loud. Then realize what God is asking of you.
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I hope you realize that my not liking those people was just empty rhetoric and I actually do love
those people a lot. Because Jesus does.
But its okay that you might struggle with it. Peter walked with Jesus for years and he says, “I
now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism (34)
He loves Italians, and everyone else.
If you are a bully
If you are a Buddhist
If you are a bastard
If you are a liberal
If you are a liar
If you are a lesbian
If you are lazy
Even if you line dance
If you spent time in jail
If you are a jerk
Even if you act like Jackie or Joyce, … or Jack, Joanna, Jordan, Jessica, Joy, James, Jake, John,
Jim, Julie, Joe or … even Jace
If you are divorced (even for the wrong reasons)
If you are a D student
If you are disabled
If you are depressed
If you are an addict
If you are and an adulterer
If you are an abuser
If you are an (you plug in your own A-word here)
Harry Ironside reminds us that that sheet was filled with creeping things. He said, that was what
he was, a good for nothing creeping thing, and he was accepted.
The good news is for everyone.
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Dear Family,
Putting this in print is probably not a good move, but when has that ever stopped me? I like some
of you more than others. There, I said it. Sending bad notes on Monday morning, mocking my
favorite superheroes and giving me Christmas gifts from Family Christian Stores means you
might not be a favorite. People who compliment me, laugh at my jokes, and drop off Reece’s
Pieces for no particular reason (take special note) are my favorites.
But God doesn’t have favorites. Then again, I am not sure that God has tasted Reece’s Pieces.
Let’s ignore that though and concentrate on the main point: God loves everyone. Even the worst
sinner is loved by God. I hope you get the beauty of this from Acts 10 and 11 this week, and I
hope you hear the charge included here too. I look forward to being with you.
Pastor Jace
Joke for beginning
You know about this long-running debate about which of the military services is most important.
Well, some Army guys were arguing, “We’re the biggest! We got more people and we’re the
only one that can hold land.” Some Navy guys said, “Our carriers are tools of diplomacy!” The
Air Force guys said, “We get you to the fight and bomb the heck out of them before you get
there!” So they all said, “Let’s let God settle it,” and they wrote God a letter to ask which service
was most important. Well, God wrote back. He spoke of how he is the God of all the Armed
Forces, land, sea, and sky, and how he is impartial, caring for all in uniform. He assured them in
his memo that each service member is important. And at the bottom he added a very simple
signature block. It simply read, “God,” and then right beneath, the words, “Semper Fi!”
His prayers and alms had risen as a memorial (remembrance) before God (Lev 2:2, Tobit 12:12,
Phil 4:18, Heb 13:15-6). God commends him before he even reallyunderstands the real God
Favoritism is a hapax but synonymous with Rom 2:11, eph 6:9, Col 3:25, James 2:1, I Peter 1:17,
but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
CS Lewis speaks about how actions even done to the wrong God are praise to the right one.
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