Acts 10

Good theology is consistent. Yet being human and being consistent does not always go hand-in-hand. Consistency requires diligent effort in both action and thought. It is often easier to do what feels right than it is to make the effort to think and do what is right.

In the events of chapter 10, three major aspects stand out. God sent an angel, God sent a vision and God sent the Holy Spirit with the gift of languages. I do not know anyone who insists that the first aspect of God’s guidance in this event is a requirement in today’s Christian life. We do not expect God to send us angels to guide our footsteps. We recognize that we are to allow his holy word and his Holy Spirit to guide us. We seek God’s guidance on a daily basis and we receive it. Cornelius did not yet have the Holy Spirit, so the angel served a purpose.

God gave Peter a vision that caused him to have a life-changing revelation. Occasionally, our dreams will point us in a direction, but we do not expect them as a requirement for the transformation that God is working by renewing our minds. Most of the transformation in our thinking takes place after reading or listening to truth from the scriptures explained in a way that shine a light of truth and revelation. The messengers were at the door and Peter needed enlightened then, not later. The vision served a purpose.

When the gentiles believed in Christ, they received the Holy Spirit and the gift of languages at the same time. The Jewish believers recognized this as proof of God’s approval upon the gentile Christians. The gift of languages always serves a purpose. On Pentecost, it served the purpose of communication, and here it served as God’s validation of the gentile believers.

This text does not prove that Christians must speak in tongues, have visions or receive visits from angels. God does not limit the way He works to our expectations.