Acts 11:1-18
Let us never judge by appearances nor by circumstances of which we have incomplete knowledge. A Christian, whose behaviour has surprised us, may have acted in obedience to the Lord. It was so with Peter when he had been into the house of Cornelius and had eaten with him. These details were all that "they that were of the circumcision" had wanted to remember (v. 2), even when such marvellous things as Peter is now going to tell them had taken place in this house. The salvation of the Gentiles was foretold in the Old Testament (e.g. Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 65:1). Peter himself had alluded to this as early as his first address (Acts 2:21; Acts 2:39). However in order to dispel the prejudices of the brethren in Jerusalem, it was necessary to have formal proof. This was provided in Peter’s report, confirmed by the six witnesses who had accompanied him. On learning how the apostle was inspired and led to the house of Cornelius and especially how the Holy Spirit descended upon the Gentiles, everyone recognizes the will of God and gives Him the glory. Let us rejoice in this favour which has been extended even to us and, if we have not already done so, let us hasten to receive "repentance unto life" also (v. 18).