1 00:00:00,500 --> 00:00:04,880 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 2 00:00:04,920 --> 00:00:10,979 Speaker 1: they shall be filled. Matthew 5, 6. Dear Lord, stir 3 00:00:11,039 --> 00:00:17,270 Speaker 1: within us an unquenchable hunger and thirst for righteousness. May 4 00:00:17,310 --> 00:00:21,110 Speaker 1: it be a driving force that moves us to action, 5 00:00:21,970 --> 00:00:26,330 Speaker 1: to advocate for the voiceless, to defend the weak, and 6 00:00:26,370 --> 00:00:31,950 Speaker 1: to stand against injustice wherever we see it. Let our 7 00:00:32,030 --> 00:00:35,909 Speaker 1: pursuit of righteousness be as essential as the air we 8 00:00:36,030 --> 00:00:41,470 Speaker 1: breathe and the water we drink. Knowing that in your 9 00:00:41,570 --> 00:00:46,460 Speaker 1: kingdom these efforts are not in vain, but lead us 10 00:00:46,520 --> 00:00:52,479 Speaker 1: to a profound fulfillment. Help us not only to seek righteousness, 11 00:00:53,440 --> 00:00:58,760 Speaker 1: but to embody it. May our daily choices reflect our 12 00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:03,580 Speaker 1: commitment to do what is right. just, and good in 13 00:01:03,620 --> 00:01:09,220 Speaker 1: your eyes. Empower us by your Spirit to be agents 14 00:01:09,270 --> 00:01:15,410 Speaker 1: of change, carriers of peace, and beacons of hope and 15 00:01:15,450 --> 00:01:20,970 Speaker 1: integrity in a world that often seems lost in darkness. 16 00:01:22,730 --> 00:01:26,910 Speaker 1: Fill us, Lord, as you promised, and let our lives 17 00:01:27,190 --> 00:01:32,250 Speaker 1: overflow with the righteousness of that comes from walking closely 18 00:01:32,730 --> 00:01:33,090 Speaker 1: with you. 19 00:01:35,010 --> 00:01:35,890 Speaker 2: In Jesus' name. 20 00:01:37,650 --> 00:01:43,929 Speaker 1: Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening 21 00:01:43,990 --> 00:01:49,190 Speaker 1: to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on 22 00:01:49,230 --> 00:01:53,470 Speaker 1: the birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 23 00:01:54,030 --> 00:01:57,470 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 24 00:01:57,530 --> 00:02:04,540 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on our team The sound 25 00:02:04,560 --> 00:02:09,299 Speaker 1: of gulls and bartering sailors echoed from the shores of Galilee. 26 00:02:10,860 --> 00:02:14,139 Speaker 1: The wind picked up scents of freshly caught fish and 27 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:19,919 Speaker 1: eucalyptus leaves. Peter leaned back, listening to Jesus with awe. 28 00:02:21,930 --> 00:02:24,190 Speaker 1: Peter didn't know what the future held for him, but 29 00:02:25,190 --> 00:02:27,850 Speaker 1: he knew that Jesus would be there to guide him 30 00:02:27,930 --> 00:02:33,720 Speaker 1: through the highs and lows. He listened intently, as Jesus 31 00:02:33,800 --> 00:02:38,220 Speaker 1: stood before the crowd on the mount, voice booming with 32 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:43,200 Speaker 1: grace and authority. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for 33 00:02:43,260 --> 00:02:47,510 Speaker 1: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Those words brought comfort 34 00:02:47,970 --> 00:02:51,850 Speaker 1: to those who had been kicked around in life. The 35 00:02:51,889 --> 00:02:55,310 Speaker 1: beggars and sick alike came alive at the idea of 36 00:02:55,370 --> 00:03:01,690 Speaker 1: being blessed with the kingdom of heaven. Jesus continued, encouraging 37 00:03:01,930 --> 00:03:12,030 Speaker 1: the bereaved, Those words were bombs to wounded and weary souls. 38 00:03:13,550 --> 00:03:18,829 Speaker 1: But then Jesus said something that seemed counterintuitive, something upside 39 00:03:18,930 --> 00:03:22,470 Speaker 1: down to the culture of conquest that consumed the age. 40 00:03:24,070 --> 00:03:28,020 Speaker 1: Roman soldiers standing at attention in the back shuddered at 41 00:03:28,060 --> 00:03:30,519 Speaker 1: the very sound of Jesus' next proclamation. 42 00:03:31,200 --> 00:03:35,240 Speaker 3: Blessed are the meek. for they will inherit the earth. 43 00:03:35,980 --> 00:03:39,640 Speaker 1: That encouragement cut through the pride of those who thought 44 00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:46,100 Speaker 1: their strength gave them license to be cruel. Important merchants 45 00:03:46,530 --> 00:03:50,710 Speaker 1: and Roman guards perked up at the sound of it. Then, 46 00:03:50,830 --> 00:03:54,810 Speaker 1: with earnest excitement in his voice, Jesus continued. 47 00:03:55,390 --> 00:03:59,230 Speaker 3: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 48 00:03:59,290 --> 00:04:01,030 Speaker 3: they shall be filled. 49 00:04:04,770 --> 00:04:08,150 Speaker 4: We serve a God who breaks down boundaries. Boundaries between 50 00:04:08,330 --> 00:04:10,110 Speaker 4: us and Him and the sin that would keep us 51 00:04:10,150 --> 00:04:13,160 Speaker 4: distant from each other, but also the boundaries that keep 52 00:04:13,360 --> 00:04:16,760 Speaker 4: us from connecting. No matter our differences, those who are 53 00:04:16,800 --> 00:04:19,920 Speaker 4: tied by the gospel will always have something in common. 54 00:04:20,600 --> 00:04:24,520 Speaker 4: Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing 55 00:04:24,580 --> 00:04:29,120 Speaker 4: the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling. Today, we're 56 00:04:29,160 --> 00:04:32,420 Speaker 4: venturing into Acts chapter 10, a chapter that might just 57 00:04:32,460 --> 00:04:35,469 Speaker 4: make you rethink your comfort zone. It's a story about visions, 58 00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:39,510 Speaker 4: unlikely friendships, and God's audacious plan to expand the horizons 59 00:04:39,570 --> 00:04:42,560 Speaker 4: of his early church. So, buckle up. This is going 60 00:04:42,570 --> 00:04:44,900 Speaker 4: to be a journey that challenges us to see beyond 61 00:04:44,940 --> 00:04:48,540 Speaker 4: our familiar landscapes and shake hands with people we never 62 00:04:48,660 --> 00:04:49,860 Speaker 4: thought we would ever meet. 63 00:04:52,740 --> 00:04:54,380 Speaker 2: Get out of the way, you rat! 64 00:04:54,820 --> 00:04:57,710 Speaker 1: The soldier stood above a beggar who had fallen in 65 00:04:57,770 --> 00:04:58,570 Speaker 1: the middle of the street. 66 00:04:59,190 --> 00:05:03,150 Speaker 2: You're blocking the way of the centurion! Move or be moved! 67 00:05:03,820 --> 00:05:07,820 Speaker 1: The beggar's brow turned inward, terrified of what the soldier 68 00:05:07,880 --> 00:05:12,349 Speaker 1: might do. He tried to move, but his leg was injured. 69 00:05:13,250 --> 00:05:14,330 Speaker 2: I warned you! 70 00:05:14,850 --> 00:05:18,210 Speaker 1: Before the soldier had a chance to strike, someone grabbed 71 00:05:18,270 --> 00:05:18,730 Speaker 1: his arm. 72 00:05:19,130 --> 00:05:21,510 Speaker 3: Leave this man alone! That's an order! 73 00:05:21,910 --> 00:05:26,960 Speaker 1: The man's voice was deep and commanding. Golden eagle emblems 74 00:05:27,300 --> 00:05:30,820 Speaker 1: were etched into his armor, and his helmet was adorned 75 00:05:30,860 --> 00:05:35,390 Speaker 1: with red, white, and gold frays. Strapped to his side 76 00:05:35,450 --> 00:05:38,570 Speaker 1: was a sword with a serpent engraved on the hilt. 77 00:05:40,120 --> 00:05:43,580 Speaker 1: He was Cornelius, a centurion of Rome. 78 00:05:44,120 --> 00:05:47,240 Speaker 3: You weren't raised in the ranks of Caesar to beat 79 00:05:47,339 --> 00:05:50,419 Speaker 3: defenseless beggars. Fall back in line! 80 00:05:51,020 --> 00:05:51,679 Speaker 2: Yes, Domine! 81 00:05:51,940 --> 00:05:55,160 Speaker 1: Cornelius extended a hand to the man and lifted him 82 00:05:55,220 --> 00:05:59,250 Speaker 1: off the ground. He placed a small bag of silver 83 00:05:59,670 --> 00:06:01,430 Speaker 1: in his hand and smiled. 84 00:06:02,070 --> 00:06:05,109 Speaker 3: Go your way, sir. I'm sorry for the trouble. If 85 00:06:05,150 --> 00:06:07,570 Speaker 3: this silver isn't enough to pay for a physician to 86 00:06:07,610 --> 00:06:10,670 Speaker 3: treat your leg, find my attendant and he will help you. 87 00:06:11,190 --> 00:06:15,109 Speaker 1: The beggar, unable to find the proper words, simply replied. 88 00:06:15,710 --> 00:06:19,909 Speaker 3: May God bless you, my lord. He has, abundantly. 89 00:06:20,610 --> 00:06:25,710 Speaker 1: Cornelius replied in a low and pleasant voice. The centurion 90 00:06:25,750 --> 00:06:28,070 Speaker 1: helped him to the side of the road and then 91 00:06:28,180 --> 00:06:29,010 Speaker 1: turned to his men. 92 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:33,500 Speaker 3: You are soldiers of the Italian cohort, men of honor, 93 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:37,180 Speaker 3: hammers used to build the empire. The strength of your 94 00:06:37,320 --> 00:06:41,779 Speaker 3: arms are wasted tormenting the defenseless. You may not fear God, 95 00:06:42,240 --> 00:06:45,539 Speaker 3: but I do, and I shall not have such browbeating 96 00:06:45,580 --> 00:06:48,380 Speaker 3: under my command. Is that understood? 97 00:06:48,400 --> 00:06:50,010 Speaker 5: Yes, Your Honor. 98 00:06:50,570 --> 00:06:55,090 Speaker 1: Cornelius was a devout man, one of a few God-fearing 99 00:06:55,190 --> 00:07:00,890 Speaker 1: Gentiles in Caesarea. Although he was an Italian centurion, he 100 00:07:00,930 --> 00:07:04,950 Speaker 1: felt deeply connected to the God of the Jews. He 101 00:07:05,010 --> 00:07:09,970 Speaker 1: attended the synagogue of Gentiles and Hellenists, traveled to Jerusalem 102 00:07:10,010 --> 00:07:15,110 Speaker 1: for the major feasts, and read the scriptures fervently. He 103 00:07:15,150 --> 00:07:18,270 Speaker 1: was a man of prayer and imparted a habit of 104 00:07:18,370 --> 00:07:23,950 Speaker 1: faithfulness to his household. The law was etched on his heart, 105 00:07:24,760 --> 00:07:29,880 Speaker 1: affecting how he commanded his men. while other soldiers of 106 00:07:29,940 --> 00:07:33,520 Speaker 1: his status hungered for power and thirsted for the approval 107 00:07:33,620 --> 00:07:41,170 Speaker 1: of Caesar. Cornelius hungered for righteousness. He thirsted for something 108 00:07:41,320 --> 00:07:48,090 Speaker 1: greater than Rome, greater than Caesar. Cornelius rounded the corner 109 00:07:48,130 --> 00:07:53,130 Speaker 1: of the marketplace with the sentry marching behind him. His 110 00:07:53,170 --> 00:07:56,060 Speaker 1: hand remained on the hilt of his blade, and the 111 00:07:56,100 --> 00:07:59,650 Speaker 1: golden markings of his armor shimmered in the afternoon sun. 112 00:08:01,410 --> 00:08:04,490 Speaker 1: Most people trembled when a Roman soldier passed through the city. 113 00:08:05,830 --> 00:08:10,730 Speaker 1: But the Italian cohort was different. People were awed when 114 00:08:10,770 --> 00:08:14,490 Speaker 1: they marched. Children rushed to get a view of them, 115 00:08:15,270 --> 00:08:21,460 Speaker 1: and vendors cheered as they passed. They were respected and beloved, 116 00:08:22,560 --> 00:08:28,520 Speaker 1: thanks to the righteous rule of their commanding centurion. At 117 00:08:28,560 --> 00:08:32,300 Speaker 1: the ninth hour, Cornelius retreated to his room to seek God. 118 00:08:33,570 --> 00:08:37,570 Speaker 1: The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat outside. 119 00:08:38,929 --> 00:08:41,850 Speaker 1: He bowed a knee to the Lord, searching for Him, 120 00:08:42,690 --> 00:08:50,350 Speaker 1: hungering for wisdom and righteousness. As Cornelius prayed, the sides 121 00:08:50,450 --> 00:08:54,150 Speaker 1: of his vision grew dim, and in the center of 122 00:08:54,190 --> 00:08:58,210 Speaker 1: his mind's eye, he saw an angel of the Lord 123 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:04,679 Speaker 1: before him. The angel was draped in splendor and glory, 124 00:09:05,580 --> 00:09:07,830 Speaker 1: and with a voice booming like thunder. 125 00:09:08,160 --> 00:09:09,230 Speaker 5: Cornelius. 126 00:09:10,230 --> 00:09:14,530 Speaker 1: Being a good soldier, Cornelius bowed at attention, ready to serve. 127 00:09:15,070 --> 00:09:16,070 Speaker 3: What is it, my lord? 128 00:09:16,590 --> 00:09:17,110 Speaker 2: Just then. 129 00:09:17,410 --> 00:09:21,450 Speaker 5: Your prayers and alms to the poor have ascended as 130 00:09:21,490 --> 00:09:26,250 Speaker 5: a memorial before the lord. Send men to Joppa and 131 00:09:26,510 --> 00:09:30,080 Speaker 5: ask for a man named Peter. He is lodging in 132 00:09:30,140 --> 00:09:33,400 Speaker 5: a home by the sea with a man named Simon 133 00:09:33,440 --> 00:09:37,320 Speaker 5: the Tanner. Peter will show you the way. 134 00:09:38,000 --> 00:09:42,020 Speaker 1: Cornelius could see the room again. The angel was gone, 135 00:09:43,020 --> 00:09:48,550 Speaker 1: but his commands lingered in the centurion's mind. Cornelius rose 136 00:09:48,910 --> 00:09:50,370 Speaker 1: and shouted for his attendants. 137 00:09:51,090 --> 00:09:54,150 Speaker 3: Men, I need you to go to Joppa. Find me 138 00:09:54,190 --> 00:09:55,910 Speaker 3: a man of God named Peter. 139 00:09:56,550 --> 00:09:58,850 Speaker 1: Peter took in the breeze coming in from the sea 140 00:10:00,030 --> 00:10:04,540 Speaker 1: The salty air filled his lungs, refreshing his mind after 141 00:10:04,640 --> 00:10:10,400 Speaker 1: days of travel. Peter had always loved Joppa. The ships 142 00:10:10,460 --> 00:10:13,240 Speaker 1: coming in and out of the port were much larger 143 00:10:13,280 --> 00:10:15,620 Speaker 1: than the humble ones he grew up with in Galilee. 144 00:10:17,420 --> 00:10:19,620 Speaker 1: As a boy, he wondered what it would be like 145 00:10:19,640 --> 00:10:25,229 Speaker 1: to sail the Mediterranean to lands unknown. They were only 146 00:10:25,290 --> 00:10:31,650 Speaker 1: dreams back then. However, after following Jesus, Peter realized that 147 00:10:31,890 --> 00:10:36,250 Speaker 1: nothing was impossible. He tried to pray a prayer of 148 00:10:36,309 --> 00:10:40,010 Speaker 1: thanksgiving to God, but an ache in his stomach kept 149 00:10:40,080 --> 00:10:41,120 Speaker 1: him from concentrating. 150 00:10:43,380 --> 00:10:44,700 Speaker 2: Oh, Lord, I'm hungry. 151 00:10:45,380 --> 00:10:47,130 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to the man hosting him. 152 00:10:47,970 --> 00:10:49,750 Speaker 2: Is there any way I could get something to eat? 153 00:10:50,710 --> 00:10:54,630 Speaker 2: My journey seems to be catching up with me. I 154 00:10:54,650 --> 00:10:55,390 Speaker 2: feel light-headed. 155 00:10:56,510 --> 00:10:59,079 Speaker 3: Don't worry. I'll whip something up for you, Peter. 156 00:10:59,500 --> 00:11:02,280 Speaker 2: God bless you. Let me know when it's ready. 157 00:11:02,820 --> 00:11:06,180 Speaker 1: The man descended the stairs, leaving Peter alone on the roof. 158 00:11:07,220 --> 00:11:10,500 Speaker 1: Peter leaned over the edge, drawing another deep breath of 159 00:11:10,580 --> 00:11:14,300 Speaker 1: salt air seasoned with the faint smell of fish and 160 00:11:14,360 --> 00:11:21,260 Speaker 1: damp wood. It was a pleasant, unfamiliar smell. Peter felt 161 00:11:21,300 --> 00:11:26,620 Speaker 1: his stomach again. Hunger pains jabbed at him. He leaned 162 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:30,810 Speaker 1: his back against the wall and closed his eyes. The 163 00:11:30,870 --> 00:11:35,730 Speaker 1: soothing noise of the ocean faded, and all was silent. 164 00:11:37,270 --> 00:11:41,429 Speaker 1: Peter opened his eyes and looked up. He was no 165 00:11:41,490 --> 00:11:46,839 Speaker 1: longer on the roof, but standing on a grassy hill, gazing, 166 00:11:47,140 --> 00:11:52,140 Speaker 1: at the stars. The skies were arrayed with millions of lights, 167 00:11:52,600 --> 00:11:58,710 Speaker 1: twinkling to the tune of an unheard song. Suddenly, the 168 00:11:58,750 --> 00:12:04,810 Speaker 1: lights moved toward one another, converging in one space, then exploding. 169 00:12:05,910 --> 00:12:09,850 Speaker 1: The heavens opened up, and a burst of light threw 170 00:12:09,929 --> 00:12:16,710 Speaker 1: the firmament. Peter rolled back and watched with fear. Peter 171 00:12:16,770 --> 00:12:21,690 Speaker 1: saw something like a great sheet descending from the heavens, 172 00:12:22,450 --> 00:12:25,650 Speaker 1: being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 173 00:12:27,190 --> 00:12:32,360 Speaker 1: On the sheet were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds. 174 00:12:34,080 --> 00:12:37,080 Speaker 1: Then Peter heard a voice boom from the heavens. 175 00:12:37,840 --> 00:12:41,300 Speaker 5: Rise, Peter, kill and eat. 176 00:12:41,820 --> 00:12:45,599 Speaker 1: Peter looked at the animals. Although he was starving, none 177 00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:50,110 Speaker 1: of those animals were ceremonially accepted. The law of Moses 178 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:53,410 Speaker 1: forbade Peter from eating every animal that walked before him. 179 00:12:54,950 --> 00:12:58,069 Speaker 1: He thought the command might be a test to see 180 00:12:58,130 --> 00:13:00,030 Speaker 1: if he would follow the law when hungry. 181 00:13:00,730 --> 00:13:03,990 Speaker 2: No, Lord. I can't eat these animals. I can't eat 182 00:13:04,370 --> 00:13:06,370 Speaker 2: anything common or unclean. 183 00:13:06,809 --> 00:13:11,070 Speaker 5: What God has made clean, do not call common. 184 00:13:11,590 --> 00:13:15,780 Speaker 1: The wind picked up throughout the hills. The sheet was 185 00:13:15,860 --> 00:13:20,800 Speaker 1: rolled up and brought back into heaven. Peter gasped and 186 00:13:20,860 --> 00:13:25,119 Speaker 1: opened his eyes. He looked around. He was back on 187 00:13:25,160 --> 00:13:28,870 Speaker 1: the roof. He stood to his feet and looked out 188 00:13:28,910 --> 00:13:29,350 Speaker 1: at the sea. 189 00:13:30,130 --> 00:13:34,710 Speaker 2: What God has made clean do not call common? What 190 00:13:34,750 --> 00:13:35,410 Speaker 2: does this mean? 191 00:13:35,850 --> 00:13:41,130 Speaker 1: Peter rubbed his eyes, trying to grasp reality again. His 192 00:13:41,210 --> 00:13:46,620 Speaker 1: vision was perplexing. Peter no longer thought about the hunger 193 00:13:46,660 --> 00:13:51,500 Speaker 1: in his stomach. Instead, he was filled with questions about 194 00:13:51,520 --> 00:13:57,020 Speaker 1: the meaning of his vision. In his prayers, Peter heard 195 00:13:57,280 --> 00:14:01,590 Speaker 1: from the Holy Spirit. Three men were looking for him. 196 00:14:02,550 --> 00:14:06,990 Speaker 1: When they arrived, Peter had to listen. Sure enough, Peter 197 00:14:07,050 --> 00:14:09,570 Speaker 1: saw three men standing. 198 00:14:09,170 --> 00:14:09,650 Speaker 3: At the gates. 199 00:14:10,270 --> 00:14:12,850 Speaker 2: Okay, Lord, what do you have next? 200 00:14:13,670 --> 00:14:16,189 Speaker 1: Peter descended the stairs and approached the men. 201 00:14:16,770 --> 00:14:18,330 Speaker 2: How may I help you, gentlemen? 202 00:14:18,650 --> 00:14:20,510 Speaker 3: We are looking for a man of God named Peter. 203 00:14:21,010 --> 00:14:22,400 Speaker 3: We are told he may be lodging here. 204 00:14:22,780 --> 00:14:25,580 Speaker 2: Well, you're looking at him. Why have you come? 205 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:29,140 Speaker 3: We have come here from Caesarea on behalf of Cornelius, 206 00:14:29,520 --> 00:14:33,000 Speaker 3: centurion over the Italian cohort. We know what you might 207 00:14:33,060 --> 00:14:35,890 Speaker 3: be thinking. Why would a Gentile be asking for you? 208 00:14:36,530 --> 00:14:40,690 Speaker 3: But Cornelius is a God-fearing man who is beloved among 209 00:14:40,710 --> 00:14:41,990 Speaker 3: the Jewish people in the region. 210 00:14:42,600 --> 00:14:44,700 Speaker 2: You still haven't told me why he summoned me. 211 00:14:45,240 --> 00:14:48,000 Speaker 1: The three men looked at each other, wondering how much 212 00:14:48,110 --> 00:14:52,370 Speaker 1: detail to offer. What they were about to say seemed 213 00:14:52,570 --> 00:14:56,110 Speaker 1: crazy to them, but they didn't know who they were 214 00:14:56,150 --> 00:14:56,690 Speaker 1: talking to. 215 00:14:57,210 --> 00:15:00,530 Speaker 3: He claims an angel told him to find you. This 216 00:15:00,810 --> 00:15:03,290 Speaker 3: angel told him that you have something to tell him 217 00:15:03,770 --> 00:15:04,550 Speaker 3: and his household. 218 00:15:05,130 --> 00:15:11,620 Speaker 1: Peter smirked, eyes lit up with curiosity. God was on 219 00:15:11,640 --> 00:15:18,830 Speaker 1: the move. Peter summited a small hill overlooking the road 220 00:15:18,870 --> 00:15:23,490 Speaker 1: to Caesarea. A few brothers in Christ from Joppa accompanied 221 00:15:23,530 --> 00:15:27,270 Speaker 1: him as they followed the three Gentile servants into the city. 222 00:15:28,690 --> 00:15:32,770 Speaker 1: As Peter scanned the city below, he thought about his vision. 223 00:15:33,150 --> 00:15:38,480 Speaker 1: What God has made clean, do not call common. Custom 224 00:15:38,540 --> 00:15:43,020 Speaker 1: forbade Jews to eat with Gentiles. But here Peter was... 225 00:15:43,370 --> 00:15:47,530 Speaker 1: Sharing the road with Gentiles. To be hosted by Gentiles. 226 00:15:48,290 --> 00:15:53,900 Speaker 1: And not just any Gentiles. The household of an esteemed Centurion. 227 00:15:54,380 --> 00:15:58,560 Speaker 1: Tell me more about this Centurion. Well, he's not like 228 00:15:58,600 --> 00:16:02,020 Speaker 1: other men in his position. While most other Centurions crave 229 00:16:02,060 --> 00:16:07,130 Speaker 1: more power, Cornelius has other appetites. He hungers for... The 230 00:16:07,150 --> 00:16:10,130 Speaker 1: servants trailed off, searching for the right words. 231 00:16:10,910 --> 00:16:11,690 Speaker 3: Righteousness. 232 00:16:12,270 --> 00:16:16,590 Speaker 1: Peter whispered. remembering the words of his master years ago. 233 00:16:17,250 --> 00:16:21,100 Speaker 3: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 234 00:16:21,160 --> 00:16:22,940 Speaker 3: they shall be filled. 235 00:16:23,500 --> 00:16:27,480 Speaker 1: The men weaved through the busy cities of Caesarea, marching 236 00:16:27,540 --> 00:16:33,280 Speaker 1: past the barracks into the Cornelius estate. Blooming ivy covered 237 00:16:33,300 --> 00:16:38,220 Speaker 1: the large stone walls. Golden eagles were etched into the gates. 238 00:16:39,780 --> 00:16:44,820 Speaker 1: Peter felt slightly uneasy. It was like Caesar was watching. 239 00:16:46,340 --> 00:16:49,100 Speaker 1: No devout Jew would be caught dead in the home 240 00:16:49,160 --> 00:16:55,120 Speaker 1: of a centurion, at least voluntarily. Peter and his companions 241 00:16:55,260 --> 00:16:59,840 Speaker 1: entered the courtyard. He saw Cornelius with his family and friends. 242 00:17:01,160 --> 00:17:05,359 Speaker 1: He wore Roman robes, with Caesar's seal pinned to the sash. 243 00:17:06,700 --> 00:17:10,710 Speaker 1: Peter winced at the sight of him. He had been 244 00:17:10,800 --> 00:17:15,619 Speaker 1: conditioned to avoid the Romans his whole life. Now he 245 00:17:15,660 --> 00:17:20,760 Speaker 1: was preparing to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius perked 246 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:25,060 Speaker 1: up at the side of Peter. His shoulders swung back, 247 00:17:25,780 --> 00:17:29,859 Speaker 1: and he began to run forward. Peter braced himself for 248 00:17:29,900 --> 00:17:35,850 Speaker 1: an attack. But instead, Cornelius ran forward and fell at 249 00:17:35,930 --> 00:17:41,490 Speaker 1: Peter's feet. Everyone gasped at the sight of it. Cornelius, 250 00:17:42,070 --> 00:17:46,290 Speaker 1: a man of power and prestige, bowed in front of 251 00:17:46,350 --> 00:17:48,750 Speaker 1: an uneducated Galilean Jew. 252 00:17:49,330 --> 00:17:52,250 Speaker 3: Praise you, Peter. Praise you for coming. 253 00:17:53,210 --> 00:17:58,469 Speaker 1: Peter's eyes widened. He laughed nervously and grabbed Cornelius by 254 00:17:58,490 --> 00:17:59,010 Speaker 1: the shoulders. 255 00:17:59,690 --> 00:18:03,280 Speaker 2: No, no, please stand up. I'm a man just like you. 256 00:18:03,780 --> 00:18:06,600 Speaker 1: Cornelius stood up and cast a shadow down over him. 257 00:18:07,900 --> 00:18:10,300 Speaker 1: Peter was used to being the tallest man in the room, 258 00:18:11,270 --> 00:18:15,469 Speaker 1: but the centurion stood nearly a head taller. He was 259 00:18:15,530 --> 00:18:21,129 Speaker 1: broad-shouldered and chiseled from head to toe. Peter cleared his 260 00:18:21,210 --> 00:18:23,490 Speaker 1: throat and gestured to his family. 261 00:18:24,080 --> 00:18:27,679 Speaker 2: Come, gather round, for I believe the Lord has a 262 00:18:27,720 --> 00:18:28,919 Speaker 2: word for us all today. 263 00:18:29,500 --> 00:18:34,180 Speaker 1: Everyone gathered round Peter. The cypress trees in the courtyard 264 00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:38,420 Speaker 1: cast a pleasant shadow over the group. He looked around nervously. 265 00:18:39,330 --> 00:18:42,070 Speaker 1: realizing what God had been trying to show him. 266 00:18:42,950 --> 00:18:46,090 Speaker 2: You all know that it's unlawful for a Jew to 267 00:18:46,150 --> 00:18:51,229 Speaker 2: associate with or visit anyone of another nation. To Jews, 268 00:18:51,690 --> 00:18:56,540 Speaker 2: you are all considered unclean. But God has shown me 269 00:18:56,580 --> 00:19:01,860 Speaker 2: that I shouldn't call anyone common or unclean. So, when 270 00:19:01,880 --> 00:19:06,300 Speaker 2: your companion sent for me, I came without objection. Peter 271 00:19:06,359 --> 00:19:10,189 Speaker 2: gestured to Cornelius. Now tell me, friend, Why have you 272 00:19:10,210 --> 00:19:10,689 Speaker 2: sent for me? 273 00:19:11,310 --> 00:19:15,510 Speaker 1: Cornelius was standing at attention. He was leaning forward as 274 00:19:15,590 --> 00:19:18,619 Speaker 1: if Peter was about to feed him something delicious. 275 00:19:19,230 --> 00:19:22,859 Speaker 3: Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in 276 00:19:22,920 --> 00:19:26,560 Speaker 3: my home. As I was praying, a man stood before 277 00:19:26,600 --> 00:19:30,280 Speaker 3: me in bright clothing. I perceived him to be an 278 00:19:30,560 --> 00:19:33,560 Speaker 3: angel sent from heaven. He told me to find you. 279 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:34,580 Speaker 2: And now. 280 00:19:35,810 --> 00:19:39,500 Speaker 3: I and my household are here in the presence of 281 00:19:39,600 --> 00:19:44,940 Speaker 3: God to hear what you have been commanded to preach. Amazing. 282 00:19:45,770 --> 00:19:50,109 Speaker 2: I guess God doesn't show partiality. Every nation who feels... 283 00:19:50,200 --> 00:19:53,510 Speaker 2: him and seeks righteousness will be accepted before him. 284 00:19:54,060 --> 00:19:58,359 Speaker 1: Peter stretched out his arms and greeted them as family, saying. 285 00:19:58,980 --> 00:20:01,689 Speaker 2: This is the word I have come to preach. It 286 00:20:01,750 --> 00:20:06,750 Speaker 2: is good news, and that news is peace. Peace through 287 00:20:06,770 --> 00:20:11,340 Speaker 2: a knowledge of Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Many of 288 00:20:11,400 --> 00:20:16,430 Speaker 2: you have probably heard his name. He became famous throughout Judea. 289 00:20:17,109 --> 00:20:20,109 Speaker 2: He was a man of great works and healing. He 290 00:20:20,170 --> 00:20:25,109 Speaker 2: cast out demons and preached liberty to the captives. God 291 00:20:25,170 --> 00:20:29,640 Speaker 2: was truly with him. I and my companions are witnesses 292 00:20:29,700 --> 00:20:33,900 Speaker 2: of all that he did. But not all were amazed 293 00:20:34,000 --> 00:20:37,580 Speaker 2: by his words and words. He was put to death 294 00:20:38,440 --> 00:20:43,660 Speaker 2: on a cross. But God raised him from the dead. 295 00:20:43,770 --> 00:20:48,109 Speaker 2: Three days later, we bore witness to his resurrection. We 296 00:20:48,290 --> 00:20:51,730 Speaker 2: ate with him, communed with him, and felt his embrace. 297 00:20:52,990 --> 00:20:57,889 Speaker 2: He truly rose from the dead. Now, we all testify 298 00:20:57,950 --> 00:21:00,990 Speaker 2: to his life. He has been appointed by God to 299 00:21:01,010 --> 00:21:04,129 Speaker 2: be judge of the living and the dead. 300 00:21:04,710 --> 00:21:08,939 Speaker 1: Peter paused, turned to Cornelius, and said, I've. 301 00:21:08,820 --> 00:21:11,940 Speaker 2: Been told you are a God-fearing man, and... have read 302 00:21:11,960 --> 00:21:16,359 Speaker 2: the prophets. They bear witness that everyone who believes in 303 00:21:16,420 --> 00:21:20,400 Speaker 2: him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. 304 00:21:21,070 --> 00:21:26,270 Speaker 1: As Peter spoke, people began to stir. The Spirit of 305 00:21:26,390 --> 00:21:31,070 Speaker 1: God was in their midst, moving hearts and stirring souls. 306 00:21:32,930 --> 00:21:35,970 Speaker 1: The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 307 00:21:37,050 --> 00:21:40,130 Speaker 1: They began to speak in tongues and praise the Lord 308 00:21:40,170 --> 00:21:45,879 Speaker 1: with passion and insight. Peter and his companions watched in 309 00:21:45,960 --> 00:21:53,570 Speaker 1: amazement as uncircumcised Gentiles received Christ into their hearts and 310 00:21:53,609 --> 00:21:58,770 Speaker 1: immediately poured out praise. They had no idea what to 311 00:21:58,810 --> 00:22:03,560 Speaker 1: make of it. Up until now, only Jews had received Christ, 312 00:22:04,140 --> 00:22:09,000 Speaker 1: but now something new was at work. something that penetrated 313 00:22:09,080 --> 00:22:13,150 Speaker 1: through the walls of race, culture, class, or creed. 314 00:22:13,970 --> 00:22:17,210 Speaker 3: Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord 315 00:22:17,330 --> 00:22:21,490 Speaker 3: Jesus Christ. He has filled us. He has come. 316 00:22:22,470 --> 00:22:24,430 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to his companions. 317 00:22:25,140 --> 00:22:27,780 Speaker 2: You see and hear it, don't you? How could we 318 00:22:27,859 --> 00:22:32,820 Speaker 2: possibly withhold water for baptizing these people? They've received the 319 00:22:32,880 --> 00:22:33,620 Speaker 2: Holy Spirit. 320 00:22:34,440 --> 00:22:37,580 Speaker 1: Peter and the others led Cornelius and his family down 321 00:22:37,640 --> 00:22:42,869 Speaker 1: to the water. They baptized them all, one by one. 322 00:22:44,990 --> 00:22:49,510 Speaker 1: The connection to God Cornelius had longed for had come 323 00:22:49,690 --> 00:22:54,950 Speaker 1: in the form of God's Spirit. It didn't matter whether 324 00:22:55,020 --> 00:23:00,300 Speaker 1: he was a Gentile, a Roman, or a Centurion. He 325 00:23:00,500 --> 00:23:05,580 Speaker 1: hungered for righteousness. And God filled him. 326 00:23:09,700 --> 00:23:12,379 Speaker 4: Man, I love this story. But let's start with Cornelius, 327 00:23:12,580 --> 00:23:16,480 Speaker 4: a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. Picture a man in 328 00:23:16,540 --> 00:23:19,780 Speaker 4: shining armor commanding a hundred soldiers, a symbol of the 329 00:23:19,920 --> 00:23:23,619 Speaker 4: occupying force in Judea. Now, imagine the same man as 330 00:23:23,680 --> 00:23:26,720 Speaker 4: a devout man who feared God with his entire household, 331 00:23:26,760 --> 00:23:29,560 Speaker 4: who gives alms generously to the poor and prays to 332 00:23:29,600 --> 00:23:32,360 Speaker 4: God always. Wait a minute, a Roman soldier who loves 333 00:23:32,380 --> 00:23:35,220 Speaker 4: the God of Israel? Cornelius didn't fit the mold. He 334 00:23:35,240 --> 00:23:39,100 Speaker 4: was a Gentile who embraced Jewish monotheism, but hadn't fully converted. 335 00:23:39,460 --> 00:23:42,550 Speaker 4: He was respected, yet still an outsider. It's a reminder 336 00:23:42,570 --> 00:23:45,050 Speaker 4: that God's fingerprints can be found in the hearts we 337 00:23:45,090 --> 00:23:48,190 Speaker 4: least expect. It's also a reminder that not everyone fits 338 00:23:48,290 --> 00:23:51,389 Speaker 4: super neatly in a defined group. When they would see 339 00:23:51,430 --> 00:23:53,520 Speaker 4: a Roman centurion, they would assume a lot of things 340 00:23:53,580 --> 00:23:56,500 Speaker 4: about him. But you all know what people say about assuming, right? 341 00:23:57,060 --> 00:23:59,699 Speaker 4: We're not supposed to look at what someone's profession is 342 00:23:59,920 --> 00:24:02,879 Speaker 4: or where someone went to school or who they voted 343 00:24:02,960 --> 00:24:05,660 Speaker 4: for and automatically decide that we know every single thing 344 00:24:05,700 --> 00:24:09,530 Speaker 4: about them. People are complicated. People are nuanced. People have 345 00:24:09,770 --> 00:24:13,210 Speaker 4: depths and paths and hopes and dreams that we can't 346 00:24:13,350 --> 00:24:16,950 Speaker 4: see on the surface. The fact that Cornelius is so 347 00:24:17,090 --> 00:24:20,010 Speaker 4: deep and so nuanced should also remind us that we 348 00:24:20,070 --> 00:24:22,150 Speaker 4: can't judge a book by its cover. And so let's 349 00:24:22,170 --> 00:24:25,060 Speaker 4: get into the story. One afternoon around 3 p.m., Cornelius 350 00:24:25,100 --> 00:24:27,930 Speaker 4: has a vision while he's praying. An angel calls him 351 00:24:28,070 --> 00:24:30,570 Speaker 4: and says that your prayers and alms have come as 352 00:24:30,590 --> 00:24:34,260 Speaker 4: a memorial before God. The angel instructs him to send 353 00:24:34,300 --> 00:24:37,020 Speaker 4: for a man named Peter who's staying in Joppa, Simon 354 00:24:37,040 --> 00:24:39,960 Speaker 4: the Tanner. Now, Cornelius doesn't delay. He sends his men 355 00:24:39,980 --> 00:24:44,420 Speaker 4: to Joppa immediately. Talk about obedience without hesitation. He doesn't 356 00:24:44,460 --> 00:24:48,560 Speaker 4: know Peter, but he trusts that God is orchestrating something significant. Meanwhile, 357 00:24:48,660 --> 00:24:51,140 Speaker 4: Peter is in Joppa, praying on a rooftop around noon. 358 00:24:51,590 --> 00:24:55,129 Speaker 4: He's hungry, perhaps dreaming of a kosher sandwich, when he 359 00:24:55,250 --> 00:24:59,169 Speaker 4: falls into a trance. He sees a large sheet descending 360 00:24:59,250 --> 00:25:02,630 Speaker 4: from the heavens, filled with all sorts of animals, reptiles, birds. 361 00:25:03,080 --> 00:25:05,340 Speaker 4: And a voice tells him, rise, Peter, kill and eat. 362 00:25:06,020 --> 00:25:08,820 Speaker 4: And Peter protests. He says, no, of course not. He 363 00:25:08,859 --> 00:25:11,640 Speaker 4: probably thinks it's a test of obedience, saying, no, Lord, 364 00:25:11,700 --> 00:25:14,380 Speaker 4: I'm kosher. I promise I'm kosher. You put these temptations 365 00:25:14,440 --> 00:25:16,400 Speaker 4: before me. I promise I'm not going to do this. 366 00:25:16,880 --> 00:25:19,960 Speaker 4: But the voice responds, what God has cleansed, you must 367 00:25:20,020 --> 00:25:24,119 Speaker 4: not call common. This exchange happens three times. And Peter's 368 00:25:24,140 --> 00:25:28,580 Speaker 4: left scratching his head, wondering what it all means. Just then, Cornelius' 369 00:25:28,640 --> 00:25:31,080 Speaker 4: men arrive, and the Holy Spirit tells Peter that he 370 00:25:31,119 --> 00:25:33,939 Speaker 4: needs to go with them. And when Peter arrives, he 371 00:25:34,000 --> 00:25:38,330 Speaker 4: finds Cornelius' house packed with relatives and close friends. Cornelius 372 00:25:38,570 --> 00:25:42,070 Speaker 4: falls at Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter has to 373 00:25:42,109 --> 00:25:44,270 Speaker 4: lift him up. He says, stand up, I'm just a guy. 374 00:25:44,890 --> 00:25:47,889 Speaker 4: It's a beautiful moment of humility and mutual respect, and 375 00:25:47,950 --> 00:25:50,730 Speaker 4: Peter is starting to unpack the layers of what God 376 00:25:50,770 --> 00:25:54,290 Speaker 4: is trying to show him. Peter addresses the elephant in 377 00:25:54,310 --> 00:25:57,139 Speaker 4: the room. He says, you know, as a Jewish man, 378 00:25:57,260 --> 00:25:59,639 Speaker 4: it's unlawful for me to keep company with you, to 379 00:25:59,680 --> 00:26:01,540 Speaker 4: share a food with you, to share a table with you. 380 00:26:02,040 --> 00:26:04,939 Speaker 4: But God's starting to show me things. God is starting 381 00:26:04,980 --> 00:26:08,650 Speaker 4: to show me that what man has called unclean, God 382 00:26:08,930 --> 00:26:12,270 Speaker 4: maybe wants me to pay attention to. Don't call something 383 00:26:12,369 --> 00:26:16,870 Speaker 4: common that God has restored. Peter shares the message of Jesus, 384 00:26:16,930 --> 00:26:19,869 Speaker 4: his life, death, and resurrection. And as he's speaking, the 385 00:26:19,910 --> 00:26:22,970 Speaker 4: Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening. The Jewish 386 00:26:23,010 --> 00:26:26,330 Speaker 4: believers with Peter are astonished to see Gentiles speaking in 387 00:26:26,410 --> 00:26:29,730 Speaker 4: tongues and praising God. The lessons are palpable for us. 388 00:26:30,109 --> 00:26:33,230 Speaker 4: Cornelius was an outsider by all societal standards, yet God 389 00:26:33,270 --> 00:26:35,869 Speaker 4: saw his heart. We must be careful not to limit 390 00:26:35,970 --> 00:26:38,430 Speaker 4: who we think God can reach out to or who 391 00:26:38,490 --> 00:26:41,939 Speaker 4: he can teach us through. Another big theme is that 392 00:26:42,060 --> 00:26:46,659 Speaker 4: obedience often precedes understanding. Both Cornelius and Peter had to 393 00:26:46,900 --> 00:26:51,740 Speaker 4: act and obey God before fully understanding what's happening. Sometimes 394 00:26:51,880 --> 00:26:57,180 Speaker 4: obedience means taking the first step without seeing the whole staircase. Listen, 395 00:26:57,220 --> 00:26:59,810 Speaker 4: we all have our Gentiles, people who we consciously or 396 00:26:59,850 --> 00:27:02,970 Speaker 4: unconsciously exclude from our lives. Maybe it's someone with a 397 00:27:02,970 --> 00:27:05,449 Speaker 4: different political view, a different background, or a lifestyle that 398 00:27:05,470 --> 00:27:08,710 Speaker 4: we just don't understand. Acts 10 challenges us to break 399 00:27:08,730 --> 00:27:11,459 Speaker 4: down those barriers for the sake of the gospel. Imagine 400 00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:14,040 Speaker 4: if Peter had said, sorry Lord, I don't associate with Gentiles. 401 00:27:14,380 --> 00:27:17,970 Speaker 4: The ripple effect would have been immense. the gospel might 402 00:27:17,990 --> 00:27:20,550 Speaker 4: have remained confined and we wouldn't be here today as 403 00:27:20,609 --> 00:27:24,730 Speaker 4: beneficiaries of his boundary-breaking movement. Acts 10 isn't just a 404 00:27:24,790 --> 00:27:28,429 Speaker 4: historical account, it's a mirror reflecting our own biases and 405 00:27:28,470 --> 00:27:31,040 Speaker 4: a window into God's expansive heart. It's a call to 406 00:27:31,060 --> 00:27:33,280 Speaker 4: step out of our comfort zones and to the wide 407 00:27:33,340 --> 00:27:36,740 Speaker 4: open spaces of God's grace. So let's ask ourselves, where 408 00:27:36,800 --> 00:27:40,879 Speaker 4: is God challenging my preconceived notions? Who is the Cornelius 409 00:27:40,920 --> 00:27:43,800 Speaker 4: in my life that I'm hesitant to engage with? And 410 00:27:44,140 --> 00:27:46,500 Speaker 4: how can I be a conduit of God's limitless love 411 00:27:46,560 --> 00:27:49,570 Speaker 4: in a world obsessed with limits? May we, like Peter, 412 00:27:49,590 --> 00:27:52,170 Speaker 4: be willing to say, in truth, I perceive that God 413 00:27:52,230 --> 00:27:56,550 Speaker 4: shows no partiality. Let's break down some barriers, expand our tables, 414 00:27:56,750 --> 00:27:59,350 Speaker 4: and watch how God moves when we align ourselves with 415 00:27:59,390 --> 00:28:00,100 Speaker 4: his boundless love.