Acts 10:34-44

Cornelius knew God was the God of the Jews. Being in the Roman military meant becoming a Jew was not an option; Cornelius worshipped God anyway. Cornelius had no reason to believe that he would ever be righteous in God’s sight. Therefore, it was good news when Peter began by telling Cornelius that God does not show favoritism. God accepts everyone who fears Him and does what is right, no matter what his or her nationality.

While sharing the good news of the gospel with Cornelius, Peter did not talk about Jesus being the Messiah. Cornelius not being a Jew was not expecting or looking for the Messiah. Instead, Peter told Cornelius about Jesus bringing the good news of peace. Cornelius was a man of war; he appreciated peace in a way only a man of war could. Some of the most evil and wicked deeds are witnessed in the context of war. Peter told about how Jesus freed people from the power of Satan. The knowledge that Christ has the ability to set men free from Satan’s power is life-changing.

Peter testified that he was a personal witness to the ministry of Jesus. He was there at His death, and he saw him after God raised Him from the dead. He verified that Christ lived again with a physical body, not merely as the spirit. Peter ate and drank with Him after Jesus had risen from the dead. Peter testified that Jesus was going to judge both the living and the dead. Everyone who believes in Jesus will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.

We do not know what else Peter would have said, because while he was still speaking, Cornelius and those with him believed and received the Holy Spirit.

The gospel is huge. To Cornelius, “Faith in Jesus makes you righteous.” To the Jews, “Jesus is the Messiah.” To the enslaved of Satan, “Jesus will set you free.” To the guilty, “Jesus forgives.” People have unlimited needs; we have unlimited gospel.