1 00:00:00,510 --> 00:00:04,880 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 2 00:00:04,940 --> 00:00:11,000 Speaker 1: they shall be filled. Matthew 5, 6. Dear Lord, stir 3 00:00:11,060 --> 00:00:17,280 Speaker 1: within us an unquenchable hunger and thirst for righteousness. May 4 00:00:17,320 --> 00:00:21,130 Speaker 1: it be a driving force that moves us to action, 5 00:00:21,989 --> 00:00:26,350 Speaker 1: to advocate for the voiceless, to defend the weak, and 6 00:00:26,390 --> 00:00:31,970 Speaker 1: to stand against injustice wherever we see it. Let our 7 00:00:32,050 --> 00:00:35,930 Speaker 1: pursuit of righteousness be as essential as the air we 8 00:00:36,050 --> 00:00:41,489 Speaker 1: breathe and the water we drink. Knowing that in your 9 00:00:41,590 --> 00:00:46,480 Speaker 1: kingdom these efforts are not in vain, but lead us 10 00:00:46,540 --> 00:00:52,500 Speaker 1: to a profound fulfillment. Help us not only to seek righteousness, 11 00:00:53,460 --> 00:00:58,790 Speaker 1: but to embody it. May our daily choices reflect our 12 00:00:58,870 --> 00:01:03,590 Speaker 1: commitment to do what is right. just and good in 13 00:01:03,630 --> 00:01:09,230 Speaker 1: your eyes. Empower us by your Spirit to be agents 14 00:01:09,300 --> 00:01:15,440 Speaker 1: of change, carriers of peace, and beacons of hope and 15 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:20,980 Speaker 1: integrity in a world that often seems lost in darkness. 16 00:01:22,740 --> 00:01:26,950 Speaker 1: Fill us, Lord, as you promised, and let our lives 17 00:01:27,209 --> 00:01:32,260 Speaker 1: overflow with the righteousness of that comes from walking closely 18 00:01:32,740 --> 00:01:35,910 Speaker 1: with you. In Jesus' name. 19 00:01:37,670 --> 00:01:37,970 Speaker 2: Amen. 20 00:01:40,690 --> 00:01:44,110 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 21 00:01:44,150 --> 00:01:49,330 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 22 00:01:49,430 --> 00:01:53,490 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 23 00:01:54,050 --> 00:01:57,490 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 24 00:01:57,550 --> 00:01:59,660 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on. 25 00:01:59,640 --> 00:02:02,540 Speaker 3: Our team Click the link in the description to grow 26 00:02:02,600 --> 00:02:06,420 Speaker 3: closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, 27 00:02:06,660 --> 00:02:10,200 Speaker 3: sleep stories, and so much more, all on the Pray.com app. 28 00:02:10,760 --> 00:02:12,680 Speaker 3: Click the link in the description to get started. 29 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:19,560 Speaker 1: The sound of gulls and bartering sailors echoed from the 30 00:02:19,620 --> 00:02:24,320 Speaker 1: shores of Galilee. The wind picked up scents of freshly 31 00:02:24,380 --> 00:02:29,980 Speaker 1: caught fish and eucalyptus leaves. Peter leaned back. listening to 32 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:34,859 Speaker 1: Jesus with awe. Peter didn't know what the future held 33 00:02:34,919 --> 00:02:38,239 Speaker 1: for him, but he knew that Jesus would be there 34 00:02:38,620 --> 00:02:43,320 Speaker 1: to guide him through the highs and lows. He listened 35 00:02:43,380 --> 00:02:47,000 Speaker 1: intently as Jesus stood before the crowd on the mountain, 36 00:02:47,820 --> 00:02:51,740 Speaker 1: voice booming with grace and authority. 37 00:02:52,200 --> 00:02:55,600 Speaker 4: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 38 00:02:55,660 --> 00:02:56,460 Speaker 4: kingdom of heaven. 39 00:02:57,160 --> 00:03:00,510 Speaker 1: Those words brought comfort to those who had been kicked 40 00:03:00,550 --> 00:03:05,850 Speaker 1: around in life. The beggars and sick alike came alive 41 00:03:05,910 --> 00:03:09,209 Speaker 1: at the idea of being blessed with the kingdom of heaven. 42 00:03:11,130 --> 00:03:14,940 Speaker 1: Jesus continued, encouraging the bereaved and the mourning. 43 00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:19,060 Speaker 4: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 44 00:03:20,040 --> 00:03:25,040 Speaker 1: Those words were balms to wounded and weary souls. But 45 00:03:25,060 --> 00:03:30,650 Speaker 1: then Jesus said something that seemed counterintuitive. something upside down 46 00:03:30,669 --> 00:03:35,810 Speaker 1: to the culture of conquest that consumed the age. Roman 47 00:03:35,850 --> 00:03:39,510 Speaker 1: soldiers standing at attention in the back shuddered at the 48 00:03:39,550 --> 00:03:41,890 Speaker 1: very sound of Jesus' next proclamation. 49 00:03:42,550 --> 00:03:46,610 Speaker 4: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 50 00:03:47,370 --> 00:03:51,030 Speaker 1: That encouragement cut through the pride of those who thought 51 00:03:51,070 --> 00:03:57,480 Speaker 1: their strength gave them license to be cool. Important merchants 52 00:03:57,920 --> 00:04:02,100 Speaker 1: and Roman guards perked up at the sound of it. Then, 53 00:04:02,200 --> 00:04:06,180 Speaker 1: with earnest excitement in his voice, Jesus continued. 54 00:04:06,780 --> 00:04:10,630 Speaker 4: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 55 00:04:10,670 --> 00:04:12,490 Speaker 4: they shall be filled. 56 00:04:16,150 --> 00:04:19,549 Speaker 5: We serve a God who breaks down boundaries. Boundaries between 57 00:04:19,710 --> 00:04:21,510 Speaker 5: us and him and the sin that would keep us 58 00:04:21,550 --> 00:04:24,560 Speaker 5: distant from each other, but also the boundaries that keep 59 00:04:24,740 --> 00:04:28,130 Speaker 5: us from connecting. No matter our differences, those who are 60 00:04:28,170 --> 00:04:31,290 Speaker 5: tied by the gospel will always have something in common. 61 00:04:31,970 --> 00:04:35,890 Speaker 5: Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing 62 00:04:35,980 --> 00:04:40,500 Speaker 5: the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling. Today, we're 63 00:04:40,540 --> 00:04:43,800 Speaker 5: venturing into Acts chapter 10, a chapter that might just 64 00:04:43,860 --> 00:04:46,870 Speaker 5: make you rethink your comfort zone. It's a story about visions, 65 00:04:47,120 --> 00:04:50,910 Speaker 5: unlikely friendships, and God's audacious plan to expand the horizons 66 00:04:50,970 --> 00:04:51,809 Speaker 5: of his early church. 67 00:04:52,290 --> 00:04:53,110 Speaker 6: So, buckle up. 68 00:04:53,520 --> 00:04:55,560 Speaker 5: This is going to be a journey that challenges us 69 00:04:55,620 --> 00:04:58,620 Speaker 5: to see beyond our familiar landscapes and shake hands with 70 00:04:58,690 --> 00:05:01,230 Speaker 5: people we never thought we would ever meet. 71 00:05:04,110 --> 00:05:05,750 Speaker 6: Get out of the way, you rat! 72 00:05:06,190 --> 00:05:09,089 Speaker 1: The soldier stood above a beggar who had fallen in 73 00:05:09,130 --> 00:05:09,950 Speaker 1: the middle of the street. 74 00:05:10,550 --> 00:05:14,570 Speaker 6: You're blocking the way of the centurion! Move or be moved! 75 00:05:15,210 --> 00:05:19,210 Speaker 1: The beggar's brow turned inward, terrified of what the soldier 76 00:05:19,270 --> 00:05:23,719 Speaker 1: might do. He tried to move. but his leg was injured. 77 00:05:24,620 --> 00:05:25,720 Speaker 6: I warned you! 78 00:05:26,220 --> 00:05:29,580 Speaker 1: Before the soldier had a chance to strike, someone grabbed 79 00:05:29,640 --> 00:05:30,110 Speaker 1: his arm. 80 00:05:30,500 --> 00:05:32,870 Speaker 2: Leave this man alone! That's an order! 81 00:05:33,290 --> 00:05:38,330 Speaker 1: The man's voice was deep and commanding. Golden eagle emblems 82 00:05:38,670 --> 00:05:42,190 Speaker 1: were etched into his armor, and his helmet was adorned 83 00:05:42,230 --> 00:05:46,800 Speaker 1: with red, white, and gold frays. Strapped to his side 84 00:05:46,860 --> 00:05:49,920 Speaker 1: was a sword with a serpent engraved on the hilt. 85 00:05:51,490 --> 00:05:54,930 Speaker 1: He was Cornelius, a centurion of Rome. 86 00:05:55,470 --> 00:05:58,620 Speaker 2: You weren't raised in the ranks of Caesar to beat 87 00:05:58,710 --> 00:06:01,799 Speaker 2: defenseless beggars. Fall back in line! 88 00:06:02,400 --> 00:06:03,060 Speaker 6: Yes, Domine! 89 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:06,520 Speaker 1: Cornelius extended a hand to the man and lifted him 90 00:06:06,580 --> 00:06:10,620 Speaker 1: off the ground. He placed a small bag of silver 91 00:06:11,040 --> 00:06:12,800 Speaker 1: in his hand and smiled. 92 00:06:13,440 --> 00:06:14,100 Speaker 6: Go your way, sir. 93 00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:17,719 Speaker 2: I'm sorry for the trouble. If this silver isn't enough 94 00:06:17,779 --> 00:06:20,440 Speaker 2: to pay for a physician to treat your leg, find 95 00:06:20,500 --> 00:06:22,060 Speaker 2: my attendant and he will help you. 96 00:06:22,560 --> 00:06:26,479 Speaker 1: The beggar, unable to find the proper words, simply replied. 97 00:06:27,080 --> 00:06:31,289 Speaker 2: May God bless you, my lord. He has, abundantly. 98 00:06:31,990 --> 00:06:37,109 Speaker 1: Cornelius replied in a low and pleasant voice. The centurion 99 00:06:37,150 --> 00:06:39,450 Speaker 1: helped him to the side of the road and then 100 00:06:39,550 --> 00:06:40,410 Speaker 1: turned to his men. 101 00:06:41,170 --> 00:06:44,870 Speaker 2: You are soldiers of the Italian cohort, men of honor, 102 00:06:45,450 --> 00:06:48,550 Speaker 2: hammers used to build the empire. The strength of your 103 00:06:48,690 --> 00:06:53,170 Speaker 2: arms are wasted tormenting the defenseless. You may not fear God, 104 00:06:53,610 --> 00:06:56,910 Speaker 2: but I do, and I shall not have such browbeating 105 00:06:56,970 --> 00:07:01,400 Speaker 2: under my command. Is that understood? Yes, Domine! 106 00:07:01,940 --> 00:07:06,480 Speaker 1: Cornelius was a devout man, one of a few God-fearing 107 00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:12,260 Speaker 1: Gentiles in Caesarea. Although he was an Italian centurion, he 108 00:07:12,310 --> 00:07:16,350 Speaker 1: felt deeply connected to the God of the Jews. He 109 00:07:16,390 --> 00:07:21,350 Speaker 1: attended the synagogue of Gentiles and Hellenists, traveled to Jerusalem 110 00:07:21,390 --> 00:07:26,500 Speaker 1: for the major feasts, and read the scriptures fervently. He 111 00:07:26,540 --> 00:07:29,660 Speaker 1: was a man of prayer and imparted a habit of 112 00:07:29,760 --> 00:07:35,340 Speaker 1: faithfulness to his household. The law was etched on his heart, 113 00:07:36,140 --> 00:07:41,270 Speaker 1: affecting how he commanded his men. While other soldiers of 114 00:07:41,310 --> 00:07:44,930 Speaker 1: his status hungered for power and thirsted for the approval 115 00:07:45,010 --> 00:07:52,530 Speaker 1: of Caesar, Cornelius hungered for righteousness. He thirsted for something 116 00:07:52,710 --> 00:07:59,470 Speaker 1: greater than Rome, greater than Caesar. Cornelius rounded the corner 117 00:07:59,490 --> 00:08:04,500 Speaker 1: of the marketplace with the sentry marching behind him. His 118 00:08:04,540 --> 00:08:07,440 Speaker 1: hand remained on the hilt of his blade, and the 119 00:08:07,480 --> 00:08:11,030 Speaker 1: golden markings of his armor shimmered in the afternoon sun. 120 00:08:12,790 --> 00:08:15,870 Speaker 1: Most people trembled when a Roman soldier passed through the city. 121 00:08:17,210 --> 00:08:22,120 Speaker 1: But the Italian cohort was different. People were awed when 122 00:08:22,160 --> 00:08:25,860 Speaker 1: they marched. Children rushed to get a view of them, 123 00:08:26,660 --> 00:08:32,849 Speaker 1: and vendors cheered as they passed. They were respected and beloved, 124 00:08:33,950 --> 00:08:39,920 Speaker 1: thanks to the righteous rule of their commanding centurion. At 125 00:08:39,940 --> 00:08:43,679 Speaker 1: the ninth hour, Cornelius retreated to his room to seek God. 126 00:08:44,940 --> 00:08:48,920 Speaker 1: The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat outside. 127 00:08:50,300 --> 00:08:53,220 Speaker 1: He bowed a knee to the Lord, searching for him, 128 00:08:54,059 --> 00:09:01,740 Speaker 1: hungering for wisdom and righteousness. As Cornelius prayed, the sides 129 00:09:01,820 --> 00:09:05,520 Speaker 1: of his vision grew dim, and in the center of 130 00:09:05,570 --> 00:09:09,660 Speaker 1: his mind's eye, he saw an angel of the Lord 131 00:09:10,179 --> 00:09:16,059 Speaker 1: before him. The angel was draped in splendor and glory, 132 00:09:16,960 --> 00:09:19,210 Speaker 1: and with a voice booming like thunder. 133 00:09:19,550 --> 00:09:20,630 Speaker 6: Cornelius! 134 00:09:21,610 --> 00:09:25,930 Speaker 1: Being a good soldier, Cornelius bowed at attention, ready to serve. 135 00:09:26,470 --> 00:09:27,410 Speaker 2: What is it, my lord? 136 00:09:27,970 --> 00:09:31,309 Speaker 7: Just then, your prayers and alms to the poor have 137 00:09:31,330 --> 00:09:36,450 Speaker 7: ascended as a memorial before the Lord. Send men to 138 00:09:36,510 --> 00:09:40,830 Speaker 7: Joppa and ask for a man named Peter. He is 139 00:09:40,910 --> 00:09:43,829 Speaker 7: lodging in a home by the sea with a man 140 00:09:43,910 --> 00:09:48,710 Speaker 7: named Simon the Tanner. Peter will show you the way. 141 00:09:49,390 --> 00:09:53,420 Speaker 1: Cornelius could see the room again. The angel was gone, 142 00:09:54,420 --> 00:09:59,870 Speaker 1: but his commands lingered in the centurion's mind. Cornelius rose. 143 00:10:00,270 --> 00:10:01,760 Speaker 1: and shouted for his attendants. 144 00:10:02,460 --> 00:10:05,540 Speaker 2: Men, I need you to go to Joppa. Find me 145 00:10:05,559 --> 00:10:07,280 Speaker 2: a man of God named Peter. 146 00:10:07,940 --> 00:10:10,300 Speaker 1: Peter took in the breeze coming in from the sea. 147 00:10:11,420 --> 00:10:15,920 Speaker 1: The salty air filled his lungs, refreshing his mind after 148 00:10:16,020 --> 00:10:21,770 Speaker 1: days of travel. Peter had always loved Joppa. The ships 149 00:10:21,830 --> 00:10:24,630 Speaker 1: coming in and out of the port were much larger 150 00:10:24,670 --> 00:10:27,050 Speaker 1: than the humble ones he grew up with in Galilee. 151 00:10:28,809 --> 00:10:29,790 Speaker 6: As a boy, he. 152 00:10:29,750 --> 00:10:32,450 Speaker 1: Wondered what it would be like to sail the Mediterranean 153 00:10:33,050 --> 00:10:39,300 Speaker 1: to lands unknown. They were only dreams back then. However, 154 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:46,459 Speaker 1: after following Jesus, Peter realized that nothing was impossible. He 155 00:10:46,500 --> 00:10:48,990 Speaker 1: tried to pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God, but 156 00:10:49,730 --> 00:10:52,490 Speaker 1: an ache in his stomach kept him from concentrating. 157 00:10:54,750 --> 00:10:56,050 Speaker 6: Oh, Lord, I'm hungry. 158 00:10:56,750 --> 00:10:57,630 Speaker 1: Peter turned back. 159 00:10:57,510 --> 00:11:00,069 Speaker 6: To the man hosting him. Is there any way I 160 00:11:00,110 --> 00:11:03,310 Speaker 6: could get something to eat? My journey seems to be 161 00:11:03,770 --> 00:11:04,650 Speaker 6: catching up with me. 162 00:11:04,670 --> 00:11:06,820 Speaker 1: I feel lightheaded. 163 00:11:07,900 --> 00:11:10,459 Speaker 2: Don't worry. I'll whip something up for you, Peter. 164 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:13,640 Speaker 6: God bless you. Let me know when it's ready. 165 00:11:14,190 --> 00:11:17,550 Speaker 1: The man descended the stairs, leaving Peter alone on the roof. 166 00:11:18,590 --> 00:11:21,880 Speaker 1: Peter leaned over the edge, drawing another deep breath of 167 00:11:21,960 --> 00:11:25,680 Speaker 1: salt air seasoned with the faint smell of fish and 168 00:11:25,740 --> 00:11:32,380 Speaker 1: damp wood. It was a pleasant and familiar smell. Peter 169 00:11:32,420 --> 00:11:37,760 Speaker 1: felt his stomach again. Hunger pains jabbed at him. He 170 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:40,610 Speaker 1: leaned his back against the wall and closed his eyes. 171 00:11:42,090 --> 00:11:47,090 Speaker 1: The soothing noise of the ocean faded and all was silent. 172 00:11:48,650 --> 00:11:52,810 Speaker 1: Peter opened his eyes and looked up. He was no 173 00:11:52,850 --> 00:11:57,069 Speaker 1: longer on the roof but standing on a grassy hill 174 00:11:57,790 --> 00:12:03,010 Speaker 1: gazing at the stars. The skies were arrayed with millions 175 00:12:03,070 --> 00:12:06,780 Speaker 1: of lights twinkling to the tune of an unheard song. 176 00:12:08,640 --> 00:12:13,600 Speaker 1: Suddenly the lights moved toward one another converging in one 177 00:12:13,679 --> 00:12:19,970 Speaker 1: space then exploding. The heavens opened up, and a burst 178 00:12:20,050 --> 00:12:25,670 Speaker 1: of light threw the firmament. Peter rolled back and watched 179 00:12:25,750 --> 00:12:32,219 Speaker 1: with fear. Peter saw something like a great sheet descending 180 00:12:32,460 --> 00:12:36,100 Speaker 1: from the heavens, being let down by its four corners 181 00:12:36,440 --> 00:12:41,320 Speaker 1: upon the earth. On the sheet were all kinds of animals, 182 00:12:42,120 --> 00:12:47,890 Speaker 1: reptiles and birds, Then Peter heard a voice boom from 183 00:12:47,929 --> 00:12:48,449 Speaker 1: the heavens. 184 00:12:49,210 --> 00:12:50,349 Speaker 2: Rise, Peter. 185 00:12:51,190 --> 00:12:52,650 Speaker 7: Kill and eat. 186 00:12:53,170 --> 00:12:57,000 Speaker 1: Peter looked at the animals. Although he was starving, none 187 00:12:57,010 --> 00:13:01,480 Speaker 1: of those animals were ceremonially accepted. The law of Moses 188 00:13:01,540 --> 00:13:04,800 Speaker 1: forbade Peter from eating every animal that walked before him. 189 00:13:06,340 --> 00:13:09,439 Speaker 1: He thought the command might be a test to see 190 00:13:09,520 --> 00:13:11,400 Speaker 1: if he would follow the law when hungry. 191 00:13:12,100 --> 00:13:15,360 Speaker 6: No, Lord. I can't eat these animals. I can't eat 192 00:13:15,740 --> 00:13:17,750 Speaker 6: anything common or unclean. 193 00:13:18,190 --> 00:13:22,450 Speaker 7: What God has made clean, do not call common. 194 00:13:22,970 --> 00:13:27,150 Speaker 1: The wind picked up throughout the hills. The sheet was 195 00:13:27,230 --> 00:13:32,190 Speaker 1: rolled up and brought back into heaven. Peter gasped and 196 00:13:32,250 --> 00:13:36,520 Speaker 1: opened his eyes. He looked around. He was back on 197 00:13:36,559 --> 00:13:40,260 Speaker 1: the roof. He stood to his feet and looked out 198 00:13:40,300 --> 00:13:40,720 Speaker 1: at the sea. 199 00:13:41,500 --> 00:13:46,069 Speaker 6: What God has made clean... Do not call common? What 200 00:13:46,110 --> 00:13:46,770 Speaker 6: does this mean? 201 00:13:47,210 --> 00:13:52,510 Speaker 1: Peter rubbed his eyes, trying to grasp reality again. His 202 00:13:52,590 --> 00:13:58,010 Speaker 1: vision was perplexing. Peter no longer thought about the hunger 203 00:13:58,050 --> 00:14:02,880 Speaker 1: in his stomach. Instead, he was filled with questions about 204 00:14:02,920 --> 00:14:08,400 Speaker 1: the meaning of his vision. In his prayers, Peter heard 205 00:14:08,679 --> 00:14:12,940 Speaker 1: from the Holy Spirit. Three men were looking for him. 206 00:14:13,910 --> 00:14:18,329 Speaker 1: When they arrived, Peter had to listen. Sure enough, Peter 207 00:14:18,410 --> 00:14:20,910 Speaker 1: saw three men standing. 208 00:14:20,530 --> 00:14:21,010 Speaker 2: At the gates. 209 00:14:21,650 --> 00:14:24,270 Speaker 6: Okay, Lord, what do you have next? 210 00:14:25,050 --> 00:14:27,600 Speaker 1: Peter descended the stairs and approached the men. 211 00:14:28,160 --> 00:14:30,680 Speaker 2: How may I help you, gentlemen? We are looking for 212 00:14:30,700 --> 00:14:33,000 Speaker 2: a man of God named Peter. We are told he 213 00:14:33,020 --> 00:14:36,440 Speaker 2: may be lodging here. Well, you're looking at him. Why 214 00:14:36,480 --> 00:14:39,300 Speaker 2: have you come? We have come here from Caesarea on 215 00:14:39,340 --> 00:14:43,800 Speaker 2: behalf of Cornelius, centurion over the Italian cohort. We know 216 00:14:43,840 --> 00:14:46,450 Speaker 2: what you might be thinking. Why would a Gentile be 217 00:14:46,530 --> 00:14:50,870 Speaker 2: asking for you? But Cornelius is a God-fearing man who 218 00:14:50,910 --> 00:14:53,410 Speaker 2: is beloved among the Jewish people in the region. 219 00:14:53,970 --> 00:14:56,110 Speaker 6: You still haven't told me why he summoned me. 220 00:14:56,630 --> 00:14:59,390 Speaker 1: The three men looked at each other, wondering how much 221 00:14:59,490 --> 00:15:03,760 Speaker 1: detail to offer. What they were about to say seemed 222 00:15:03,960 --> 00:15:07,490 Speaker 1: crazy to them. but they didn't know who they were 223 00:15:07,530 --> 00:15:08,050 Speaker 1: talking to. 224 00:15:08,570 --> 00:15:11,910 Speaker 2: He claims an angel told him to find you. This 225 00:15:12,190 --> 00:15:14,670 Speaker 2: angel told him that you have something to tell him 226 00:15:15,150 --> 00:15:15,910 Speaker 2: and his household. 227 00:15:16,500 --> 00:15:22,960 Speaker 1: Peter smirked, eyes lit up with curiosity. God was on 228 00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:23,420 Speaker 1: the move. 229 00:15:25,780 --> 00:15:26,340 Speaker 6: Lead the way. 230 00:15:27,080 --> 00:15:30,960 Speaker 1: Peter summited a small hill overlooking the road to Caesarea. 231 00:15:31,990 --> 00:15:35,750 Speaker 1: A few brothers in Christ from Joppa accompanied him. as 232 00:15:35,810 --> 00:15:40,130 Speaker 1: they followed the three Gentile servants into the city. As 233 00:15:40,210 --> 00:15:44,150 Speaker 1: Peter scanned the city below, he thought about his vision. 234 00:15:44,510 --> 00:15:49,830 Speaker 1: What God has made clean, do not call common. Custom 235 00:15:49,910 --> 00:15:54,200 Speaker 1: forbade Jews to eat with Gentiles. But here Peter was, 236 00:15:54,750 --> 00:15:58,920 Speaker 1: sharing the road with Gentiles, to be hosted by Gentiles, 237 00:15:59,700 --> 00:16:05,880 Speaker 1: and not just any Gentiles. The household of an esteemed centurion. 238 00:16:05,760 --> 00:16:09,920 Speaker 2: Tell me more about this centurion. Well, he's not like 239 00:16:09,980 --> 00:16:13,400 Speaker 2: other men in his position. While most other centurions crave 240 00:16:13,440 --> 00:16:18,140 Speaker 2: more power, Cornelius has other appetites. He hungers for. 241 00:16:18,400 --> 00:16:21,500 Speaker 1: The servants trailed off, searching for the right words. 242 00:16:22,280 --> 00:16:23,020 Speaker 2: Righteousness. 243 00:16:23,640 --> 00:16:27,990 Speaker 1: Peter whispered, remembering the words of his master years ago. 244 00:16:28,650 --> 00:16:32,490 Speaker 4: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 245 00:16:32,550 --> 00:16:34,230 Speaker 4: they shall be filled. 246 00:16:34,880 --> 00:16:38,850 Speaker 1: The men weaved through the busy cities of Caesarea, marching 247 00:16:38,910 --> 00:16:44,650 Speaker 1: past the barracks into the Cornelius estate. Blooming ivy covered 248 00:16:44,670 --> 00:16:49,590 Speaker 1: the large stone walls. Golden eagles were etched into the gates. 249 00:16:51,150 --> 00:16:56,210 Speaker 1: Peter felt slightly uneasy. It was like Caesar was watching. 250 00:16:57,730 --> 00:17:00,490 Speaker 1: No devout Jew would be caught dead in the home 251 00:17:00,530 --> 00:17:06,500 Speaker 1: of a centurion, at least voluntarily. Peter and his companions 252 00:17:06,640 --> 00:17:11,220 Speaker 1: entered the courtyard. He saw Cornelius with his family and friends. 253 00:17:12,540 --> 00:17:16,500 Speaker 1: He wore Roman robes with Caesar's seal pinned. 254 00:17:16,119 --> 00:17:16,740 Speaker 6: To the sash. 255 00:17:18,090 --> 00:17:22,110 Speaker 1: Peter winced at the sight of him. He had been 256 00:17:22,190 --> 00:17:26,990 Speaker 1: conditioned to avoid the Romans his whole life. Now he 257 00:17:27,030 --> 00:17:32,149 Speaker 1: was preparing to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius perked 258 00:17:32,270 --> 00:17:36,450 Speaker 1: up at the sight of Peter. His shoulders swung back, 259 00:17:37,150 --> 00:17:41,250 Speaker 1: and he began to run forward. Peter braced himself for 260 00:17:41,290 --> 00:17:47,210 Speaker 1: an attack. But instead, Cornelius ran forward and fell at 261 00:17:47,290 --> 00:17:52,870 Speaker 1: Peter's feet. Everyone gasped at the sight of it. Cornelius, 262 00:17:53,450 --> 00:17:57,669 Speaker 1: a man of power and prestige, bowed in front of 263 00:17:57,730 --> 00:18:00,109 Speaker 1: an uneducated Galilean Jew. 264 00:18:00,710 --> 00:18:03,600 Speaker 2: Praise you, Peter. Praise you for coming. 265 00:18:04,590 --> 00:18:09,850 Speaker 1: Peter's eyes widened. He laughed nervously and grabbed Cornelius by 266 00:18:09,869 --> 00:18:10,390 Speaker 1: the shoulders. 267 00:18:11,090 --> 00:18:14,650 Speaker 6: No, no, please stand up. I'm a man just like you. 268 00:18:15,160 --> 00:18:17,979 Speaker 1: Cornelius stood up and cast a shadow down over him. 269 00:18:19,280 --> 00:18:21,740 Speaker 1: Peter was used to being the tallest man in the room, 270 00:18:22,640 --> 00:18:26,869 Speaker 1: but this centurion stood nearly a head taller. He was 271 00:18:26,920 --> 00:18:32,869 Speaker 1: broad-shouldered and chiseled from head to toe. Peter cleared his throat, 272 00:18:33,590 --> 00:18:34,869 Speaker 1: and gestured to his family. 273 00:18:35,450 --> 00:18:39,030 Speaker 6: Come, gather round, for I believe the Lord has a 274 00:18:39,090 --> 00:18:40,290 Speaker 6: word for us all today. 275 00:18:40,869 --> 00:18:45,580 Speaker 1: Everyone gathered round Peter. The cypress trees in the courtyard 276 00:18:45,650 --> 00:18:49,660 Speaker 1: cast a pleasant shadow over the group. He looked around, 277 00:18:50,700 --> 00:18:53,459 Speaker 1: realizing what God had been trying to show him. 278 00:18:54,340 --> 00:18:57,480 Speaker 6: You all know that it's unlawful for a Jew to 279 00:18:57,540 --> 00:19:02,859 Speaker 6: associate with or visit anyone of another nation. To Jews... 280 00:19:03,070 --> 00:19:07,909 Speaker 6: You are all considered unclean, but God has shown me 281 00:19:07,950 --> 00:19:13,230 Speaker 6: that I shouldn't call anyone common or unclean. So, when 282 00:19:13,250 --> 00:19:17,650 Speaker 6: your companion sent for me, I came without objection. Peter 283 00:19:17,730 --> 00:19:21,580 Speaker 6: gestured to Cornelius. Now tell me, friend, why have you 284 00:19:21,600 --> 00:19:22,100 Speaker 6: sent for me? 285 00:19:22,700 --> 00:19:24,620 Speaker 1: Cornelius was standing at attention. 286 00:19:25,560 --> 00:19:26,459 Speaker 6: He was leaning. 287 00:19:26,300 --> 00:19:29,960 Speaker 1: Forward as if Peter was about to feed him something delicious. 288 00:19:30,619 --> 00:19:34,240 Speaker 2: Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in 289 00:19:34,300 --> 00:19:37,929 Speaker 2: my home. As I was praying, a man stood before 290 00:19:37,990 --> 00:19:41,669 Speaker 2: me in bright clothing. I perceived him to be an 291 00:19:41,930 --> 00:19:44,929 Speaker 2: angel sent from heaven. He told me to find you, 292 00:19:45,530 --> 00:19:50,260 Speaker 2: and now I and my household are here. in the 293 00:19:50,340 --> 00:19:54,440 Speaker 2: presence of God to hear what you have been commanded 294 00:19:54,520 --> 00:19:55,060 Speaker 2: to preach. 295 00:19:55,760 --> 00:20:01,139 Speaker 6: Amazing. I guess God doesn't show partiality. Every nation who 296 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:04,870 Speaker 6: fears him and seeks righteousness will be accepted before him. 297 00:20:05,440 --> 00:20:10,679 Speaker 1: Peter stretched out his arms and greeted them as family, saying, This. 298 00:20:10,600 --> 00:20:13,199 Speaker 6: Is the word I have come to preach. It is 299 00:20:13,340 --> 00:20:18,180 Speaker 6: good news. And that news is peace. Peace through a 300 00:20:18,220 --> 00:20:22,879 Speaker 6: knowledge of Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Many of you 301 00:20:22,920 --> 00:20:27,810 Speaker 6: have probably heard his name. He became famous throughout Judea. 302 00:20:28,480 --> 00:20:31,490 Speaker 6: He was a man of great works and healing. He 303 00:20:31,550 --> 00:20:36,490 Speaker 6: cast out demons and preached liberty to the captives. God 304 00:20:36,570 --> 00:20:41,000 Speaker 6: was truly with him. Bye. And my companions are witnesses 305 00:20:41,060 --> 00:20:45,260 Speaker 6: of all that he did. But not all were amazed 306 00:20:45,359 --> 00:20:48,950 Speaker 6: by his words and words. He was put to death 307 00:20:49,790 --> 00:20:55,050 Speaker 6: on a cross. But God raised him from the dead. 308 00:20:55,150 --> 00:20:59,490 Speaker 6: Three days later, we bore witness to his resurrection. We 309 00:20:59,670 --> 00:21:03,140 Speaker 6: ate with him, communed with him, and felt his embrace. 310 00:21:04,380 --> 00:21:09,270 Speaker 6: He truly rose from the dead. Now... We all testify 311 00:21:09,310 --> 00:21:12,350 Speaker 6: to his life. He has been appointed by God to 312 00:21:12,369 --> 00:21:15,490 Speaker 6: be judge of the living and the dead. 313 00:21:16,080 --> 00:21:20,460 Speaker 1: Peter paused, turned to Cornelius, and said, I've been. 314 00:21:20,359 --> 00:21:23,940 Speaker 6: Told you are a God-fearing man and have read the prophets. 315 00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:28,960 Speaker 6: They bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives 316 00:21:28,980 --> 00:21:31,840 Speaker 6: forgiveness of sins through his name. 317 00:21:32,460 --> 00:21:37,639 Speaker 1: As Peter spoke, people began to stir. The Spirit of 318 00:21:37,740 --> 00:21:42,440 Speaker 1: God was in their midst, moving hearts and stirring souls. 319 00:21:44,300 --> 00:21:47,340 Speaker 1: The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 320 00:21:48,420 --> 00:21:51,510 Speaker 1: They began to speak in tongues and praise the Lord 321 00:21:51,550 --> 00:21:57,250 Speaker 1: with passion and insight. Peter and his companions watched in 322 00:21:57,330 --> 00:22:04,949 Speaker 1: amazement as uncircumcised Gentiles received Christ into their hearts and 323 00:22:04,990 --> 00:22:10,129 Speaker 1: immediately poured out praise. They had no idea what to 324 00:22:10,170 --> 00:22:14,909 Speaker 1: make of it. Up until now, only Jews had received Christ. 325 00:22:15,490 --> 00:22:20,399 Speaker 1: But now, something new was at work. Something that penetrated 326 00:22:20,480 --> 00:22:23,620 Speaker 1: through the walls of race, culture, class. 327 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:24,540 Speaker 6: Or creed. 328 00:22:25,359 --> 00:22:28,580 Speaker 2: Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord 329 00:22:28,720 --> 00:22:32,919 Speaker 2: Jesus Christ. He has filled us. He has come. 330 00:22:33,840 --> 00:22:35,800 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to his companions. 331 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:39,149 Speaker 6: You see and hear it, don't you? How could we 332 00:22:39,210 --> 00:22:44,169 Speaker 6: possibly withhold water for baptizing these people? They've received the 333 00:22:44,230 --> 00:22:45,149 Speaker 6: Holy Spirit. 334 00:22:45,810 --> 00:22:48,950 Speaker 1: Peter and the others led Cornelius and his family down 335 00:22:49,010 --> 00:22:54,260 Speaker 1: to the water. They baptized them all, one by one. 336 00:22:56,380 --> 00:23:00,879 Speaker 1: The connection to God Cornelius had longed for had come 337 00:23:01,060 --> 00:23:06,320 Speaker 1: in the form of God's Spirit. It didn't matter whether 338 00:23:06,400 --> 00:23:11,669 Speaker 1: he was a Gentile, a Roman, or a centurion. He 339 00:23:11,869 --> 00:23:16,969 Speaker 1: hungered for righteousness, and God filled him. 340 00:23:21,090 --> 00:23:24,020 Speaker 5: Man, I love this story. Let's start with Cornelius, a 341 00:23:24,100 --> 00:23:28,260 Speaker 5: Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. Picture a man in shining 342 00:23:28,359 --> 00:23:31,800 Speaker 5: armor commanding a hundred soldiers, a symbol of the occupying 343 00:23:31,880 --> 00:23:35,109 Speaker 5: force in Judea. Now, imagine the same man as a 344 00:23:35,190 --> 00:23:38,250 Speaker 5: devout man who feared God with his entire household, who 345 00:23:38,290 --> 00:23:41,550 Speaker 5: gives alms generously to the poor and prays to God always. 346 00:23:41,990 --> 00:23:43,969 Speaker 5: Wait a minute, a Roman soldier who loves the God 347 00:23:44,010 --> 00:23:46,840 Speaker 5: of Israel? Cornelius didn't fit the mold. He was a 348 00:23:46,880 --> 00:23:50,919 Speaker 5: Gentile who embraced Jewish monotheism, but hadn't fully converted. He 349 00:23:50,960 --> 00:23:54,060 Speaker 5: was respected, yet still an outsider. It's a reminder that 350 00:23:54,080 --> 00:23:57,180 Speaker 5: God's fingerprints can be found in the hearts we least expect. 351 00:23:57,480 --> 00:24:00,419 Speaker 5: It's also a reminder that not everyone fits super neatly 352 00:24:00,460 --> 00:24:03,680 Speaker 5: in a defined group. When they would see a Roman centurion, 353 00:24:03,720 --> 00:24:05,740 Speaker 5: they would assume a lot of things about him. But 354 00:24:05,920 --> 00:24:08,600 Speaker 5: you all know what people say about assuming, right? We're 355 00:24:08,640 --> 00:24:11,419 Speaker 5: not supposed to look at what someone's profession is or 356 00:24:11,500 --> 00:24:14,580 Speaker 5: where someone went to school or who they voted for 357 00:24:14,720 --> 00:24:17,540 Speaker 5: and automatically decide that we know every single thing about them. 358 00:24:17,960 --> 00:24:21,729 Speaker 5: People are complicated. People are nuanced. People have depths and 359 00:24:21,810 --> 00:24:25,470 Speaker 5: paths and hopes and dreams that we can't see on 360 00:24:25,490 --> 00:24:28,879 Speaker 5: the surface. The fact that Cornelius is so deep and 361 00:24:28,960 --> 00:24:31,880 Speaker 5: so nuanced should also remind us that we can't judge 362 00:24:31,920 --> 00:24:33,739 Speaker 5: a book by its cover. And so let's get into 363 00:24:33,780 --> 00:24:36,780 Speaker 5: the story. One afternoon around 3 p.m., Cornelius has a 364 00:24:36,840 --> 00:24:39,869 Speaker 5: vision while he's praying. An angel calls him and says 365 00:24:39,920 --> 00:24:42,619 Speaker 5: that your prayers and alms have come as a memorial 366 00:24:42,660 --> 00:24:45,889 Speaker 5: before God. The angel instructs him to send for a 367 00:24:45,930 --> 00:24:48,869 Speaker 5: man named Peter who's staying in Joppa, Simon the Tanner. 368 00:24:49,150 --> 00:24:52,570 Speaker 5: Now Cornelius doesn't delay. He sends his men to Joppa immediately. 369 00:24:52,890 --> 00:24:56,379 Speaker 5: Talk about obedience without hesitation. He doesn't know Peter, but 370 00:24:56,420 --> 00:25:00,240 Speaker 5: he trusts that God is orchestrating something significant. Meanwhile, Peter 371 00:25:00,280 --> 00:25:03,480 Speaker 5: is in Joppa, praying on a rooftop around noon. He's hungry, 372 00:25:03,720 --> 00:25:07,280 Speaker 5: perhaps dreaming of a kosher sandwich, when he falls into 373 00:25:07,320 --> 00:25:11,370 Speaker 5: a trance. He sees a large sheet descending from the heavens, 374 00:25:11,650 --> 00:25:14,629 Speaker 5: filled with all sorts of animals, reptiles, birds, and a 375 00:25:14,650 --> 00:25:18,240 Speaker 5: voice tells him, rise Peter, kill and eat. And Peter protests. 376 00:25:18,260 --> 00:25:20,939 Speaker 5: He says, no, of course not. He probably thinks it's 377 00:25:21,020 --> 00:25:23,679 Speaker 5: a test of obedience, saying, no, Lord, I'm kosher. I 378 00:25:23,720 --> 00:25:26,350 Speaker 5: promise I'm kosher. You put these temptations before me. I 379 00:25:26,390 --> 00:25:29,250 Speaker 5: promise I'm not going to do this. But the voice responds, 380 00:25:29,550 --> 00:25:32,850 Speaker 5: what God has cleansed, you must not call common. This 381 00:25:32,930 --> 00:25:36,450 Speaker 5: exchange happens three times, and Peter's left scratching his head, 382 00:25:36,550 --> 00:25:40,840 Speaker 5: wondering what it all means. Just then, Cornelius' men arrive, 383 00:25:40,880 --> 00:25:42,820 Speaker 5: and the Holy Spirit tells Peter that he needs to 384 00:25:42,859 --> 00:25:46,360 Speaker 5: go with them. And when Peter arrives, he finds Cornelius' 385 00:25:46,400 --> 00:25:50,480 Speaker 5: house packed with relatives and close friends. Cornelius falls at 386 00:25:50,520 --> 00:25:53,919 Speaker 5: Peter's feet in reverence. But Peter has to lift him up. 387 00:25:53,950 --> 00:25:56,430 Speaker 5: He says, stand up. I'm just a guy. It's a 388 00:25:56,470 --> 00:25:59,669 Speaker 5: beautiful moment of humility and mutual respect. And Peter is 389 00:25:59,710 --> 00:26:02,530 Speaker 5: starting to unpack the layers of what God is trying 390 00:26:02,570 --> 00:26:06,060 Speaker 5: to show him. Peter addresses the elephant in the room. 391 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:09,440 Speaker 5: He says, you know, as a Jewish man, it's unlawful 392 00:26:09,500 --> 00:26:11,379 Speaker 5: for me to keep company with you, to share a 393 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:13,540 Speaker 5: food with you, to share a table with you. But 394 00:26:13,600 --> 00:26:16,429 Speaker 5: God's starting to show me things. God is starting to 395 00:26:16,490 --> 00:26:20,609 Speaker 5: show me that what man has called unclean, God maybe 396 00:26:20,670 --> 00:26:24,270 Speaker 5: wants me to pay attention to. Don't call something common 397 00:26:24,450 --> 00:26:28,260 Speaker 5: that God has restored. Peter shares the message of Jesus, 398 00:26:28,300 --> 00:26:31,260 Speaker 5: his life, death, and resurrection. And as he's speaking, the 399 00:26:31,300 --> 00:26:34,359 Speaker 5: Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening. The Jewish 400 00:26:34,400 --> 00:26:37,720 Speaker 5: believers with Peter are astonished to see Gentiles speaking in 401 00:26:37,820 --> 00:26:41,119 Speaker 5: tongues and praising God. The lessons are palpable for us. 402 00:26:41,500 --> 00:26:44,620 Speaker 5: Cornelius was an outsider by all societal standards, yet God 403 00:26:44,640 --> 00:26:47,240 Speaker 5: saw his heart. We must be careful not to limit 404 00:26:47,340 --> 00:26:49,820 Speaker 5: who we think God can reach out to or who 405 00:26:49,880 --> 00:26:53,320 Speaker 5: he can teach us through. Another big theme is that 406 00:26:53,420 --> 00:26:58,040 Speaker 5: obedience often precedes understanding. Both Cornelius and Peter had to 407 00:26:58,280 --> 00:27:03,130 Speaker 5: act and obey God before fully understanding what's happening. Sometimes 408 00:27:03,270 --> 00:27:08,550 Speaker 5: obedience means taking the first step without seeing the whole staircase. Listen, 409 00:27:08,609 --> 00:27:11,169 Speaker 5: we all have our Gentiles, people who we consciously or 410 00:27:11,230 --> 00:27:14,340 Speaker 5: unconsciously exclude from our lives. Maybe it's someone with a 411 00:27:14,340 --> 00:27:16,840 Speaker 5: different political view, a different background, or a lifestyle that 412 00:27:16,859 --> 00:27:20,080 Speaker 5: we just don't understand. Acts 10 challenges us to break 413 00:27:20,100 --> 00:27:22,820 Speaker 5: down those barriers for the sake of the gospel. Imagine 414 00:27:22,859 --> 00:27:25,400 Speaker 5: if Peter had said, sorry Lord, I don't associate with Gentiles. 415 00:27:25,740 --> 00:27:29,340 Speaker 5: The ripple effect would have been immense. The gospel might 416 00:27:29,380 --> 00:27:31,939 Speaker 5: have remained confined, and we wouldn't be here today as 417 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:36,090 Speaker 5: beneficiaries of his boundary-breaking movement. Acts 10 isn't just a 418 00:27:36,170 --> 00:27:39,820 Speaker 5: historical account. It's a mirror reflecting our own biases and 419 00:27:39,859 --> 00:27:42,419 Speaker 5: a window into God's expansive heart. It's a call to 420 00:27:42,440 --> 00:27:44,660 Speaker 5: step out of our comfort zones and to the wide 421 00:27:44,720 --> 00:27:48,120 Speaker 5: open spaces of God's grace. So let's ask ourselves, where 422 00:27:48,180 --> 00:27:52,270 Speaker 5: is God challenging my preconceived notions? Who is the Cornelius 423 00:27:52,310 --> 00:27:55,250 Speaker 5: in my life that I'm hesitant to engage with? And 424 00:27:55,530 --> 00:27:57,910 Speaker 5: how can I be a conduit of God's limitless love 425 00:27:57,950 --> 00:28:00,950 Speaker 5: in a world obsessed with limits? May we, like Peter, 426 00:28:00,990 --> 00:28:03,550 Speaker 5: be willing to say, In truth, I perceive that God 427 00:28:03,609 --> 00:28:07,939 Speaker 5: shows no partiality. Let's break down some barriers, expand our tables, 428 00:28:08,140 --> 00:28:10,739 Speaker 5: and watch how God moves when we align ourselves with 429 00:28:10,790 --> 00:28:11,510 Speaker 5: his boundless love.