1 00:00:00,530 --> 00:00:04,890 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 2 00:00:04,950 --> 00:00:11,440 Speaker 1: they shall be filled. Matthew 5.6 Dear Lord, stir within 3 00:00:11,539 --> 00:00:17,400 Speaker 1: us an unquenchable hunger and thirst for righteousness. May it 4 00:00:17,480 --> 00:00:22,090 Speaker 1: be a driving force that moves us to action, to 5 00:00:22,250 --> 00:00:26,510 Speaker 1: advocate for the voiceless, to defend the weak, and to 6 00:00:26,590 --> 00:00:32,470 Speaker 1: stand against injustice wherever we see it. Let our pursuit 7 00:00:32,510 --> 00:00:36,610 Speaker 1: of righteousness be as essential as the air we breathe 8 00:00:37,110 --> 00:00:42,030 Speaker 1: and the water we drink. Knowing that in your kingdom 9 00:00:42,930 --> 00:00:46,670 Speaker 1: these efforts are not in vain, but lead us to 10 00:00:46,729 --> 00:00:52,500 Speaker 1: a profound fulfillment. Help us not only to seek righteousness, 11 00:00:53,460 --> 00:00:58,800 Speaker 1: but to embody it. May our daily choices reflect our 12 00:00:58,880 --> 00:01:03,610 Speaker 1: commitment to do what is right. just and good in 13 00:01:03,650 --> 00:01:09,250 Speaker 1: your eyes. Empower us by your Spirit to be agents 14 00:01:09,310 --> 00:01:15,440 Speaker 1: of change, carriers of peace, and beacons of hope and 15 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:21,000 Speaker 1: integrity in a world that often seems lost in darkness. 16 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:26,949 Speaker 1: Fill us, Lord, as you promised, and let our lives 17 00:01:27,230 --> 00:01:32,260 Speaker 1: overflow with the righteousness of that comes from walking closely 18 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:33,100 Speaker 1: with you. 19 00:01:35,020 --> 00:01:35,920 Speaker 2: In Jesus' name. 20 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:37,980 Speaker 3: Amen. 21 00:01:40,700 --> 00:01:44,119 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 22 00:01:44,140 --> 00:01:49,340 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini-series on the 23 00:01:49,440 --> 00:01:53,500 Speaker 1: birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, 24 00:01:54,060 --> 00:01:57,480 Speaker 1: we would love it if you left a review. Doing 25 00:01:57,560 --> 00:02:04,550 Speaker 1: so makes a huge impact on our team. The sound 26 00:02:04,590 --> 00:02:09,340 Speaker 1: of gulls and bartering sailors echoed from the shores of Galilee. 27 00:02:10,900 --> 00:02:14,160 Speaker 1: The wind picked up scents of freshly caught fish and 28 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:19,959 Speaker 1: eucalyptus leaves. Peter leaned back, listening to Jesus with awe. 29 00:02:21,960 --> 00:02:24,220 Speaker 1: Peter didn't know what the future held for him, but 30 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:27,880 Speaker 1: he knew that Jesus would be there to guide him 31 00:02:27,960 --> 00:02:33,750 Speaker 1: through the highs and lows. He listened intently, as Jesus 32 00:02:33,810 --> 00:02:38,250 Speaker 1: stood before the crowd on the mount, voice booming with 33 00:02:38,310 --> 00:02:40,390 Speaker 1: grace and authority. 34 00:02:40,850 --> 00:02:44,250 Speaker 4: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 35 00:02:44,290 --> 00:02:45,110 Speaker 4: kingdom of heaven. 36 00:02:45,790 --> 00:02:49,180 Speaker 1: Those words brought comfort to those who had been kicked 37 00:02:49,220 --> 00:02:54,500 Speaker 1: around in life. The beggars and sick alike came alive 38 00:02:54,580 --> 00:02:57,840 Speaker 1: at the idea of being blessed with the kingdom of heaven. 39 00:02:59,800 --> 00:03:03,580 Speaker 1: Jesus continued, encouraging the bereaved and the mourning. 40 00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:07,700 Speaker 4: Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 41 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:13,680 Speaker 1: Those words were bombs to wounded and weary souls. But 42 00:03:13,700 --> 00:03:19,270 Speaker 1: then Jesus said something that seemed counterintuitive, something upside down 43 00:03:19,330 --> 00:03:24,470 Speaker 1: to the culture of conquest that consumed the age. Roman 44 00:03:24,510 --> 00:03:28,160 Speaker 1: soldiers standing at attention in the back shuddered at the 45 00:03:28,200 --> 00:03:30,519 Speaker 1: very sound of Jesus' next proclamation. 46 00:03:31,220 --> 00:03:35,280 Speaker 4: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 47 00:03:36,020 --> 00:03:39,690 Speaker 1: That encouragement cut through the pride of those who thought 48 00:03:39,720 --> 00:03:46,130 Speaker 1: their strength gave them license to be cool. Important merchants 49 00:03:46,570 --> 00:03:50,750 Speaker 1: and Roman guards perked up at the sound of it. Then, 50 00:03:50,850 --> 00:03:52,910 Speaker 1: with earnest excitement in his. 51 00:03:52,810 --> 00:03:57,570 Speaker 5: Voice, Jesus continued, Blessed are they who hunger and thirst 52 00:03:57,630 --> 00:04:01,130 Speaker 5: for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 53 00:04:04,810 --> 00:04:08,200 Speaker 6: We serve a God who breaks down boundaries. Boundaries between 54 00:04:08,360 --> 00:04:10,140 Speaker 6: us and Him and the sin that would keep us 55 00:04:10,200 --> 00:04:13,200 Speaker 6: distant from each other, but also the boundaries that keep 56 00:04:13,380 --> 00:04:16,810 Speaker 6: us from connecting. No matter our differences, those who are 57 00:04:16,850 --> 00:04:19,950 Speaker 6: tied by the gospel will always have something in common. 58 00:04:20,620 --> 00:04:24,529 Speaker 6: Welcome to The Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing 59 00:04:24,610 --> 00:04:29,130 Speaker 6: the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling. Today, we're 60 00:04:29,190 --> 00:04:32,450 Speaker 6: venturing into Acts chapter 10, a chapter that might just 61 00:04:32,490 --> 00:04:35,510 Speaker 6: make you rethink your comfort zone. It's a story about visions, 62 00:04:35,750 --> 00:04:39,550 Speaker 6: unlikely friendships, and God's audacious plan to expand the horizons 63 00:04:39,610 --> 00:04:42,589 Speaker 6: of his early church. So buckle up. This is going 64 00:04:42,610 --> 00:04:44,920 Speaker 6: to be a journey that challenges us to see beyond 65 00:04:44,980 --> 00:04:48,580 Speaker 6: our familiar landscapes and shake hands with people we never 66 00:04:48,700 --> 00:04:49,860 Speaker 6: thought we would ever meet. 67 00:04:52,750 --> 00:04:54,409 Speaker 2: Get out of the way, you rat! 68 00:04:54,850 --> 00:04:57,730 Speaker 1: The soldier stood above a beggar who had fallen in 69 00:04:57,770 --> 00:04:58,589 Speaker 1: the middle of the street. 70 00:04:59,210 --> 00:05:03,210 Speaker 2: You're blocking the way of the centurion! Move or be moved! 71 00:05:03,860 --> 00:05:07,859 Speaker 1: The beggar's brow turned inward, terrified of what the soldier 72 00:05:07,920 --> 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 --> 00:05:18,250 Speaker 1: Before the soldier had a chance to strike, someone grabbed 75 00:05:18,310 --> 00:05:18,760 Speaker 1: his arm. 76 00:05:19,170 --> 00:05:21,490 Speaker 3: Leave this man alone! That's an order! 77 00:05:21,940 --> 00:05:26,960 Speaker 1: The man's voice was deep and commanding. Golden eagle emblems 78 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:30,840 Speaker 1: were etched into his armor, and his helmet was adorned 79 00:05:30,880 --> 00:05:35,429 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 00:05:40,150 --> 00:05:43,589 Speaker 1: He was Cornelius, a centurion of Rome. 82 00:05:44,150 --> 00:05:47,270 Speaker 3: You weren't raised in the ranks of Caesar to beat 83 00:05:47,370 --> 00:05:50,430 Speaker 3: defenseless beggars. Fall back in line! 84 00:05:51,050 --> 00:05:51,650 Speaker 2: Yes, Dominic! 85 00:05:51,960 --> 00:05:55,159 Speaker 1: Cornelius extended a hand to the man and lifted him 86 00:05:55,220 --> 00:05:59,230 Speaker 1: off the ground. He placed a small bag of silver 87 00:05:59,690 --> 00:06:01,430 Speaker 1: in his hand and smiled. 88 00:06:02,089 --> 00:06:05,130 Speaker 3: Go your way, sir. I'm sorry for the trouble. If 89 00:06:05,190 --> 00:06:07,589 Speaker 3: this silver isn't enough to pay for a physician to 90 00:06:07,630 --> 00:06:10,710 Speaker 3: treat your leg, find my attendant and he will help you. 91 00:06:11,210 --> 00:06:14,930 Speaker 1: The beggar, unable to find the proper words, simply. 92 00:06:14,730 --> 00:06:19,890 Speaker 3: Replied, May God bless you, my lord. He has, abundantly. 93 00:06:20,640 --> 00:06:25,740 Speaker 1: Cornelius replied in a low and pleasant voice. The centurion 94 00:06:25,779 --> 00:06:28,099 Speaker 1: helped him to the side of the road and then 95 00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:29,120 Speaker 1: turned to his men. 96 00:06:29,820 --> 00:06:33,520 Speaker 3: You are soldiers of the Italian cohort, men of honor, 97 00:06:34,100 --> 00:06:37,220 Speaker 3: hammers used to build the empire. The strength of your 98 00:06:37,339 --> 00:06:41,799 Speaker 3: arms are wasted tormenting the defenseless. You may not fear God, 99 00:06:42,260 --> 00:06:45,560 Speaker 3: but I do, and I shall not have such browbeating 100 00:06:45,620 --> 00:06:46,599 Speaker 3: under my command. 101 00:06:47,100 --> 00:06:48,460 Speaker 2: Is that understood? 102 00:06:48,480 --> 00:06:50,000 Speaker 3: Yes, Comrade! 103 00:06:50,570 --> 00:06:55,110 Speaker 1: Cornelius was a devout man, one of a few God-fearing 104 00:06:55,210 --> 00:07:00,909 Speaker 1: Gentiles in Caesarea. Although he was an Italian centurion, he 105 00:07:00,970 --> 00:07:04,990 Speaker 1: felt deeply connected to the God of the Jews. He 106 00:07:05,029 --> 00:07:10,000 Speaker 1: attended the synagogue of Gentiles and Hellenists, traveled to Jerusalem 107 00:07:10,060 --> 00:07:15,160 Speaker 1: for the major feasts, and read the scriptures fervently. He 108 00:07:15,180 --> 00:07:18,300 Speaker 1: was a man of prayer and imparted a habit of 109 00:07:18,400 --> 00:07:23,970 Speaker 1: faithfulness to his household. The law was etched on his heart, 110 00:07:24,770 --> 00:07:29,920 Speaker 1: affecting how he commanded his men. While other soldiers of 111 00:07:29,980 --> 00:07:33,540 Speaker 1: his status hungered for power and thirsted for the approval 112 00:07:33,660 --> 00:07:41,179 Speaker 1: of Caesar, Cornelius hungered for righteousness. He thirsted for something 113 00:07:41,360 --> 00:07:48,100 Speaker 1: greater than Rome, greater than Caesar. Cornelius rounded the corner 114 00:07:48,140 --> 00:07:53,150 Speaker 1: of the marketplace with the sentry marching behind him. His 115 00:07:53,190 --> 00:07:56,070 Speaker 1: hand remained on the hilt of his blade, and the 116 00:07:56,110 --> 00:07:59,690 Speaker 1: golden markings of his armor shimmered in the afternoon sun. 117 00:08:01,450 --> 00:08:04,559 Speaker 1: Most people trembled when a Roman soldier passed through the city. 118 00:08:05,860 --> 00:08:10,780 Speaker 1: But the Italian cohort was different. People were awed when 119 00:08:10,800 --> 00:08:14,520 Speaker 1: they marched. Children rushed to get a view of them, 120 00:08:15,320 --> 00:08:21,400 Speaker 1: and vendors cheered as they passed. They were respected and beloved. 121 00:08:22,570 --> 00:08:28,560 Speaker 1: thanks to the righteous rule of their commanding centurion. At 122 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:32,339 Speaker 1: the ninth hour, Cornelius retreated to his room to seek God. 123 00:08:33,600 --> 00:08:37,600 Speaker 1: The air was cool, a stark contrast to the heat outside. 124 00:08:38,960 --> 00:08:41,880 Speaker 1: He bowed a knee to the Lord, searching for him, 125 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:50,380 Speaker 1: hungering for wisdom and righteousness. As Cornelius prayed, the sides 126 00:08:50,480 --> 00:08:54,179 Speaker 1: of his vision grew dim And in the center of 127 00:08:54,230 --> 00:08:58,309 Speaker 1: his mind's eye, he saw an angel of the Lord 128 00:08:58,830 --> 00:09:04,709 Speaker 1: before him. The angel was draped in splendor and glory, 129 00:09:05,610 --> 00:09:07,850 Speaker 1: and with a voice booming like thunder. 130 00:09:08,190 --> 00:09:09,270 Speaker 7: Cornelius! 131 00:09:10,250 --> 00:09:14,570 Speaker 1: Being a good soldier, Cornelius bowed at attention, ready to serve. 132 00:09:15,110 --> 00:09:16,089 Speaker 3: What is it, my lord? 133 00:09:16,630 --> 00:09:20,810 Speaker 7: Just then, your prayers and alms to the poor have ascended. 134 00:09:21,380 --> 00:09:25,660 Speaker 7: As a memorial before the Lord, send men to Joppa 135 00:09:26,160 --> 00:09:29,979 Speaker 7: and ask for a man named Peter. He is lodging 136 00:09:30,040 --> 00:09:32,800 Speaker 7: in a home by the sea with a man named 137 00:09:32,920 --> 00:09:37,360 Speaker 7: Simon the Tanner. Peter will show you the way. 138 00:09:38,040 --> 00:09:42,060 Speaker 1: Cornelius could see the room again. The angel was gone, 139 00:09:43,059 --> 00:09:48,579 Speaker 1: but his commands lingered in the centurion's mind. Cornelius rose 140 00:09:48,940 --> 00:09:50,380 Speaker 1: and shouted for his attendants. 141 00:09:51,100 --> 00:09:54,170 Speaker 3: Men, I need you to go to Joppa. Find me 142 00:09:54,210 --> 00:09:55,929 Speaker 3: a man of God named Peter. 143 00:09:56,600 --> 00:09:58,880 Speaker 1: Peter took in the breeze coming in from the sea. 144 00:10:00,050 --> 00:10:04,580 Speaker 1: The salty air filled his lungs, refreshing his mind after 145 00:10:04,650 --> 00:10:10,420 Speaker 1: days of travel. Peter had always loved Joppa. The ships 146 00:10:10,480 --> 00:10:13,280 Speaker 1: coming in and out of the port were much larger 147 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:15,660 Speaker 1: than the humble ones he grew up with in Galilee. 148 00:10:17,460 --> 00:10:19,640 Speaker 1: As a boy, he wondered what it would be like 149 00:10:19,679 --> 00:10:25,240 Speaker 1: to sail the Mediterranean to lands unknown. They were only 150 00:10:25,300 --> 00:10:31,670 Speaker 1: dreams back then. However, after following Jesus, Peter realized that 151 00:10:31,929 --> 00:10:36,290 Speaker 1: nothing was impossible. He tried to pray a prayer of 152 00:10:36,330 --> 00:10:40,030 Speaker 1: thanksgiving to God, but an ache in his stomach kept 153 00:10:40,090 --> 00:10:41,150 Speaker 1: him from concentrating. 154 00:10:43,410 --> 00:10:44,720 Speaker 2: Oh, Lord, I'm hungry. 155 00:10:45,410 --> 00:10:47,150 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to the man hosting him. 156 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:49,780 Speaker 2: Is there any way I could get something to eat? 157 00:10:50,740 --> 00:10:53,339 Speaker 2: My journey seems to be catching up with me. I 158 00:10:54,660 --> 00:10:55,440 Speaker 2: feel light-headed. 159 00:10:56,540 --> 00:10:59,109 Speaker 3: Don't worry. I'll whip something up for you, Peter. 160 00:10:59,530 --> 00:11:02,310 Speaker 2: God bless you. Let me know when it's ready. 161 00:11:02,850 --> 00:11:06,210 Speaker 1: The man descended the stairs, leaving Peter alone on the roof. 162 00:11:07,250 --> 00:11:10,530 Speaker 1: Peter leaned over the edge, drawing another deep breath of 163 00:11:10,610 --> 00:11:14,340 Speaker 1: salt air seasoned with the faint smell of fish and 164 00:11:14,400 --> 00:11:21,290 Speaker 1: damp wood. It was a pleasant, unfamiliar smell. Peter felt 165 00:11:21,340 --> 00:11:26,640 Speaker 1: his stomach again. Hunger pains jabbed at him. He leaned 166 00:11:26,679 --> 00:11:30,840 Speaker 1: his back against the wall and closed his eyes. The 167 00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:35,740 Speaker 1: soothing noise of the ocean faded, and all was silent. 168 00:11:37,300 --> 00:11:41,470 Speaker 1: Peter opened his eyes and looked up. He was no 169 00:11:41,510 --> 00:11:46,870 Speaker 1: longer on the roof, but standing on a grassy hill, gazing, 170 00:11:47,150 --> 00:11:52,160 Speaker 1: at the stars. The skies were arrayed with millions of lights, 171 00:11:52,640 --> 00:11:58,720 Speaker 1: twinkling to the tune of an unheard song. Suddenly, the 172 00:11:58,760 --> 00:12:04,850 Speaker 1: lights moved toward one another, converging in one space, then exploding. 173 00:12:05,950 --> 00:12:09,890 Speaker 1: The heavens opened up, and a burst of light threw 174 00:12:09,950 --> 00:12:16,729 Speaker 1: the firmament. Peter rolled back and watched with fear. Peter 175 00:12:16,800 --> 00:12:21,730 Speaker 1: saw something like a great sheet descending from the heavens, 176 00:12:22,470 --> 00:12:25,690 Speaker 1: being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 177 00:12:27,230 --> 00:12:32,390 Speaker 1: On the sheet were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds. 178 00:12:34,090 --> 00:12:37,090 Speaker 1: Then Peter heard a voice boom from the heavens. 179 00:12:37,870 --> 00:12:41,330 Speaker 7: Rise, Peter, kill and eat. 180 00:12:41,850 --> 00:12:45,640 Speaker 1: Peter looked at the animals. Although he was starving, none 181 00:12:45,679 --> 00:12:50,120 Speaker 1: of those animals were ceremonially accepted. The law of Moses 182 00:12:50,179 --> 00:12:53,440 Speaker 1: forbade Peter from eating every animal that walked before him. 183 00:12:54,980 --> 00:12:58,100 Speaker 1: He thought the command might be a test to see 184 00:12:58,160 --> 00:13:00,040 Speaker 1: if he would follow the law when hungry. 185 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:04,020 Speaker 2: No, Lord. I can't eat these animals. I can't eat 186 00:13:04,400 --> 00:13:06,390 Speaker 2: anything common or unclean. 187 00:13:06,850 --> 00:13:11,110 Speaker 7: What God has made clean, do not call common. 188 00:13:11,630 --> 00:13:15,790 Speaker 1: The wind picked up throughout the hills. The sheet was 189 00:13:15,870 --> 00:13:20,820 Speaker 1: rolled up and brought back into heaven. Peter gasped and 190 00:13:20,890 --> 00:13:25,160 Speaker 1: opened his eyes. He looked around. He was back on 191 00:13:25,200 --> 00:13:28,900 Speaker 1: the roof. He stood to his feet and looked out 192 00:13:28,940 --> 00:13:29,360 Speaker 1: at the sea. 193 00:13:30,140 --> 00:13:34,740 Speaker 2: What God has made clean do not go common? What 194 00:13:34,780 --> 00:13:35,400 Speaker 2: does this mean? 195 00:13:35,880 --> 00:13:41,160 Speaker 1: Peter rubbed his eyes, trying to grasp reality again. His 196 00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:46,660 Speaker 1: vision was perplexing. Peter no longer thought about the hunger 197 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:51,520 Speaker 1: in his stomach. Instead, he was filled with questions about 198 00:13:51,559 --> 00:13:57,040 Speaker 1: the meaning of his vision. In his prayers, Peter heard 199 00:13:57,320 --> 00:14:01,600 Speaker 1: from the Holy Spirit. Three men were looking for him. 200 00:14:02,580 --> 00:14:07,000 Speaker 1: When they arrived, Peter had to listen. Sure enough, Peter 201 00:14:07,070 --> 00:14:12,110 Speaker 1: saw three men standing at the gates. Okay, Lord, what 202 00:14:12,130 --> 00:14:15,890 Speaker 1: do you have next? Peter descended the stairs and approached 203 00:14:15,929 --> 00:14:16,229 Speaker 1: the men. 204 00:14:16,809 --> 00:14:19,310 Speaker 3: How may I help you, gentlemen? We are looking for 205 00:14:19,350 --> 00:14:21,650 Speaker 3: a man of God named Peter. We are told he 206 00:14:21,670 --> 00:14:22,430 Speaker 3: may be lodging here. 207 00:14:22,810 --> 00:14:25,590 Speaker 2: Where are you looking at him? Why have you come? 208 00:14:26,150 --> 00:14:29,150 Speaker 3: We have come here from Caesarea on behalf of Cornelius, 209 00:14:29,530 --> 00:14:33,010 Speaker 3: centurion over the Italian cohort. We know what you might 210 00:14:33,080 --> 00:14:35,820 Speaker 3: be thinking. Why would a Gentile be asking for you? 211 00:14:36,740 --> 00:14:40,800 Speaker 3: Cornelius is a God-fearing man who is beloved among the 212 00:14:40,860 --> 00:14:42,060 Speaker 3: Jewish people in the region. 213 00:14:42,620 --> 00:14:44,760 Speaker 2: You still haven't told me why he summoned me. 214 00:14:45,260 --> 00:14:48,020 Speaker 1: The three men looked at each other, wondering how much 215 00:14:48,140 --> 00:14:52,430 Speaker 1: detail to offer. What they were about to say seemed 216 00:14:52,610 --> 00:14:56,150 Speaker 1: crazy to them, but they didn't know who they were 217 00:14:56,190 --> 00:14:56,730 Speaker 1: talking to. 218 00:14:57,230 --> 00:15:00,570 Speaker 3: He claims an angel told him to find you. This 219 00:15:00,830 --> 00:15:03,330 Speaker 3: angel told him that you have something to tell him 220 00:15:03,810 --> 00:15:04,570 Speaker 3: and his household. 221 00:15:05,170 --> 00:15:05,890 Speaker 2: Peter smirked. 222 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:12,080 Speaker 1: Eyes lit up with curiosity. God was on the move. 223 00:15:14,420 --> 00:15:15,000 Speaker 2: Lead the way. 224 00:15:15,720 --> 00:15:19,630 Speaker 1: Peter summited a small hill overlooking the road to Caesarea. 225 00:15:20,630 --> 00:15:24,410 Speaker 1: A few brothers in Christ from Joppa accompanied him as 226 00:15:24,470 --> 00:15:28,810 Speaker 1: they followed the three Gentile servants into the city. As 227 00:15:28,870 --> 00:15:32,810 Speaker 1: Peter scanned the city below, he thought about his vision. 228 00:15:33,170 --> 00:15:39,460 Speaker 1: What God has made clean. call common. Custom forbade Jews 229 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:43,840 Speaker 1: to eat with Gentiles. But here Peter was, sharing the 230 00:15:43,900 --> 00:15:48,740 Speaker 1: road with Gentiles, to be hosted by Gentiles. And not 231 00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:54,700 Speaker 1: just any Gentiles. The household of an esteemed centurion. Tell 232 00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:58,800 Speaker 1: me more about this centurion. Well, he's not like other 233 00:15:58,840 --> 00:16:02,040 Speaker 1: men in his position. While most of the centurions crave 234 00:16:02,090 --> 00:16:07,130 Speaker 1: more power, Cornelius has other appetites. He hungers for... The 235 00:16:07,170 --> 00:16:10,150 Speaker 1: servants trailed off, searching for the right words. 236 00:16:10,930 --> 00:16:11,690 Speaker 2: Righteousness. 237 00:16:12,290 --> 00:16:16,630 Speaker 1: Peter whispered, remembering the words of his master years ago. 238 00:16:17,290 --> 00:16:21,130 Speaker 5: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 239 00:16:21,190 --> 00:16:22,970 Speaker 5: they shall be filled. 240 00:16:23,530 --> 00:16:27,510 Speaker 1: The men weaved through the busy cities of Caesarea, marching 241 00:16:27,570 --> 00:16:33,320 Speaker 1: past the barracks into the Cornelius estate. Blooming ivy covered 242 00:16:33,340 --> 00:16:38,240 Speaker 1: the large stone walls. Golden eagles were etched into the gates. 243 00:16:39,800 --> 00:16:44,860 Speaker 1: Peter felt slightly uneasy. It was like Caesar was watching. 244 00:16:46,380 --> 00:16:49,130 Speaker 1: No devout Jew would be caught dead in the home 245 00:16:49,190 --> 00:16:55,150 Speaker 1: of a centurion, at least voluntarily. Peter and his companions 246 00:16:55,310 --> 00:16:59,880 Speaker 1: entered the courtyard. He saw Cornelius with his family and friends. 247 00:17:01,200 --> 00:17:05,359 Speaker 1: He wore Roman robes, with Caesar's seal pinned to the sash. 248 00:17:06,730 --> 00:17:10,750 Speaker 1: Peter winced at the sight of him. He had been 249 00:17:10,830 --> 00:17:15,629 Speaker 1: conditioned to avoid the Romans his whole life. Now he 250 00:17:15,670 --> 00:17:20,790 Speaker 1: was preparing to preach the gospel to them. Cornelius perked 251 00:17:20,910 --> 00:17:25,090 Speaker 1: up at the sight of Peter. His shoulders swung back, 252 00:17:25,790 --> 00:17:29,899 Speaker 1: and he began to run forward. Peter braced himself for 253 00:17:29,940 --> 00:17:35,880 Speaker 1: an attack. But instead, Cornelius ran forward and fell. 254 00:17:35,820 --> 00:17:36,580 Speaker 2: At Peter's feet. 255 00:17:38,050 --> 00:17:42,360 Speaker 1: Everyone gasped at the sight of it. Cornelius, a man 256 00:17:42,380 --> 00:17:47,480 Speaker 1: of power and prestige, bowed in front of an uneducated 257 00:17:47,660 --> 00:17:48,780 Speaker 1: Galilean Jew. 258 00:17:49,359 --> 00:17:52,280 Speaker 3: Praise you, Peter. Praise you for coming. 259 00:17:53,240 --> 00:17:58,500 Speaker 1: Peter's eyes widened. He laughed nervously and grabbed Cornelius by 260 00:17:58,520 --> 00:17:59,040 Speaker 1: the shoulders. 261 00:17:59,720 --> 00:18:03,310 Speaker 2: No, no, please stand up. I'm a man just like you. 262 00:18:03,810 --> 00:18:06,590 Speaker 1: Cornelius stood up and cast a shadow down over him. 263 00:18:07,910 --> 00:18:10,370 Speaker 1: Peter was used to being the tallest man in the room, 264 00:18:11,270 --> 00:18:15,520 Speaker 1: but this centurion stood nearly a head taller. He was 265 00:18:15,580 --> 00:18:21,179 Speaker 1: broad-shouldered and chiseled from head to toe. Peter cleared his 266 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:23,520 Speaker 1: throat and gestured to his family. 267 00:18:24,100 --> 00:18:27,700 Speaker 2: Come, gather round, for I believe the Lord has a 268 00:18:27,740 --> 00:18:28,939 Speaker 2: word for us all today. 269 00:18:29,550 --> 00:18:34,230 Speaker 1: Everyone gathered round Peter. The cypress trees in the courtyard 270 00:18:34,310 --> 00:18:35,510 Speaker 1: cast a pleasant. 271 00:18:35,190 --> 00:18:36,210 Speaker 2: Shadow over the group. 272 00:18:37,550 --> 00:18:41,689 Speaker 1: He looked around, realizing what God had been trying to 273 00:18:41,730 --> 00:18:42,090 Speaker 1: show him. 274 00:18:42,990 --> 00:18:46,110 Speaker 2: You all know that it's unlawful for a Jew to 275 00:18:46,190 --> 00:18:51,270 Speaker 2: associate with or visit anyone of another nation. To Jews, 276 00:18:51,710 --> 00:18:56,580 Speaker 2: you are all considered unclean. But God has shown me 277 00:18:56,619 --> 00:19:01,879 Speaker 2: that I shouldn't call anyone common or unclean. So, when 278 00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:05,220 Speaker 2: your companion sent for me, I came without objection. 279 00:19:06,060 --> 00:19:07,480 Speaker 1: Peter gestured to Cornelius. 280 00:19:08,160 --> 00:19:10,720 Speaker 2: Now tell me, friend, why have you sent for me? 281 00:19:11,340 --> 00:19:15,540 Speaker 1: Cornelius was standing at attention. He was leaning forward as 282 00:19:15,619 --> 00:19:18,639 Speaker 1: if Peter was about to feed him something delicious. 283 00:19:19,260 --> 00:19:22,909 Speaker 3: Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in 284 00:19:22,950 --> 00:19:26,590 Speaker 3: my home. As I was praying, a man stood before 285 00:19:26,650 --> 00:19:30,330 Speaker 3: me in bright clothing. I perceived him to be an 286 00:19:30,590 --> 00:19:33,590 Speaker 3: angel sent from heaven. He told me to find you. 287 00:19:34,190 --> 00:19:34,609 Speaker 7: And now. 288 00:19:35,850 --> 00:19:39,530 Speaker 3: I and my household are here in the presence of 289 00:19:39,630 --> 00:19:44,980 Speaker 3: God to hear what you have been commanded to preach. Amazing. 290 00:19:45,780 --> 00:19:50,179 Speaker 2: I guess God doesn't show partiality. Every nation who fears 291 00:19:50,220 --> 00:19:53,570 Speaker 2: him and seeks righteousness will be accepted before him. 292 00:19:54,080 --> 00:19:58,379 Speaker 1: Peter stretched out his arms and greeted them as family, saying. 293 00:19:59,030 --> 00:20:01,710 Speaker 2: This is the word I have come to preach. It 294 00:20:01,790 --> 00:20:06,770 Speaker 2: is good news, and that news is peace. Peace through 295 00:20:06,790 --> 00:20:11,379 Speaker 2: a knowledge of Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Many of 296 00:20:11,420 --> 00:20:16,460 Speaker 2: you have probably heard his name. He became famous throughout Judea. 297 00:20:17,140 --> 00:20:20,149 Speaker 2: He was a man of great works and healing. He 298 00:20:20,210 --> 00:20:25,130 Speaker 2: cast out demons and preached liberty to the captives. God 299 00:20:25,210 --> 00:20:29,670 Speaker 2: was truly with him. I and my companions are witnesses 300 00:20:29,710 --> 00:20:33,930 Speaker 2: of all that he did. But not all were amazed 301 00:20:34,040 --> 00:20:37,600 Speaker 2: by his words and works. He was put to death 302 00:20:38,460 --> 00:20:43,680 Speaker 2: on a cross. But God raised him from the dead. 303 00:20:43,800 --> 00:20:48,139 Speaker 2: Three days later, we bore witness to his resurrection. We 304 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:51,760 Speaker 2: ate with him, communed with him, and felt his embrace. 305 00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:57,919 Speaker 2: He truly rose from the dead. Now we all testify 306 00:20:57,960 --> 00:21:01,000 Speaker 2: to his life. He has been appointed by God to 307 00:21:01,040 --> 00:21:04,160 Speaker 2: be judge of the living and the dead. 308 00:21:04,720 --> 00:21:09,109 Speaker 1: Peter paused, turned to Cornelius, and said, I've been. 309 00:21:08,990 --> 00:21:12,570 Speaker 2: Told you are a God-fearing man and have read the prophets. 310 00:21:13,369 --> 00:21:17,600 Speaker 2: They bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives 311 00:21:17,690 --> 00:21:20,460 Speaker 2: forgiveness of sins through his name. 312 00:21:21,100 --> 00:21:26,320 Speaker 1: As Peter spoke, people began to stir. The Spirit of 313 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:31,100 Speaker 1: God was in their midst, moving hearts and stirring souls. 314 00:21:32,960 --> 00:21:36,000 Speaker 1: The Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 315 00:21:37,080 --> 00:21:40,160 Speaker 1: They began to speak in tongues. and praised the Lord 316 00:21:40,200 --> 00:21:45,899 Speaker 1: with passion and insight. Peter and his companions watched in 317 00:21:45,980 --> 00:21:53,590 Speaker 1: amazement as uncircumcised Gentiles received Christ into their hearts and 318 00:21:53,640 --> 00:21:58,790 Speaker 1: immediately poured out praise. They had no idea what to 319 00:21:58,830 --> 00:22:03,570 Speaker 1: make of it. Up until now, only Jews had received Christ, 320 00:22:04,150 --> 00:22:09,020 Speaker 1: but now something new was at work. something that penetrated 321 00:22:09,119 --> 00:22:13,180 Speaker 1: through the walls of race, culture, class, or creed. 322 00:22:14,020 --> 00:22:17,240 Speaker 3: Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord 323 00:22:17,359 --> 00:22:21,550 Speaker 3: Jesus Christ. He has filled us. He has come. 324 00:22:22,510 --> 00:22:24,470 Speaker 1: Peter turned back to his companions. 325 00:22:25,190 --> 00:22:27,810 Speaker 2: You see and hear it, don't you? How could we 326 00:22:27,890 --> 00:22:32,859 Speaker 2: possibly withhold water for baptizing these people? They've received the 327 00:22:32,910 --> 00:22:33,660 Speaker 2: Holy Spirit. 328 00:22:34,450 --> 00:22:37,600 Speaker 1: Peter and the others led Cornelius and his family down 329 00:22:37,680 --> 00:22:42,899 Speaker 1: to the water. They baptized them all, one by one. 330 00:22:45,020 --> 00:22:49,550 Speaker 1: The connection to God Cornelius had longed for had come 331 00:22:49,720 --> 00:22:54,990 Speaker 1: in the form of God's Spirit. It didn't matter whether 332 00:22:55,050 --> 00:23:00,330 Speaker 1: he was a Gentile, a Roman, or a Centurion. He 333 00:23:00,530 --> 00:23:05,609 Speaker 1: hungered for righteousness. And God filled him. 334 00:23:09,730 --> 00:23:12,659 Speaker 6: Man, I love this story. Let's start with Cornelius, a 335 00:23:12,760 --> 00:23:16,919 Speaker 6: Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. Picture a man in shining 336 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:20,460 Speaker 6: armor commanding a hundred soldiers, a symbol of the occupying 337 00:23:20,540 --> 00:23:23,780 Speaker 6: force in Judea. Now imagine the same man as a 338 00:23:23,859 --> 00:23:26,899 Speaker 6: devout man who feared God with his entire household, who 339 00:23:26,960 --> 00:23:30,230 Speaker 6: gives alms generously to the poor and prays to God always. 340 00:23:30,670 --> 00:23:32,650 Speaker 6: Wait a minute, a Roman soldier who loves the God 341 00:23:32,670 --> 00:23:35,470 Speaker 6: of Israel? Cornelius didn't fit the mold. He was a 342 00:23:35,510 --> 00:23:39,580 Speaker 6: Gentile who embraced Jewish monotheism, but hadn't fully converted. He 343 00:23:39,600 --> 00:23:42,699 Speaker 6: was respected, yet still an outsider. It's a reminder that 344 00:23:42,740 --> 00:23:45,820 Speaker 6: God's fingerprints can be found in the hearts we least expect. 345 00:23:46,119 --> 00:23:49,090 Speaker 6: It's also a reminder that not everyone fits super neatly 346 00:23:49,119 --> 00:23:52,350 Speaker 6: in a defined group. When they would see a Roman centurion, 347 00:23:52,369 --> 00:23:54,390 Speaker 6: they would assume a lot of things about him. But 348 00:23:54,590 --> 00:23:57,270 Speaker 6: you all know what people say about assuming, right? We're 349 00:23:57,310 --> 00:24:00,100 Speaker 6: not supposed to look at what someone's profession is, or 350 00:24:00,170 --> 00:24:03,230 Speaker 6: where someone went to school, or who they voted for, 351 00:24:03,369 --> 00:24:06,190 Speaker 6: and automatically decide that we know every single thing about them. 352 00:24:06,609 --> 00:24:10,369 Speaker 6: People are complicated. People are nuanced. People have depths and 353 00:24:10,450 --> 00:24:14,109 Speaker 6: paths and hopes and dreams that we can't see on 354 00:24:14,130 --> 00:24:17,550 Speaker 6: the surface. The fact that Cornelius is so deep and 355 00:24:17,609 --> 00:24:20,550 Speaker 6: so nuanced should also remind us that we can't judge 356 00:24:20,590 --> 00:24:22,389 Speaker 6: a book by its cover. And so let's get into 357 00:24:22,430 --> 00:24:25,460 Speaker 6: the story. One afternoon around 3 p.m., Cornelius has a 358 00:24:25,500 --> 00:24:28,520 Speaker 6: vision while he's praying. An angel calls him and says 359 00:24:28,580 --> 00:24:31,280 Speaker 6: that your prayers and alms have come as a memorial 360 00:24:31,340 --> 00:24:34,540 Speaker 6: before God. The angel instructs him to send for a 361 00:24:34,560 --> 00:24:37,899 Speaker 6: man named Peter, who's staying in Joppa, Simon the Tanner. Now, 362 00:24:37,940 --> 00:24:41,220 Speaker 6: Cornelius doesn't delay. He sends his men to Joppa immediately. 363 00:24:41,540 --> 00:24:45,040 Speaker 6: Talk about obedience without hesitation. He doesn't know Peter, but 364 00:24:45,080 --> 00:24:48,880 Speaker 6: he trusts that God is orchestrating something significant. Meanwhile, Peter 365 00:24:48,920 --> 00:24:52,139 Speaker 6: is in Joppa, praying on a rooftop around noon. He's hungry, 366 00:24:52,359 --> 00:24:55,940 Speaker 6: perhaps dreaming of a kosher sandwich, when he falls into 367 00:24:55,960 --> 00:25:00,010 Speaker 6: a trance. He sees a large sheet descending from the heavens, 368 00:25:00,290 --> 00:25:03,250 Speaker 6: filled with all sorts of animals, reptiles, birds. And a 369 00:25:03,290 --> 00:25:06,890 Speaker 6: voice tells him, rise, Peter, kill and eat. And Peter protests. 370 00:25:06,930 --> 00:25:09,609 Speaker 6: He says, no, of course not. He probably thinks it's 371 00:25:09,670 --> 00:25:12,330 Speaker 6: a test of obedience, saying, no, Lord, I'm kosher. I 372 00:25:12,369 --> 00:25:14,990 Speaker 6: promise I'm kosher. You put these temptations before me. I 373 00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:17,919 Speaker 6: promise I'm not going to do this. But the voice responds, 374 00:25:18,200 --> 00:25:21,520 Speaker 6: what God has cleansed, you must not call common. This 375 00:25:21,580 --> 00:25:25,100 Speaker 6: exchange happens three times. And Peter's left scratching his head, 376 00:25:25,200 --> 00:25:29,480 Speaker 6: wondering what it all means. Just then, Cornelius' men arrive, 377 00:25:29,520 --> 00:25:31,460 Speaker 6: and the Holy Spirit tells Peter that he needs to 378 00:25:31,500 --> 00:25:35,030 Speaker 6: go with them. And when Peter arrives, he finds Cornelius' 379 00:25:35,070 --> 00:25:39,129 Speaker 6: house packed with relatives and close friends. Cornelius falls at 380 00:25:39,190 --> 00:25:42,570 Speaker 6: Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter has to lift him up. 381 00:25:42,590 --> 00:25:45,100 Speaker 6: He says, stand up, I'm just a guy. It's a 382 00:25:45,119 --> 00:25:48,320 Speaker 6: beautiful moment of humility and mutual respect, and Peter is 383 00:25:48,359 --> 00:25:51,180 Speaker 6: starting to unpack the layers of what God is trying 384 00:25:51,220 --> 00:25:54,680 Speaker 6: to show him. Peter addresses the elephant in the room. 385 00:25:55,100 --> 00:25:58,060 Speaker 6: He says, you know, as a Jewish man, it's unlawful 386 00:25:58,119 --> 00:26:00,020 Speaker 6: for me to keep company with you, to share a 387 00:26:00,060 --> 00:26:02,199 Speaker 6: food with you, to share a table with you. But 388 00:26:02,260 --> 00:26:05,080 Speaker 6: God's starting to show me things. God is starting to 389 00:26:05,119 --> 00:26:09,260 Speaker 6: show me that what man has called unclean, God maybe 390 00:26:09,320 --> 00:26:12,920 Speaker 6: wants me to pay attention to. Don't call something common 391 00:26:13,100 --> 00:26:16,900 Speaker 6: that God has restored. Peter shares the message of Jesus, 392 00:26:16,940 --> 00:26:19,909 Speaker 6: his life, death, and resurrection. And as he's speaking, the 393 00:26:19,950 --> 00:26:22,990 Speaker 6: Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening. The Jewish 394 00:26:23,030 --> 00:26:26,369 Speaker 6: believers with Peter are astonished to see Gentiles speaking in 395 00:26:26,450 --> 00:26:29,770 Speaker 6: tongues and praising God. The lessons are palpable for us. 396 00:26:30,150 --> 00:26:33,270 Speaker 6: Cornelius was an outsider by all societal standards, yet God 397 00:26:33,290 --> 00:26:35,889 Speaker 6: saw his heart. We must be careful not to limit 398 00:26:35,990 --> 00:26:38,470 Speaker 6: who we think God can reach out to or who 399 00:26:38,530 --> 00:26:41,969 Speaker 6: he can teach us through. Another big theme is that 400 00:26:42,070 --> 00:26:46,689 Speaker 6: obedience often precedes understanding. Both Cornelius and Peter had to 401 00:26:46,930 --> 00:26:51,770 Speaker 6: act and obey God before fully understanding what's happening. Sometimes 402 00:26:51,910 --> 00:26:57,190 Speaker 6: obedience means taking the first step without seeing the whole staircase. Listen, 403 00:26:57,250 --> 00:26:59,840 Speaker 6: we all have our Gentiles, people who we consciously or 404 00:26:59,880 --> 00:27:02,980 Speaker 6: unconsciously exclude from our lives. Maybe it's someone with a 405 00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:05,480 Speaker 6: different political view, a different background, or a lifestyle that 406 00:27:05,500 --> 00:27:08,720 Speaker 6: we just don't understand. Acts 10 challenges us to break 407 00:27:08,760 --> 00:27:11,480 Speaker 6: down those barriers for the sake of the gospel. Imagine 408 00:27:11,500 --> 00:27:14,060 Speaker 6: if Peter had said, sorry Lord, I don't associate with Gentiles. 409 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:17,979 Speaker 6: The ripple effect would have been immense. the gospel might 410 00:27:18,020 --> 00:27:20,590 Speaker 6: have remained confined and we wouldn't be here today as 411 00:27:20,640 --> 00:27:24,750 Speaker 6: beneficiaries of his boundary-breaking movement. Acts 10 isn't just a 412 00:27:24,810 --> 00:27:28,470 Speaker 6: historical account. It's a mirror reflecting our own biases and 413 00:27:28,510 --> 00:27:31,070 Speaker 6: a window into God's expansive heart. It's a call to 414 00:27:31,090 --> 00:27:33,310 Speaker 6: step out of our comfort zones and to the wide 415 00:27:33,369 --> 00:27:36,770 Speaker 6: open spaces of God's grace. So let's ask ourselves, where 416 00:27:36,830 --> 00:27:40,909 Speaker 6: is God challenging my preconceived notions? Who is the Cornelius 417 00:27:40,950 --> 00:27:43,840 Speaker 6: in my life that I'm hesitant to engage with? And 418 00:27:44,180 --> 00:27:46,540 Speaker 6: how can I be a conduit of God's limitless love 419 00:27:46,580 --> 00:27:49,580 Speaker 6: in a world obsessed with limits? May we, like Peter, 420 00:27:49,619 --> 00:27:52,200 Speaker 6: be willing to say, in truth, I perceive that God 421 00:27:52,260 --> 00:27:56,590 Speaker 6: shows no partiality. Let's break down some barriers, expand our tables, 422 00:27:56,790 --> 00:27:59,389 Speaker 6: and watch how God moves when we align ourselves with 423 00:27:59,430 --> 00:28:00,130 Speaker 6: his boundless love.