Pondering the Scriptures Sunday: Peter and Cornelius

Today's scriptures study is found in the book of Acts chapter 10.  Here we learn about a centurion (officer of the Roman Army, in command of 100 men), named Cornelius.  He was described as a devout man that feared God, gave alms, and prayed always.  One day an angel came to him and told him to send men to fetch Peter in Joppa.  In the meantime Peter praying and very hungry and about to eat, fell into a trance.  He saw the heaven opened and laid before him were many animals.  He was told to kill and eat.  Remembering that he was never to eat anything common or unclean (see Leviticus 11), he refused.  He was then told that "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." (Act 10:15).  Still contemplating on the meaning of his vision, the three men that Cornelius sent came to Peter and told him of Cornelius's vision.  Peter agreed to go with them.  Meanwhile, Cornelius gathered up his family and friends in anticipation of Peter's visit and teachings.  Cornelius overcame by Peter's presence fell down at his feet and worshipped Peter.  Peter took him up and said that he was just a man.  Peter then seeing the multitude came to understand his vision.  See, up to this time the Apostles had been teaching the gospel to the Jews and most of the church members were under the impression that only the Jewish people can be taught the gospel.  Cornelius was not a Jew so Peter preaching to him and to those gathered (Gentiles) was unusual.  However, Peter realized that teaching the gospel is for all .."Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Act 10:34-35).  So Peter preached to these Gentiles and the Holy Ghost fell on them ... and so they were baptized. 

                                                              (courtesy of lds.org)

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19)