1 00:00:00,550 --> 00:00:04,909 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 2 00:00:04,970 --> 00:00:11,020 Speaker 1: they shall be filled. Matthew 5, 6. Dear Lord, stir 3 00:00:11,080 --> 00:00:17,300 Speaker 1: within us an unquenchable hunger and thirst for righteousness. May 4 00:00:17,340 --> 00:00:21,140 Speaker 1: it be a driving force that moves us to action, 5 00:00:22,000 --> 00:00:26,390 Speaker 1: to advocate for the voiceless, to defend the weak, and 6 00:00:26,430 --> 00:00:32,000 Speaker 1: to stand against injustice wherever we see it. Let our 7 00:00:32,060 --> 00:00:35,940 Speaker 1: pursuit of righteousness be as essential as the air we 8 00:00:36,060 --> 00:00:42,050 Speaker 1: breathe and the water we drink. Knowing that, in your kingdom, 9 00:00:42,950 --> 00:00:46,690 Speaker 1: these efforts are not in vain, but lead us to 10 00:00:46,750 --> 00:00:52,519 Speaker 1: a profound fulfillment. Help us not only to seek righteousness, 11 00:00:53,479 --> 00:00:58,820 Speaker 1: but to embody it. May our daily choices reflect our 12 00:00:58,900 --> 00:01:03,610 Speaker 1: commitment to do what is right. just and good in 13 00:01:03,670 --> 00:01:09,270 Speaker 1: your eyes. Empower us by your Spirit to be agents 14 00:01:09,310 --> 00:01:15,459 Speaker 1: of change, carriers of peace, and beacons of hope and 15 00:01:15,500 --> 00:01:21,020 Speaker 1: integrity in a world that often seems lost in darkness. 16 00:01:22,780 --> 00:01:26,960 Speaker 1: Fill us, Lord, as you promised, and let our lives 17 00:01:27,240 --> 00:01:32,280 Speaker 1: overflow with the righteousness of that comes from walking closely 18 00:01:32,780 --> 00:01:33,119 Speaker 1: with you. 19 00:01:35,040 --> 00:01:35,920 Speaker 2: In Jesus' name. 20 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:37,980 Speaker 3: Amen. 21 00:01:40,720 --> 00:01:44,140 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 22 00:01:44,160 --> 00:01:49,360 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 23 00:01:49,460 --> 00:01:53,500 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 24 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:57,500 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 25 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:04,570 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on our team The sound 26 00:02:04,610 --> 00:02:09,340 Speaker 1: of gulls and bartering sailors echoed from the shores of Galilee. 27 00:02:10,919 --> 00:02:14,180 Speaker 1: The wind picked up scents of freshly caught fish and 28 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:19,980 Speaker 1: eucalyptus leaves. Peter leaned back, listening to Jesus with awe. 29 00:02:21,980 --> 00:02:24,220 Speaker 1: Peter didn't know what the future held for him, but 30 00:02:25,230 --> 00:02:27,890 Speaker 1: he knew that Jesus would be there to guide him 31 00:02:27,990 --> 00:02:33,750 Speaker 1: through the highs and lows. He listened intently. as Jesus 32 00:02:33,830 --> 00:02:38,250 Speaker 1: stood before the crowd on the mount, voice booming with 33 00:02:38,340 --> 00:02:43,240 Speaker 1: grace and authority. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for 34 00:02:43,300 --> 00:02:47,559 Speaker 1: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Those words brought comfort 35 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:51,880 Speaker 1: to those who had been kicked around in life. The 36 00:02:51,940 --> 00:02:55,370 Speaker 1: beggars and sick alike came alive at the idea of 37 00:02:55,430 --> 00:03:01,750 Speaker 1: being blessed with the kingdom of heaven. Jesus continued, encouraging 38 00:03:01,990 --> 00:03:03,590 Speaker 1: the bereaved and the morning. 39 00:03:04,190 --> 00:03:07,709 Speaker 3: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 40 00:03:08,690 --> 00:03:13,700 Speaker 1: Those words were bombs to wounded and weary souls. But 41 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:19,320 Speaker 1: then Jesus said something that seemed counterintuitive, something upside down 42 00:03:19,340 --> 00:03:24,470 Speaker 1: to the culture of conquest that consumed the age. Roman 43 00:03:24,530 --> 00:03:28,190 Speaker 1: soldiers standing at attention in the back shuddered at the 44 00:03:28,230 --> 00:03:30,549 Speaker 1: very sound of Jesus' next proclamation. 45 00:03:31,230 --> 00:03:35,280 Speaker 3: Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. 46 00:03:36,020 --> 00:03:39,680 Speaker 1: That encouragement cut through the pride of those who thought 47 00:03:39,740 --> 00:03:46,150 Speaker 1: their strength gave them license to be cool. Important merchants 48 00:03:46,570 --> 00:03:50,750 Speaker 1: and Roman guards perked up at the sound of it. Then, 49 00:03:50,870 --> 00:03:54,850 Speaker 1: with earnest excitement in his voice, Jesus continued. 50 00:03:55,450 --> 00:03:59,290 Speaker 3: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 51 00:03:59,340 --> 00:04:01,080 Speaker 3: they shall be filled. 52 00:04:04,810 --> 00:04:08,190 Speaker 4: We serve a God who breaks down boundaries. Boundaries between 53 00:04:08,370 --> 00:04:10,150 Speaker 4: us and Him and the sin that would keep us 54 00:04:10,210 --> 00:04:13,210 Speaker 4: distant from each other, but also the boundaries that keep 55 00:04:13,390 --> 00:04:16,789 Speaker 4: us from connecting. No matter our differences, those who are 56 00:04:16,830 --> 00:04:19,950 Speaker 4: tied by the gospel will always have something in common. 57 00:04:20,630 --> 00:04:24,550 Speaker 4: Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing 58 00:04:24,630 --> 00:04:29,150 Speaker 4: the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling. Today, we're 59 00:04:29,210 --> 00:04:32,470 Speaker 4: venturing into Acts chapter 10, a chapter that might just 60 00:04:32,510 --> 00:04:35,520 Speaker 4: make you rethink your comfort zone. It's a story about visions, 61 00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:39,560 Speaker 4: unlikely friendships, and God's audacious plan to expand the horizons 62 00:04:39,600 --> 00:04:40,460 Speaker 4: of his early church. 63 00:04:40,920 --> 00:04:41,779 Speaker 2: So, buckle up. 64 00:04:42,180 --> 00:04:44,240 Speaker 4: This is going to be a journey that challenges us 65 00:04:44,279 --> 00:04:47,300 Speaker 4: to see beyond our familiar landscapes and shake hands with 66 00:04:47,339 --> 00:04:49,900 Speaker 4: people we never thought we would ever meet. 67 00:04:52,760 --> 00:04:54,400 Speaker 2: Get out of the way, you rat! 68 00:04:54,860 --> 00:04:57,740 Speaker 1: The soldier stood above a beggar who had fallen in 69 00:04:57,779 --> 00:04:58,599 Speaker 1: the middle of the street. 70 00:04:59,220 --> 00:05:03,170 Speaker 2: You're blocking the way of the centurion! Move or be moved! 71 00:05:03,880 --> 00:05:07,859 Speaker 1: The beggar's brow turned inward, terrified of what the soldier 72 00:05:07,940 --> 00:05:12,380 Speaker 1: might do. He tried to move, but his leg was injured. 73 00:05:13,279 --> 00:05:14,380 Speaker 2: I warned you! 74 00:05:14,880 --> 00:05:18,240 Speaker 1: Before the soldier had a chance to strike, someone grabbed 75 00:05:18,320 --> 00:05:18,760 Speaker 1: his arm. 76 00:05:19,180 --> 00:05:21,549 Speaker 3: Leave this man alone! That's an order! 77 00:05:21,970 --> 00:05:26,989 Speaker 1: The man's voice was deep and commanding. Golden eagle emblems 78 00:05:27,350 --> 00:05:30,849 Speaker 1: were etched into his armor, and his helmet was adorned 79 00:05:30,890 --> 00:05:35,450 Speaker 1: with red, white, and gold frays. Strapped to his side 80 00:05:35,490 --> 00:05:38,610 Speaker 1: was a sword with a serpent engraved on the hilt. 81 00:05:40,170 --> 00:05:43,610 Speaker 1: He was Cornelius, a centurion of Rome. 82 00:05:44,150 --> 00:05:47,280 Speaker 3: You weren't raised in the ranks of Caesar to beat 83 00:05:47,400 --> 00:05:50,460 Speaker 3: defenseless beggars. Fall back in line! 84 00:05:51,060 --> 00:05:51,719 Speaker 2: Yes, Domine! 85 00:05:52,000 --> 00:05:55,200 Speaker 1: Cornelius extended a hand to the man and lifted him 86 00:05:55,260 --> 00:05:59,290 Speaker 1: off the ground. He placed a small bag of silver 87 00:05:59,730 --> 00:06:01,469 Speaker 1: in his hand and smiled. 88 00:06:02,110 --> 00:06:05,150 Speaker 3: Go your way, sir. I'm sorry for the trouble. If 89 00:06:05,190 --> 00:06:07,609 Speaker 3: this silver isn't enough to pay for a physician to 90 00:06:07,650 --> 00:06:10,310 Speaker 3: treat your leg, find my attendant. 91 00:06:09,970 --> 00:06:10,710 Speaker 5: And he will help you. 92 00:06:11,230 --> 00:06:15,150 Speaker 1: The beggar, unable to find the proper words, simply replied. 93 00:06:15,750 --> 00:06:19,950 Speaker 3: May God bless you, my lord. He has, abundantly. 94 00:06:20,650 --> 00:06:25,750 Speaker 1: Cornelius replied in a low and pleasant voice. The centurion 95 00:06:25,790 --> 00:06:28,110 Speaker 1: helped him to the side of the road and then 96 00:06:28,210 --> 00:06:29,050 Speaker 1: turned to his men. 97 00:06:29,820 --> 00:06:33,530 Speaker 3: You are soldiers of the Italian cohort, men of honor, 98 00:06:34,110 --> 00:06:37,230 Speaker 3: hammers used to build the empire. The strength of your 99 00:06:37,350 --> 00:06:41,830 Speaker 3: arms are wasted tormenting the defenseless. You may not fear God, 100 00:06:42,270 --> 00:06:45,599 Speaker 3: but I do, and I shall not have such browbeating 101 00:06:45,640 --> 00:06:46,620 Speaker 3: under my command. 102 00:06:47,120 --> 00:06:50,060 Speaker 2: Is that understood? Yes, General. 103 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:55,140 Speaker 1: Cornelius was a devout man, one of a few God-fearing 104 00:06:55,240 --> 00:07:00,930 Speaker 1: Gentiles in Caesarea. Although he was an Italian centurion, he 105 00:07:00,990 --> 00:07:05,010 Speaker 1: felt deeply connected to the God of the Jews. He 106 00:07:05,050 --> 00:07:10,010 Speaker 1: attended the synagogue of Gentiles and Hellenists, traveled to Jerusalem 107 00:07:10,050 --> 00:07:15,180 Speaker 1: for the major feasts, and read the scriptures fervently. He 108 00:07:15,200 --> 00:07:18,320 Speaker 1: was a man of prayer and imparted a habit of 109 00:07:18,420 --> 00:07:24,000 Speaker 1: faithfulness to his household. The law was etched on his heart, 110 00:07:24,810 --> 00:07:29,930 Speaker 1: affecting how he commanded his men. while other soldiers of 111 00:07:29,970 --> 00:07:33,550 Speaker 1: his status hungered for power and thirsted for the approval 112 00:07:33,670 --> 00:07:41,200 Speaker 1: of Caesar. Cornelius hungered for righteousness. He thirsted for something 113 00:07:41,380 --> 00:07:48,119 Speaker 1: greater than Rome, greater than Caesar. Cornelius rounded the corner 114 00:07:48,160 --> 00:07:53,160 Speaker 1: of the marketplace with the sentry marching behind him. His 115 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:56,100 Speaker 1: hand remained on the hilt of his blade, and the 116 00:07:56,140 --> 00:07:59,700 Speaker 1: golden markings of his armor shimmered. in the afternoon sun. 117 00:08:01,460 --> 00:08:04,540 Speaker 1: Most people trembled when a Roman soldier passed through the city. 118 00:08:05,860 --> 00:08:10,790 Speaker 1: But the Italian cohort was different. People were awed when 119 00:08:10,810 --> 00:08:14,530 Speaker 1: they marched. Children rushed to get a view of them, 120 00:08:15,330 --> 00:08:21,510 Speaker 1: and vendors cheered as they passed. They were respected and beloved, 121 00:08:22,590 --> 00:08:28,580 Speaker 1: thanks to the righteous rule of their commanding centurion. At 122 00:08:28,620 --> 00:08:32,339 Speaker 1: the ninth hour, Cornelius retreated to his room to seek God. 123 00:08:33,600 --> 00:08:37,610 Speaker 1: The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat outside. 124 00:08:38,970 --> 00:08:41,890 Speaker 1: He bowed a knee to the Lord, searching for Him, 125 00:08:42,730 --> 00:08:50,410 Speaker 1: hungering for wisdom and righteousness. As Cornelius prayed, the sides 126 00:08:50,490 --> 00:08:54,199 Speaker 1: of his vision grew dim, and in the center of 127 00:08:54,240 --> 00:08:58,280 Speaker 1: his mind's eye, he saw an angel of the Lord 128 00:08:58,860 --> 00:09:04,719 Speaker 1: before him. The angel was draped in splendor and glory 129 00:09:05,620 --> 00:09:07,880 Speaker 1: and with a voice booming like thunder. 130 00:09:08,200 --> 00:09:09,280 Speaker 5: Cornelius. 131 00:09:10,260 --> 00:09:14,580 Speaker 1: Being a good soldier, Cornelius bowed at attention, ready to serve. 132 00:09:15,120 --> 00:09:16,100 Speaker 3: What is it, my lord? 133 00:09:16,640 --> 00:09:17,140 Speaker 2: Just then. 134 00:09:17,440 --> 00:09:21,480 Speaker 5: Your prayers and alms to the poor have ascended as 135 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:26,300 Speaker 5: a memorial before the lord. Send men to Joppa and 136 00:09:26,540 --> 00:09:30,130 Speaker 5: ask for a man named Peter. He is lodging in 137 00:09:30,170 --> 00:09:33,440 Speaker 5: a home by the sea with a man named Simon 138 00:09:33,500 --> 00:09:37,360 Speaker 5: the Tanner. Peter will show you the way. 139 00:09:38,059 --> 00:09:42,080 Speaker 1: Cornelius could see the room again. The angel was gone, 140 00:09:43,070 --> 00:09:48,590 Speaker 1: but his commands lingered in the centurion's mind. Cornelius rose 141 00:09:48,950 --> 00:09:50,430 Speaker 1: and shouted for his attendance. 142 00:09:51,130 --> 00:09:54,190 Speaker 3: Men, I need you to go to Joppa. Find me 143 00:09:54,230 --> 00:09:55,959 Speaker 3: a man of God named Peter. 144 00:09:56,620 --> 00:09:58,900 Speaker 1: Peter took in the breeze coming in from the sea 145 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:04,590 Speaker 1: The salty air filled his lungs, refreshing his mind after 146 00:10:04,679 --> 00:10:10,450 Speaker 1: days of travel. Peter had always loved Joppa. The ships 147 00:10:10,510 --> 00:10:13,290 Speaker 1: coming in and out of the port were much larger 148 00:10:13,330 --> 00:10:15,700 Speaker 1: than the humble ones he grew up with in Galilee. 149 00:10:17,480 --> 00:10:19,660 Speaker 1: As a boy, he wondered what it would be like 150 00:10:19,700 --> 00:10:25,260 Speaker 1: to sail the Mediterranean to lands unknown. They were only 151 00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:31,679 Speaker 1: dreams back then. However, after following Jesus, Peter realized that 152 00:10:31,940 --> 00:10:36,309 Speaker 1: nothing was impossible. He tried to pray a prayer of 153 00:10:36,350 --> 00:10:40,050 Speaker 1: thanksgiving to God, but an ache in his stomach kept 154 00:10:40,110 --> 00:10:41,150 Speaker 1: him from concentrating. 155 00:10:43,429 --> 00:10:44,729 Speaker 2: Oh, Lord, I'm hungry. 156 00:10:45,429 --> 00:10:47,160 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to the man hosting him. 157 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:49,780 Speaker 2: Is there any way I could get something to eat? 158 00:10:50,740 --> 00:10:53,360 Speaker 2: My journey seems to be catching up with me. I 159 00:10:54,660 --> 00:10:56,520 Speaker 2: feel lightheaded. 160 00:10:56,540 --> 00:10:59,130 Speaker 3: Don't worry. I'll whip something up for you, Peter. 161 00:10:59,530 --> 00:11:02,310 Speaker 2: God bless you. Let me know when it's ready. 162 00:11:02,870 --> 00:11:06,210 Speaker 1: The man descended the stairs, leaving Peter alone on the roof. 163 00:11:07,250 --> 00:11:10,530 Speaker 1: Peter leaned over the edge, drawing another deep breath of 164 00:11:10,610 --> 00:11:14,350 Speaker 1: salt air seasoned with the faint smell of fish and 165 00:11:14,390 --> 00:11:21,300 Speaker 1: damp wood. It was a pleasant, unfamiliar smell. Peter felt 166 00:11:21,360 --> 00:11:26,660 Speaker 1: his stomach again. Hunger pains jabbed at him. He leaned 167 00:11:26,679 --> 00:11:30,840 Speaker 1: his back against the wall and closed his eyes. The 168 00:11:30,900 --> 00:11:35,740 Speaker 1: soothing noise of the ocean faded, and all was silent. 169 00:11:37,300 --> 00:11:41,460 Speaker 1: Peter opened his eyes and looked up. He was no 170 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:45,720 Speaker 1: longer on the roof, but standing on a grassy hill, 171 00:11:46,440 --> 00:11:51,670 Speaker 1: gazing at the stars. The skies were arrayed with millions 172 00:11:51,730 --> 00:11:57,719 Speaker 1: of lights, twinkling to the tune of an unheard song. Suddenly, 173 00:11:58,660 --> 00:12:02,740 Speaker 1: the lights moved toward one another, converging in one space, 174 00:12:03,240 --> 00:12:08,800 Speaker 1: then exploding. The heavens opened up, and a burst of 175 00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:14,930 Speaker 1: light threw the firmament. Peter rolled back and watched with fear. 176 00:12:16,450 --> 00:12:21,730 Speaker 1: Peter saw something like a great sheet descending from the heavens, 177 00:12:22,490 --> 00:12:25,710 Speaker 1: being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 178 00:12:27,230 --> 00:12:32,410 Speaker 1: On the sheet were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds. 179 00:12:34,110 --> 00:12:37,110 Speaker 1: Then Peter heard a voice boom from the heavens. 180 00:12:37,890 --> 00:12:41,350 Speaker 5: Rise, Peter, kill and eat. 181 00:12:41,850 --> 00:12:45,660 Speaker 1: Peter looked at the animals. Although he was starving, none 182 00:12:45,679 --> 00:12:50,140 Speaker 1: of those animals were ceremonially accepted. The law of Moses 183 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:53,460 Speaker 1: forbade Peter from eating every animal that walked before him. 184 00:12:54,980 --> 00:12:58,100 Speaker 1: He thought the command might be a test to see 185 00:12:58,160 --> 00:13:00,059 Speaker 1: if he would follow the law when hungry. 186 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:04,020 Speaker 2: No, Lord. I can't eat these animals. I can't eat 187 00:13:04,400 --> 00:13:06,400 Speaker 2: anything common or unclean. 188 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:11,110 Speaker 5: What God has made clean, do not call common. 189 00:13:11,620 --> 00:13:15,810 Speaker 1: The wind picked up throughout the hills. The sheet was 190 00:13:15,890 --> 00:13:20,830 Speaker 1: rolled up and brought back into heaven. Peter gasped and 191 00:13:20,890 --> 00:13:25,170 Speaker 1: opened his eyes. He looked around. He was back on 192 00:13:25,210 --> 00:13:28,910 Speaker 1: the roof. He stood to his feet and looked out 193 00:13:28,950 --> 00:13:29,390 Speaker 1: at the sea. 194 00:13:30,410 --> 00:13:34,920 Speaker 2: God has made clean. Do not call common. What does 195 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:35,439 Speaker 2: this mean? 196 00:13:35,880 --> 00:13:41,179 Speaker 1: Peter rubbed his eyes, trying to grasp reality again. His 197 00:13:41,260 --> 00:13:46,670 Speaker 1: vision was perplexing. Peter no longer thought about the hunger 198 00:13:46,710 --> 00:13:51,540 Speaker 1: in his stomach. Instead, he was filled with questions about 199 00:13:51,559 --> 00:13:57,060 Speaker 1: the meaning of his vision. In his prayers, Peter heard 200 00:13:57,320 --> 00:14:01,620 Speaker 1: from the Holy Spirit. Three men were looking for him. 201 00:14:02,580 --> 00:14:07,020 Speaker 1: When they arrived, Peter had to listen. Sure enough, Peter 202 00:14:07,080 --> 00:14:09,580 Speaker 1: saw three men standing. 203 00:14:09,200 --> 00:14:09,679 Speaker 3: At the gates. 204 00:14:10,300 --> 00:14:12,900 Speaker 2: Okay, Lord, what do you have next? 205 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:16,240 Speaker 1: Peter descended the stairs and approached the men. 206 00:14:16,830 --> 00:14:19,330 Speaker 3: How may I help you, gentlemen? We are looking for 207 00:14:19,350 --> 00:14:21,650 Speaker 3: a man of God named Peter. We are told he 208 00:14:21,690 --> 00:14:22,450 Speaker 3: may be lodging here. 209 00:14:22,810 --> 00:14:25,610 Speaker 2: Where are you looking at him? Why have you come? 210 00:14:26,150 --> 00:14:29,170 Speaker 3: We have come here from Caesarea on behalf of Cornelius, 211 00:14:29,550 --> 00:14:33,030 Speaker 3: centurion over the Italian cohort. We know what you might 212 00:14:33,090 --> 00:14:35,910 Speaker 3: be thinking. Why would a Gentile be asking for you? 213 00:14:36,550 --> 00:14:40,720 Speaker 3: But Cornelius is a God-fearing man who is beloved among 214 00:14:40,740 --> 00:14:42,060 Speaker 3: the Jewish people in the regions. 215 00:14:42,630 --> 00:14:44,750 Speaker 2: You still haven't told me why he summoned me. 216 00:14:45,270 --> 00:14:48,060 Speaker 1: The three men looked at each other, wondering how much 217 00:14:48,140 --> 00:14:52,420 Speaker 1: detail to offer. What they were about to say seemed 218 00:14:52,620 --> 00:14:56,160 Speaker 1: crazy to them, but they didn't know who they were 219 00:14:56,200 --> 00:14:56,740 Speaker 1: talking to. 220 00:14:57,240 --> 00:15:00,580 Speaker 3: He claims an angel told him to find you. This 221 00:15:00,840 --> 00:15:03,340 Speaker 3: angel told him that you have something to tell him 222 00:15:03,830 --> 00:15:04,590 Speaker 3: and his household. 223 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:11,630 Speaker 1: Peter smirked, eyes lit up with curiosity. God was on 224 00:15:11,670 --> 00:15:18,860 Speaker 1: the move. Peter summited a small hill overlooking the road 225 00:15:18,900 --> 00:15:23,520 Speaker 1: to Caesarea. A few brothers in Christ from Joppa accompanied 226 00:15:23,560 --> 00:15:27,300 Speaker 1: him as they followed the three Gentile servants into the city. 227 00:15:28,730 --> 00:15:32,210 Speaker 1: As Peter scanned the city below, he thought. 228 00:15:31,950 --> 00:15:32,810 Speaker 5: About his vision. 229 00:15:33,190 --> 00:15:38,510 Speaker 1: What God has made clean, do not call common. Custom 230 00:15:38,570 --> 00:15:43,090 Speaker 1: forbade Jews to eat with Gentiles. But here Peter was... 231 00:15:43,410 --> 00:15:47,590 Speaker 1: Sharing the road with Gentiles. To be hosted by Gentiles. 232 00:15:48,330 --> 00:15:53,930 Speaker 1: And not just any Gentiles. The household of an esteemed Centurion. 233 00:15:54,410 --> 00:15:58,590 Speaker 1: Tell me more about this Centurion. Well, he's not like 234 00:15:58,630 --> 00:16:02,080 Speaker 1: other men in his position. While most other Centurions crave 235 00:16:02,120 --> 00:16:07,160 Speaker 1: more power, Cornelius has other appetites. He hungers for... The 236 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:10,160 Speaker 1: servants trailed off, searching for the right words. 237 00:16:10,960 --> 00:16:11,740 Speaker 3: Righteousness. 238 00:16:12,300 --> 00:16:16,640 Speaker 1: Peter whispered. remembering the words of his master years ago. 239 00:16:17,300 --> 00:16:21,150 Speaker 3: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 240 00:16:21,190 --> 00:16:22,990 Speaker 3: they shall be filled. 241 00:16:23,550 --> 00:16:27,530 Speaker 1: The men weaved through the busy cities of Caesarea, marching 242 00:16:27,570 --> 00:16:33,330 Speaker 1: past the barracks into the Cornelius estate. Blooming ivy covered 243 00:16:33,350 --> 00:16:38,250 Speaker 1: the large stone walls. Golden eagles were etched into the gates. 244 00:16:39,840 --> 00:16:44,870 Speaker 1: Peter felt slightly uneasy. It was like Caesar was watching. 245 00:16:46,390 --> 00:16:49,150 Speaker 1: No devout Jew would be caught dead in the home 246 00:16:49,190 --> 00:16:55,150 Speaker 1: of a centurion, at least voluntarily. Peter and his companions 247 00:16:55,310 --> 00:16:59,890 Speaker 1: entered the courtyard. He saw Cornelius with his family and friends. 248 00:17:01,200 --> 00:17:05,160 Speaker 1: He wore Roman robes, with Caesar's seal pinned. 249 00:17:04,800 --> 00:17:05,419 Speaker 2: To the sash. 250 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:10,770 Speaker 1: Peter winced at the sight of him. He had been 251 00:17:10,830 --> 00:17:15,649 Speaker 1: conditioned to avoid the Romans his whole life. Now he 252 00:17:15,690 --> 00:17:20,810 Speaker 1: was preparing to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius perked 253 00:17:20,930 --> 00:17:25,109 Speaker 1: up at the sight of Peter. His shoulders swung back, 254 00:17:25,810 --> 00:17:29,910 Speaker 1: and he began to run forward. Peter braced himself for 255 00:17:29,950 --> 00:17:35,899 Speaker 1: an attack. But instead, Cornelius ran forward and fell at 256 00:17:35,960 --> 00:17:41,520 Speaker 1: Peter's feet. Everyone gasped at the sight of it. Cornelius, 257 00:17:42,100 --> 00:17:46,340 Speaker 1: a man of power and prestige, bowed in front of 258 00:17:46,380 --> 00:17:48,780 Speaker 1: an uneducated Galilean Jew. 259 00:17:49,359 --> 00:17:52,290 Speaker 3: Praise you, Peter. Praise you for coming. 260 00:17:53,240 --> 00:17:58,510 Speaker 1: Peter's eyes widened. He laughed nervously and grabbed Cornelius by 261 00:17:58,530 --> 00:17:59,050 Speaker 1: the shoulders. 262 00:17:59,750 --> 00:18:03,310 Speaker 2: No, no, please stand up. I'm a man just like you. 263 00:18:03,830 --> 00:18:06,629 Speaker 1: Cornelius stood up and cast a shadow down over him. 264 00:18:07,930 --> 00:18:10,330 Speaker 1: Peter was used to being the tallest man in the room. 265 00:18:11,300 --> 00:18:15,530 Speaker 1: but the centurion stood nearly a head taller. He was 266 00:18:15,590 --> 00:18:21,189 Speaker 1: broad-shouldered and chiseled from head to toe. Peter cleared his 267 00:18:21,250 --> 00:18:23,270 Speaker 1: throat and gestured. 268 00:18:22,930 --> 00:18:23,530 Speaker 5: To his family. 269 00:18:24,109 --> 00:18:27,710 Speaker 2: Come, gather round, for I believe the Lord has a 270 00:18:27,750 --> 00:18:28,950 Speaker 2: word for us all today. 271 00:18:29,550 --> 00:18:34,230 Speaker 1: Everyone gathered round Peter. The cypress trees in the courtyard 272 00:18:34,310 --> 00:18:35,510 Speaker 1: cast a pleasant. 273 00:18:35,190 --> 00:18:36,250 Speaker 3: Shadow over the group. 274 00:18:37,560 --> 00:18:41,699 Speaker 1: He looked around. realizing what God had been trying to 275 00:18:41,740 --> 00:18:42,100 Speaker 1: show him. 276 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:46,140 Speaker 2: You all know that it's unlawful for a Jew to 277 00:18:46,200 --> 00:18:51,290 Speaker 2: associate with or visit anyone of another nation. To Jews, 278 00:18:51,720 --> 00:18:56,590 Speaker 2: you are all considered unclean. But God has shown me 279 00:18:56,630 --> 00:19:01,889 Speaker 2: that I shouldn't call anyone common or unclean. So, when 280 00:19:01,910 --> 00:19:05,230 Speaker 2: your companion sent for me, I came without objection. 281 00:19:06,070 --> 00:19:07,530 Speaker 1: Peter gestured to Cornelius. 282 00:19:08,190 --> 00:19:10,720 Speaker 2: Now tell me, friend, Why have you sent for me? 283 00:19:11,359 --> 00:19:15,570 Speaker 1: Cornelius was standing at attention. He was leaning forward as 284 00:19:15,619 --> 00:19:18,650 Speaker 1: if Peter was about to feed him something delicious. 285 00:19:19,290 --> 00:19:22,909 Speaker 3: Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in 286 00:19:22,970 --> 00:19:26,590 Speaker 3: my home. As I was praying, a man stood before 287 00:19:26,650 --> 00:19:30,330 Speaker 3: me in bright clothing. I perceived him to be an 288 00:19:30,590 --> 00:19:33,590 Speaker 3: angel sent from heaven. He told me to find you. 289 00:19:34,210 --> 00:19:38,929 Speaker 3: And now, I and my household... are here in the 290 00:19:39,010 --> 00:19:43,109 Speaker 3: presence of God to hear what you have been commanded 291 00:19:43,170 --> 00:19:44,990 Speaker 3: to preach. Amazing. 292 00:19:45,790 --> 00:19:50,169 Speaker 2: I guess God doesn't show partiality. Every nation who fears 293 00:19:50,230 --> 00:19:53,580 Speaker 2: him and seeks righteousness will be accepted before him. 294 00:19:54,090 --> 00:19:58,390 Speaker 1: Peter stretched out his arms and greeted them as family, saying, 295 00:19:59,020 --> 00:20:00,060 Speaker 1: This is the word. 296 00:19:59,859 --> 00:20:03,600 Speaker 6: I have come to preach. It is good news, and 297 00:20:03,640 --> 00:20:08,100 Speaker 6: that news is peace. Peace through a knowledge of Jesus Christ, 298 00:20:08,980 --> 00:20:12,980 Speaker 6: Lord of all. Many of you have probably heard his name. 299 00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:17,800 Speaker 6: He became famous throughout Judea. He was a man of 300 00:20:17,880 --> 00:20:19,260 Speaker 6: great works and healing. 301 00:20:20,080 --> 00:20:23,830 Speaker 2: He cast out demons and preached liberty to the captives. 302 00:20:24,910 --> 00:20:29,169 Speaker 2: God was truly with him. I and my companions are 303 00:20:29,210 --> 00:20:33,370 Speaker 2: witnesses of all that he did. But not all were 304 00:20:33,410 --> 00:20:37,290 Speaker 2: amazed by his words and words. He was put to 305 00:20:37,330 --> 00:20:43,700 Speaker 2: death on a cross. But... God raised him from the dead. 306 00:20:43,800 --> 00:20:48,159 Speaker 2: Three days later, we bore witness to his resurrection. We 307 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:51,760 Speaker 2: ate with him, communed with him, and felt his embrace. 308 00:20:53,020 --> 00:20:57,929 Speaker 2: He truly rose from the dead. Now, we all testify 309 00:20:57,990 --> 00:21:01,030 Speaker 2: to his life. He has been appointed by God to 310 00:21:01,050 --> 00:21:04,170 Speaker 2: be judge of the living and the dead. 311 00:21:04,750 --> 00:21:08,970 Speaker 1: Peter paused, turned to Cornelius, and said, I've. 312 00:21:08,850 --> 00:21:11,990 Speaker 2: Been told you are a God-fearing man, and have read 313 00:21:12,010 --> 00:21:16,389 Speaker 2: the prophets. They bear witness that everyone who believes in 314 00:21:16,450 --> 00:21:20,440 Speaker 2: him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. 315 00:21:21,119 --> 00:21:26,320 Speaker 1: As Peter spoke, people began to stir. The Spirit of 316 00:21:26,420 --> 00:21:31,120 Speaker 1: God was in their midst, moving hearts and stirring souls. 317 00:21:32,980 --> 00:21:36,020 Speaker 1: The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 318 00:21:37,090 --> 00:21:40,190 Speaker 1: They began to speak in tongues and praise the Lord 319 00:21:40,230 --> 00:21:45,919 Speaker 1: with passion and insight. Peter and his companions watched in 320 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:53,600 Speaker 1: amazement as uncircumcised Gentiles received Christ into their hearts and 321 00:21:53,640 --> 00:21:58,810 Speaker 1: immediately poured out praise. They had no idea what to 322 00:21:58,850 --> 00:22:03,590 Speaker 1: make of it. Up until now, only Jews had received Christ, 323 00:22:04,170 --> 00:22:09,030 Speaker 1: but now something new was at work. something that penetrated 324 00:22:09,130 --> 00:22:13,200 Speaker 1: through the walls of race, culture, class, or creed. 325 00:22:14,020 --> 00:22:17,240 Speaker 3: Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord 326 00:22:17,380 --> 00:22:21,600 Speaker 3: Jesus Christ. He has filled us. He has come. 327 00:22:22,520 --> 00:22:24,470 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to his companions. 328 00:22:25,190 --> 00:22:27,830 Speaker 2: You see and hear it, don't you? How could we 329 00:22:27,890 --> 00:22:32,869 Speaker 2: possibly withhold water for baptizing these people? They've received the 330 00:22:32,930 --> 00:22:33,650 Speaker 2: Holy Spirit. 331 00:22:34,470 --> 00:22:37,609 Speaker 1: Peter and the others led Cornelius and his family down 332 00:22:37,670 --> 00:22:42,919 Speaker 1: to the water. They baptized them all, one by one. 333 00:22:45,040 --> 00:22:49,540 Speaker 1: The connection to God Cornelius had longed for had come 334 00:22:49,720 --> 00:22:54,990 Speaker 1: in the form of God's Spirit. It didn't matter whether 335 00:22:55,070 --> 00:23:00,330 Speaker 1: he was a Gentile, a Roman, or a Centurion. He 336 00:23:00,550 --> 00:23:05,629 Speaker 1: hungered for righteousness. And God filled him. 337 00:23:09,750 --> 00:23:12,429 Speaker 4: Man, I love this story. But let's start with Cornelius, 338 00:23:12,630 --> 00:23:16,510 Speaker 4: a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. Picture a man in 339 00:23:16,590 --> 00:23:19,810 Speaker 4: shining armor commanding a hundred soldiers, a symbol of the 340 00:23:19,950 --> 00:23:23,669 Speaker 4: occupying force in Judea. Now, imagine the same man as 341 00:23:23,730 --> 00:23:26,750 Speaker 4: a devout man who feared God with his entire household, 342 00:23:26,790 --> 00:23:29,619 Speaker 4: who gives alms generously to the poor and prays to 343 00:23:29,630 --> 00:23:32,390 Speaker 4: God always. Wait a minute, a Roman soldier who loves 344 00:23:32,410 --> 00:23:35,250 Speaker 4: the God of Israel? Cornelius didn't fit the mold. He 345 00:23:35,290 --> 00:23:39,130 Speaker 4: was a Gentile who embraced Jewish monotheism, but hadn't fully converted. 346 00:23:39,490 --> 00:23:42,580 Speaker 4: He was respected, yet still an outsider. It's a reminder 347 00:23:42,619 --> 00:23:45,080 Speaker 4: that God's fingerprints can be found in the hearts we 348 00:23:45,119 --> 00:23:48,220 Speaker 4: least expect. It's also a reminder that not everyone fits 349 00:23:48,340 --> 00:23:51,419 Speaker 4: super neatly in a defined group. When they would see 350 00:23:51,460 --> 00:23:53,550 Speaker 4: a Roman centurion, they would assume a lot of things 351 00:23:53,609 --> 00:23:56,550 Speaker 4: about him. But you all know what people say about assuming, right? 352 00:23:57,090 --> 00:23:59,750 Speaker 4: We're not supposed to look at what someone's profession is 353 00:23:59,970 --> 00:24:02,910 Speaker 4: or where someone went to school or who they voted 354 00:24:02,990 --> 00:24:05,700 Speaker 4: for and automatically decide that we know every single thing 355 00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:09,560 Speaker 4: about them. People are complicated. People are nuanced. People have 356 00:24:09,800 --> 00:24:13,240 Speaker 4: depths and paths and hopes and dreams that we can't 357 00:24:13,380 --> 00:24:17,000 Speaker 4: see on the surface. The fact that Cornelius is so 358 00:24:17,119 --> 00:24:20,050 Speaker 4: deep and so nuanced should also remind us that we 359 00:24:20,109 --> 00:24:22,190 Speaker 4: can't judge a book by its cover. And so let's 360 00:24:22,210 --> 00:24:25,090 Speaker 4: get into the story. One afternoon around 3 p.m., Cornelius 361 00:24:25,150 --> 00:24:27,980 Speaker 4: has a vision while he's praying. An angel calls him 362 00:24:28,100 --> 00:24:30,610 Speaker 4: and says that your prayers and alms have come as 363 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:34,310 Speaker 4: a memorial before God. The angel instructs him to send 364 00:24:34,350 --> 00:24:37,050 Speaker 4: for a man named Peter who's staying in Joppa, Simon 365 00:24:37,070 --> 00:24:39,990 Speaker 4: the Tanner. Now, Cornelius doesn't delay. He sends his men 366 00:24:40,030 --> 00:24:44,470 Speaker 4: to Joppa immediately. Talk about obedience without hesitation. He doesn't 367 00:24:44,490 --> 00:24:48,600 Speaker 4: know Peter, but he trusts that God is orchestrating something significant. Meanwhile, 368 00:24:48,700 --> 00:24:51,180 Speaker 4: Peter is in Joppa, praying on a rooftop around noon. 369 00:24:51,640 --> 00:24:55,159 Speaker 4: He's hungry, perhaps dreaming of a kosher sandwich, when he 370 00:24:55,300 --> 00:24:59,220 Speaker 4: falls into a trance. He sees a large sheet descending 371 00:24:59,300 --> 00:25:02,670 Speaker 4: from the heavens, filled with all sorts of animals, reptiles, birds. 372 00:25:03,130 --> 00:25:05,370 Speaker 4: And a voice tells him, rise, Peter, kill and eat. 373 00:25:06,070 --> 00:25:08,869 Speaker 4: And Peter protests. He says, no, of course not. He 374 00:25:08,890 --> 00:25:11,670 Speaker 4: probably thinks it's a test of obedience, saying, no, Lord, 375 00:25:11,730 --> 00:25:14,430 Speaker 4: I'm kosher. I promise I'm kosher. You put these temptations 376 00:25:14,470 --> 00:25:16,430 Speaker 4: before me. I promise I'm not going to do this. 377 00:25:16,910 --> 00:25:20,010 Speaker 4: But the voice responds, what God has cleansed, you must 378 00:25:20,070 --> 00:25:24,160 Speaker 4: not call common. This exchange happens three times. And Peter's 379 00:25:24,200 --> 00:25:28,620 Speaker 4: left scratching his head, wondering what it all means. Just then, Cornelius' 380 00:25:28,670 --> 00:25:31,139 Speaker 4: men arrive, and the Holy Spirit tells Peter that he 381 00:25:31,180 --> 00:25:34,000 Speaker 4: needs to go with them. And when Peter arrives, he 382 00:25:34,040 --> 00:25:38,380 Speaker 4: finds Cornelius' house packed with relatives and close friends. Cornelius 383 00:25:38,619 --> 00:25:42,100 Speaker 4: falls at Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter has to 384 00:25:42,140 --> 00:25:44,300 Speaker 4: lift him up. He says, stand up, I'm just a guy. 385 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:47,919 Speaker 4: It's a beautiful moment of humility and mutual respect, and 386 00:25:47,980 --> 00:25:50,760 Speaker 4: Peter is starting to unpack the layers of what God 387 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:54,320 Speaker 4: is trying to show him. Peter addresses the elephant in 388 00:25:54,359 --> 00:25:57,179 Speaker 4: the room. He says, you know, as a Jewish man, 389 00:25:57,300 --> 00:25:59,679 Speaker 4: it's unlawful for me to keep company with you, to 390 00:25:59,740 --> 00:26:01,580 Speaker 4: share a food with you, to share a table with you. 391 00:26:02,100 --> 00:26:04,980 Speaker 4: But God's starting to show me things. God is starting 392 00:26:05,020 --> 00:26:08,680 Speaker 4: to show me that what man has called unclean, God 393 00:26:08,980 --> 00:26:12,300 Speaker 4: maybe wants me to pay attention to. Don't call something 394 00:26:12,420 --> 00:26:16,900 Speaker 4: common that God has restored. Peter shares the message of Jesus, 395 00:26:16,960 --> 00:26:19,919 Speaker 4: his life, death, and resurrection. And as he's speaking, the 396 00:26:19,960 --> 00:26:23,000 Speaker 4: Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening. The Jewish 397 00:26:23,040 --> 00:26:26,369 Speaker 4: believers with Peter are astonished to see Gentiles speaking in 398 00:26:26,460 --> 00:26:29,790 Speaker 4: tongues and praising God. The lessons are palpable for us. 399 00:26:30,170 --> 00:26:33,270 Speaker 4: Cornelius was an outsider by all societal standards, yet God 400 00:26:33,310 --> 00:26:35,910 Speaker 4: saw his heart. We must be careful not to limit 401 00:26:36,010 --> 00:26:38,490 Speaker 4: who we think God can reach out to or who 402 00:26:38,550 --> 00:26:41,989 Speaker 4: he can teach us through. Another big theme is that 403 00:26:42,090 --> 00:26:46,709 Speaker 4: obedience often precedes understanding. Both Cornelius and Peter had to 404 00:26:46,930 --> 00:26:51,790 Speaker 4: act and obey God before fully understanding what's happening. Sometimes 405 00:26:51,910 --> 00:26:57,210 Speaker 4: obedience means taking the first step without seeing the whole staircase. Listen, 406 00:26:57,280 --> 00:26:59,840 Speaker 4: we all have our Gentiles, people who we consciously or 407 00:26:59,900 --> 00:27:03,000 Speaker 4: unconsciously exclude from our lives. Maybe it's someone with a 408 00:27:03,020 --> 00:27:05,500 Speaker 4: different political view, a different background, or a lifestyle that 409 00:27:05,520 --> 00:27:08,740 Speaker 4: we just don't understand. Acts 10 challenges us to break 410 00:27:08,780 --> 00:27:11,480 Speaker 4: down those barriers for the sake of the gospel. Imagine 411 00:27:11,500 --> 00:27:14,060 Speaker 4: if Peter had said, sorry Lord, I don't associate with Gentiles. 412 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:18,000 Speaker 4: The ripple effect would have been immense. the gospel might 413 00:27:18,020 --> 00:27:20,609 Speaker 4: have remained confined and we wouldn't be here today as 414 00:27:20,640 --> 00:27:24,770 Speaker 4: beneficiaries of his boundary-breaking movement. Acts 10 isn't just a 415 00:27:24,830 --> 00:27:28,490 Speaker 4: historical account, it's a mirror reflecting our own biases and 416 00:27:28,530 --> 00:27:31,070 Speaker 4: a window into God's expansive heart. It's a call to 417 00:27:31,109 --> 00:27:33,330 Speaker 4: step out of our comfort zones and to the wide 418 00:27:33,369 --> 00:27:36,790 Speaker 4: open spaces of God's grace. So let's ask ourselves, where 419 00:27:36,830 --> 00:27:40,929 Speaker 4: is God challenging my preconceived notions? Who is the Cornelius 420 00:27:40,970 --> 00:27:43,830 Speaker 4: in my life that I'm hesitant to engage with? And 421 00:27:44,190 --> 00:27:46,560 Speaker 4: how can I be a conduit of God's limitless love 422 00:27:46,600 --> 00:27:49,600 Speaker 4: in a world obsessed with limits? May we, like Peter, 423 00:27:49,640 --> 00:27:52,220 Speaker 4: be willing to say, in truth, I perceive that God 424 00:27:52,260 --> 00:27:56,580 Speaker 4: shows no partiality. Let's break down some barriers, expand our tables, 425 00:27:56,780 --> 00:27:59,379 Speaker 4: and watch how God moves when we align ourselves with 426 00:27:59,420 --> 00:28:00,150 Speaker 4: his boundless love.