God Is Working While We Fast
Acts 10:1–48
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
Acts 10:1–2 (NIV)
1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.
2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing;
Acts 10:2 (NIV)
He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
Acts 10:30 (NKJV)
So Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
1. He Had a Vision
Acts 10:3 (NIV)
About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision...
Acts 2:17–18 (NIV)
17 "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
2. Cornelius Was Visited by an Angel
Acts 10:3–4 (NIV)
3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
4 And he stared at him in terror...
Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Acts 10:3–6 (NIV)
3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
4 And he stared at him in terror. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.
6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."
3. God Worked in Peter’s Life
Acts 10:7–8 (NIV)
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants.
8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Acts 10:9–10 (NIV)
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
Acts 10:10 (NIV)
and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance (ekstasis) ecstasy.
Acts 10:10–16 (NKJV)
10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance
11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.
13 And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat."
14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."
16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.
4. The Holy Spirit Gave Peter Specific Directions on What to Do
Acts 10:17–20 (NKJV)
17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you.
20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."
5. Cornelius’ Family and Friends Were Saved
Acts 10:44 (NKJV)
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
6. Cornelius’ Family and Friends Were Filled With the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44–46 (NKJV)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
7. Cornelius’ Friends Were Baptized in Water
Acts 10:47–48 (NKJV)
47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
8. The Gospel Was Spread to the Gentiles
