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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 10:9-18

Cornelius had received positive orders from heaven to send for Peter, whom otherwise he had not heard of, or at least not heeded; but here is another difficulty that lies in the way of bringing them together?the question is whether Peter will come to Cornelius when he is sent for; not as if he thought it below him to come at a beck, or as if he were afraid to preach his doctrine to a polite man as Cornelius was: but it sticks at a point of conscience. Cornelius is a very worthy man, and has... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 10:17-33

10:17-33 When Peter was at a loss in his own mind to know what this vision could mean, look you, the men who had been sent by Cornelius had asked their way to Simon's house and stood at the door. They spoke and asked if Simon who was also called Peter was lodging there. When Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look you, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and go with them without any hesitation, because it is I who sent them." So Peter came down to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 10:18

And called, and asked ,.... That is, they called to the people of the house, Simon's family; and in a civil and courteous manner asked them, whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter ; which they said to distinguish him from Simon the master of the house, and as Cornelius was directed, and they were instructed by him: concerning him they inquired, whether he were lodged there ; the Ethiopic version adds, without any foundation for it, "and the place where they called at was Peter's... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:1-33

The indenture. The meeting of Peter and Cornelius is one of those binges upon which, small as they seem at the moment, vast interests turn. It was one of those moments when revolutions in the whole state of human society are at the birth; when that is being unconsciously enacted by the doers which will powerfully affect mankind to the end of time and beyond it. From the call of Abraham to the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the covenanted mercies of God had been restricted within... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:1-48

Broadening foundations. The promises of God to "Abraham and his seed for ever" are not going to be diminished now, but something of the extent of them is to be made more plain. Nothing shall be taken from the Jew which he is willing to have and to keep; but much is going to be given, with a manifestation unknown before, to the Gentile. With some form of vision, of dream, of angel-appearance, the covenant of long ages ago was made with the patriarch, and it seems that now, some nineteen... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:2-22

Devout heathen. To correct the tendency to limit the operations of Divine grace to particular sections, classes, or nations, the Scriptures record instances of true devoutness and sincere piety both before and outside the Abrahamic covenant. The comforting and inspiring truth of the Divine call and election man has too often changed into a doctrine of Divine favoritism, involving the sovereign and groundless choice of some, and the consequent repudiation and hopeless condition of many. We... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:9-48

Man in God's sight; or, Divine impartiality. The incident of the conversion of Cornelius is suggestive of some important truths, but of one in particular, viz. the perfectness of the Divine impartiality. We look first, however, at— I. THE PART OF THE PHYSICAL IN THE APPREHENSION OF THE SPIRITUAL . Peter went up to pray ( Acts 10:9 ); but he was very hungry and desired bodily refreshment ( Acts 10:10 ). This state of body was probably favorable to his "falling... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:17-18

Providences may translate revelations. The effect of the vision on the mind of St. Peter is indicated in the simple expression, " doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mesa." He was puzzled and set anxiously thinking by it. He realized Divine teaching in it, but was not sure about the scope of it. He saw clearly enough that it obliterated, for him at least, the old distinction of meats; but he was set questioning whether there was not some deeper, some underlying... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:17-23

Peter's visit to Caesarea. I. THE CALL TO ACTION FOLLOWING THE REVELATION OF FAITH . Peter was in perplexity at this astounding vision of the sheet let down from heaven. Every Jewish prejudice was confuted by it, and a new view of the purpose of God in the gospel, quite dazzling to his unaccustomed sight, was opened. Well might he hesitate. But when God gives us a new view of truth and duty, it is not long before he calls us to act upon it. So in this case. Often do... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:17-23

The finger-post of Providence. It is well when we can look away from visions to facts, and deal with living men. Opportunity for action often disperses the cloud of perplexity. The vision in the memory, the men at the gate, the Spirit presiding over all. I. GOD 'S METHOD ILLUSTRATED . 1. The subjective and the objective united. The spirit within is experience. The work of grace in the outward world. 2. Providential guidance is vouchsafed. The facts that will help us are... read more

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