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The Acts of the Apostles
occupy responsible positions, men of intellect and influence. Through
the power of the Holy Spirit many will accept the divine principles.
Converted to the truth, they will become agencies in the hand of God
to communicate the light. They will have a special burden for other
souls of this neglected class. Time and money will be consecrated to
the work of the Lord, and new efficiency and power will be added to
the church.
Because Cornelius was living in obedience to all the instruction he
had received, God so ordered events that he was given more truth. A
messenger from the courts of heaven was sent to the Roman officer
and to Peter in order that Cornelius might be brought into touch with
one who could lead him into greater light.
There are in our world many who are nearer the kingdom of God
than we suppose. In this dark world of sin the Lord has many precious
jewels, to whom He will guide His messengers. Everywhere there are
those who will take their stand for Christ. Many will prize the wisdom
of God above any earthly advantage, and will become faithful light
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bearers. Constrained by the love of Christ, they will constrain others
to come to Him.
When the brethren in Judea heard that Peter had gone to the house
of a Gentile and preached to those assembled, they were surprised
and offended. They feared that such a course, which looked to them
presumptuous, would have the effect of counteracting his own teaching.
When they next saw Peter they met him with severe censure, saying,
“Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.”
Peter laid the whole matter before them. He related his experience
in regard to the vision and pleaded that it admonished him to observe no
longer the ceremonial distinction of circumcision and uncircumcision,
nor to look upon the Gentiles as unclean. He told them of the command
given him to go to the Gentiles, of the coming of the messengers, of his
journey to Caesarea, and of the meeting with Cornelius. He recounted
the substance of his interview with the centurion, in which the latter
had told him of the vision by which he had been directed to send for
Peter.
“As I began to speak,” he said, in relating his experience, “the Holy
Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the
word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water;
but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God