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The Story of Redemption
It was a trying command to Peter; but he dared not act according
to his own feelings, and therefore went down from his chamber
and received the messengers sent to him from Cornelius. They
communicated their singular errand to the apostle, and, according
to the direction he had just received from God, he at once agreed
to accompany them on the morrow. He courteously entertained
them that night, and in the morning set out with them for Caesarea,
accompanied by six of his brethren, who were to be witnesses of all
he should say or do while visiting the Gentiles; for he knew that he
should be called to account for so direct an opposition to the Jewish
faith and teachings.
It was nearly two days before the journey was ended and Cor-
nelius had the glad privilege of opening his doors to a gospel minister,
who, according to the assurance of God, should teach him and his
house how they might be saved. While the messengers were on their
errand, the centurion had gathered together as many of his relatives
as were accessible, that they, as well as he, might be instructed in the
truth. When Peter arrived, a large company were gathered, eagerly
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waiting to listen to his words.
The Visit to Cornelius
As Peter entered the house of the Gentile, Cornelius did not
salute him as an ordinary visitor, but as one honored of Heaven, and
sent to him by God. It is an Eastern custom to bow before a prince or
other high dignitary, and for children to bow before their parents who
are honored with positions of trust. But Cornelius, overwhelmed
with reverence for the apostle who had been delegated by God, fell
at his feet and worshiped him.
Peter shrank with horror from this act of the centurion, and lifted
him to his feet, saying, “Stand up; I myself also am a man.” He
then commenced to converse with him familiarly, in order to remove
the sense of awe and extreme reverence with which the centurion
regarded him.
Had Peter been invested with the authority and position accorded
to him by the Roman Catholic Church, he would have encouraged,
rather than have checked, the veneration of Cornelius. The so-called