Acts 10:9
The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
The next day
This phrase situates the narrative in a specific timeline, emphasizing the continuity and unfolding of God's divine plan. In the context of Acts, the events are part of a larger account of the early church's expansion. The phrase underscores the immediacy and urgency of God's work, as the events of Cornelius' vision and Peter's subsequent vision are closely linked. Historically, this reflects the rapid spread of the Gospel and the divine orchestration of events.

as they were on their journey
This phrase refers to the men sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion, to find Peter. Their journey signifies the bridging of cultural and religious divides, as Cornelius, a Gentile, seeks out Peter, a Jew. This journey is symbolic of the broader mission of the church to reach all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission. Theologically, it represents the movement of God's Spirit beyond traditional boundaries.

and approaching the city
The city in question is Joppa, a significant location in biblical history. Joppa, now known as Jaffa, was an ancient port city, symbolizing openness and connection. Its mention here highlights the theme of openness to God's new direction for the church. Archaeologically, Joppa was a bustling hub, reflecting the diverse interactions that would have been common, setting the stage for Peter's transformative vision.

Peter went up on the roof
In ancient Jewish culture, the roof was a place of solitude and prayer, away from the distractions of daily life. Peter's ascent to the roof signifies a deliberate act of seeking God, a posture of openness to divine revelation. Theologically, it represents the importance of prayer in discerning God's will. The roof, a place of elevation, symbolizes Peter's readiness to receive a higher perspective from God.

to pray
Prayer is central to the life of a believer, and here it is the catalyst for Peter's vision. The Greek word for prayer, "proseuchomai," implies a deep, earnest communication with God. This moment of prayer is pivotal, as it prepares Peter's heart for the radical message he is about to receive. It underscores the necessity of prayer in aligning oneself with God's purposes.

at about the sixth hour
The sixth hour corresponds to noon, a traditional time of prayer in Jewish custom. This detail highlights Peter's adherence to Jewish prayer practices, even as God is about to expand his understanding of the faith. The timing is significant, as noon is a time of light and clarity, symbolizing the illumination Peter is about to receive regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan. Historically, this marks a turning point in the early church's mission.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, a key leader in the early Christian church. Known for his boldness and leadership, Peter is central to the events in Acts 10 as he receives a vision that challenges Jewish dietary laws and opens the way for Gentile inclusion in the church.

2. The Roof
In ancient Jewish culture, the roof of a house was often used as a place of solitude and prayer. Peter's choice to pray on the roof signifies his devotion and desire for communion with God.

3. The Sixth Hour
This refers to noon, a time traditionally set aside for prayer in Jewish custom. It highlights Peter's adherence to Jewish prayer practices even as God prepares to expand his understanding.

4. The Journey
Refers to the journey of the men sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion, to find Peter. This journey is pivotal as it sets the stage for the meeting between Peter and Cornelius, leading to the Gentile inclusion in the church.

5. The City
The city referred to is Joppa, where Peter was staying. Joppa is significant as a port city, symbolizing the outreach of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries.
Teaching Points
Prayer as Preparation
Peter's time in prayer prepared him for a significant revelation from God. Regular prayer is essential for spiritual readiness and openness to God's leading.

Breaking Cultural Barriers
Peter's vision challenges Jewish dietary laws, symbolizing the breaking of cultural and religious barriers. Christians are called to transcend cultural prejudices and embrace all people.

Obedience to God's Vision
Peter's willingness to act on the vision he received demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's guidance, even when it challenges personal or cultural norms.

Divine Timing
The timing of the events, including the journey of Cornelius' men and Peter's prayer, shows God's perfect orchestration. Trusting in God's timing is crucial for believers.

Inclusivity in the Gospel
The inclusion of Gentiles marks a pivotal moment in church history, reminding Christians of the universal scope of the Gospel message.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Peter's practice of prayer influence his ability to receive and act on God's vision? Reflect on your own prayer life in light of this.

2. In what ways does Acts 10:9 challenge cultural or religious barriers in your own context? How can you apply this lesson in your community?

3. Consider the role of divine timing in Acts 10:9. How have you experienced God's timing in your life, and how can you cultivate patience and trust in His plans?

4. How does Peter's vision and subsequent actions relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? What steps can you take to fulfill this commission in your own life?

5. Reflect on the inclusivity of the Gospel as demonstrated in Acts 10. How can you actively work to ensure that your church or community is welcoming to all people, regardless of background?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 1:8
Jesus' command to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth" is being fulfilled as Peter's vision and subsequent actions lead to the inclusion of Gentiles.

Matthew 16:18-19
Jesus' promise to Peter about the keys of the kingdom is being realized as Peter opens the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Galatians 3:28
The breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile is a theme echoed in Paul's writings, emphasizing unity in Christ.
A Good Man's ConversionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
Broadening FoundationsP.C. Barker Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusW. M. Taylor, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusJames Owens.Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusW. Hay Aitken, M. A.Acts 10:1-48
CorneliusPreacher's MonthlyActs 10:1-48
Cornelius of CaesareaG. M. Grant, B. D.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius the Truth SeekerC. H. Payne, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius, a Monument of the Omnipotence of GraceK. Gerok.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius, an Example of PietyJ. T. Woodhouse.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius, the Truth SeekerJ. G. Hughes.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius: a Model for VolunteersG. Venables, M. A.Acts 10:1-48
Cornelius; Or, New Departures in ReligionJ. Clifford, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
DreamsG. H. James.Acts 10:1-48
Family DevotionC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:1-48
Peter's VisionR. T. Stevenson.Acts 10:1-48
Peter's VisionD. J. Burrell D. D.Acts 10:1-48
The Character and Conversion of CorneliusR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Acts 10:1-48
The Character of CorneliusG. Spence, D. C. L.Acts 10:1-48
The Conversion of the GentilesJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
The Providential Guidance of the ChurchDean Alford.Acts 10:1-48
The Supernatural PreparationD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 10:1-48
Devout HeathenR. Tuck Acts 10:2, 22
A Divine Call to PreachT. McCullagh.Acts 10:9-16
An Apostle DreamingS. A. Tipple.Acts 10:9-16
Common and Unclean ThingsA. T. Pierson.Acts 10:9-16
Devotion and ActionDionysius of Carthage.Acts 10:9-16
Doubt: its Cause and CureJ. W. Burn.Acts 10:9-16
How May We Know Our WorkChristian AgeActs 10:9-16
Ministry of MenActs 10:9-16
Peter's Blunder: a Lesson to OurselvesC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:9-16
Peter's Obedience to an Unexpected IntimationChristian HeraldActs 10:9-16
Peter's VisionJ. Fawcett, M. A.Acts 10:9-16
Peter's VisionPreacher's MonthlyActs 10:9-16
Retirement Necessary for PrayerC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 10:9-16
Sectarian NarrownessJ. R. Andrews.Acts 10:9-16
The Beautiful in the Common Brought Out by CleansingActs 10:9-16
The Cleansing of All Meats by ChristArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 10:9-16
The Comprehensiveness of the GospelJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D., P. H. Power, M. A.Acts 10:9-16
The Ground of the Antipathy Between Jew and GentileArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 10:9-16
The Humility of CorneliusProf. I. H. Hall.Acts 10:9-16
The Idolatry of Self-WillJohn Smith.Acts 10:9-16
The Light of Heaven on the Open Gate of a New WorldR.A. Redford Acts 10:9-16
The Messengers of the Centurion At Peter's DoorK. Gerok.Acts 10:9-16
The Petrine Vision At JoppaG. T. Stokes, D. D.Acts 10:9-16
The Transition from the Old to the NewJ. Baldwin Brown, B. A.Acts 10:9-16
The Vision of PeterF. A. Krummacher, D. D.Acts 10:9-16
The Ecstasy and Vision of PeterE. Johnson Acts 10:9-17
Man in God's Sight; Or, Divine ImpartialityW. Clarkson Acts 10:9-48
People
Cornelius, John, Peter, Simon
Places
Caesarea, Galilee, Jerusalem, Joppa, Judea, Nazareth
Topics
Approaching, Close, Drawing, Drew, Getting, Got, Hour, Housetop, House-top, Journey, Journeying, Morrow, Nigh, Noon, Peter, Prayer, Proceeding, Roof, Sixth, Town
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 10:9

     4960   noon
     5506   roof
     8602   prayer
     8620   prayer, practicalities

Acts 10:1-48

     5250   centurion

Acts 10:9-10

     4476   meals

Acts 10:9-14

     4605   animals, religious role
     5773   abstinence, discipline

Acts 10:9-15

     7422   ritual

Acts 10:9-16

     5010   conscience, matters of
     8409   decision-making, and providence

Acts 10:9-17

     1466   vision
     5263   communication

Acts 10:9-20

     7512   Gentiles, in NT

Acts 10:9-23

     1457   trance

Library
December 2 Morning
Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.--I JOHN 2:20. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.--It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.--Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Thou anointest my head with oil.--The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 29. "Call not Thou Common" (Acts x. 15).
"Call not thou common" (Acts x. 15). "There is nothing common of itself" (Rom. xiv. 14). We can bring Christ into common things as fully as into what we call religious services. Indeed, it is the highest and hardest application of Divine grace, to bring it down to the ordinary matters of life, and therefore God is far more honored in this than even in things that are more specially sacred. Therefore, in the twelfth chapter of Romans, which is the manual of practical consecration, just after the passage
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

February 13. "Thy Prayers are Come up for a Memorial Before God" (Acts x. 4).
"Thy prayers are come up for a memorial before God" (Acts x. 4). What a beautiful expression the angel used to Cornelius, "Thy prayers are come up for a memorial." It would almost seem as if supplications of years had accumulated before the Throne, and at last the answer broke in blessings on the head of Cornelius, even as the accumulated evaporation of months at last bursts in floods of rain upon the parched ground. So God is represented as treasuring the prayers of His saints in vials; they are
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Easter Monday
Text: Acts 10, 34-43. 34 And Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him. 36 The word which he sent unto the children of Israel, preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)--37 that saying ye yourselves know, which was published throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 even Jesus of Nazareth,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

What God Hath Cleansed
'There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2. A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 3. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

'God is no Respecter of Persons'
'And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31. And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea-side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 83. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

May the Twenty-Sixth the Uniting of Sundered Peoples
"On the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost." --ACTS x. 34-48. And this is ever the issue of a true outpouring of the Spirit: sundered peoples become one. At "low tide" there are multitudes of separated pools along the shore: at "high tide" they flow together, and the little distinctions are lost in a splendid union. It is so racially. "Jew and Gentile!" Peter and Cornelius lose their prejudices in the emancipating ministry of the Spirit. And so shall it be with English and
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Now, it is to the work of the Holy Spirit that I shall this morning specially direct your attention; and I may as well mention the reason why I do so. It is this. We have received continually fresh confirmations of the good news from a far country, which has already made glad the hearts of many of God's people. In the United States of America there is certainly a great awakening. No sane man living there could think of denying it. There may be something of spurious excitement mixed up with it, but
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Candour of the Writers of the New Testament.
I make this candour to consist in their putting down many passages, and noticing many circumstances, which no writer whatever was likely to have forged; and which no writer would have chosen to appear in his book who had been careful to present the story in the most unexceptionable form, or who had thought himself at liberty to carve and mould the particulars of that story according to his choice, or according to his judgment of the effect. A strong and well-known example of the fairness of the evangelists
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Devotion to God.
Devotion to God implies ardent affection for him--a yielding of the heart to him with reverence, faith, and piety in every act, particularly in prayer and meditation. We catch a glimpse of the true meaning of devotion from what is said of the centurion of the Italian band. He was termed a devout man because he feared God, gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always (see Acts 10:2). This is the essence of true devotion. He loved God, without which there can be no devotion. The more we love
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

Israel and the Nations.
"Because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost."--Acts x. 45. The question that arises with reference to Pentecost is: Since the Holy Spirit imparted saving grace to men before and after Pentecost, what is the difference caused by that descent of the Holy Spirit? An illustration may explain the difference. The rain descends from heaven and man gathers it to quench his thirst. When householders collect it each in his own cistern, it comes down for every family separately;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Whether Paul, when in Rapture, Saw the Essence of God?
Objection 1: It would seem that Paul, when in rapture, did not see the essence of God. For just as we read of Paul that he was rapt to the third heaven, so we read of Peter (Acts 10:10) that "there came upon him an ecstasy of mind." Now Peter, in his ecstasy, saw not God's essence but an imaginary vision. Therefore it would seem that neither did Paul see the essence of God. Objection 2: Further, the vision of God is beatific. But Paul, in his rapture, was not beatified; else he would never have returned
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the World is to be Cleansed?
Objection 1: It would seem that there is not to be any cleansing of the world. For only that which is unclean needs cleansing. Now God's creatures are not unclean, wherefore it is written (Acts 10:15): "That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common," i.e. unclean. Therefore the creatures of the world shall not be cleansed. Objection 2: Further, according to Divine justice cleansing is directed to the removal of the uncleanness of sin, as instanced in the cleansing after death. But there can
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Blindness and Hardness of Heart are Directed to the Salvation of those who are Blinded and Hardened?
Objection 1: It would seem that blindness and hardness of heart are always directed to the salvation of those who are blinded and hardened. For Augustine says (Enchiridion xi) that "as God is supremely good, He would nowise allow evil to be done, unless He could draw some good from every evil." Much more, therefore, does He direct to some good, the evil of which He Himself is the cause. Now God is the cause of blindness and hardness of heart, as stated above [1803](A[3]). Therefore they are directed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the First Movements of the Sensuality in Unbelievers are Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that the first movements of the sensuality in unbelievers are mortal sins. For the Apostle says (Rom. 8:1) that "there is . . . no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh": and he is speaking there of the concupiscence of the sensuality, as appears from the context (Rom. 7). Therefore the reason why concupiscence is not a matter of condemnation to those who walk not according to the flesh, i.e. by consenting to concupiscence, is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Judiciary Power is to be Specially Attributed to Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that judiciary power is not to be specially attributed to Christ. For judgment of others seems to belong to their lord; hence it is written (Rom. 14:4): "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?" But, it belongs to the entire Trinity to be Lord over creatures. Therefore judiciary power ought not to be attributed specially to Christ. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Dan. 7:9): "The Ancient of days sat"; and further on (Dan. 7:10), "the judgment sat, and the books
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all Men Will be Present at the Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that men will not all be present at the judgment. For it is written (Mat. 19:28): "You . . . shall sit on twelve seats, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." But all men do not belong to those twelve tribes. Therefore it would seem that men will not all be present at the judgment. Objection 2: Further, the same apparently is to be gathered from Ps. 1:5, "The wicked shall not rise again in judgment." Objection 3: Further, a man is brought to judgment that his merits may
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Witnesses of the Transfiguration were Fittingly Chosen?
Objection 1: It would seem that the witnesses of the transfiguration were unfittingly chosen. For everyone is a better witness of things that he knows. But at the time of Christ's transfiguration no one but the angels had as yet any knowledge from experience of the glory to come. Therefore the witnesses of the transfiguration should have been angels rather than men. Objection 2: Further, truth, not fiction, is becoming in a witness of the truth. Now, Moses and Elias were there, not really, but only
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Prophetic vision is Always Accompanied by Abstraction from the Senses?
Objection 1: It would seem that the prophetic vision is always accompanied by abstraction from the senses. For it is written (Num. 12:6): "If there be among you a prophet of the Lord, I will appear to him in a vision, or I will speak to him in a dream." Now a gloss says at the beginning of the Psalter, "a vision that takes place by dreams and apparitions consists of things which seem to be said or done." But when things seem to be said or done, which are neither said nor done, there is abstraction
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Grace and virtues are Bestowed on Man by Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Because, as stated above ([4464]Q[62], A[1], ad 1), the sacraments of the New Law "effect what they signify." But the baptismal cleansing signifies the cleansing of the soul from guilt, and not the fashioning of the soul with grace and virtues. Therefore it seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Objection 2: Further, one does not need to receive what one has already acquired. But some approach
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law Should have Been Given to the Jews Alone?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law should not have been given to the Jews alone. For the Old Law disposed men for the salvation which was to come through Christ, as stated above ([2065]AA[2],3). But that salvation was to come not to the Jews alone but to all nations, according to Is. 49:6: "It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayest be
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Judicial Precepts Regarding Foreigners were Framed in a Suitable Manner?
Objection 1: It would seem that the judicial precepts regarding foreigners were not suitably framed. For Peter said (Acts 10:34,35): "In very deed I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons, but in every nation, he that feareth Him and worketh justice is acceptable to Him." But those who are acceptable to God should not be excluded from the Church of God. Therefore it is unsuitably commanded (Dt. 23:3) that "the Ammonite and the Moabite, even after the tenth generation, shall not enter into
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Every Act of an Unbeliever is a Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that each act of an unbeliever is a sin. Because a gloss on Rom. 14:23, "All that is not of faith is sin," says: "The whole life of unbelievers is a sin." Now the life of unbelievers consists of their actions. Therefore every action of an unbeliever is a sin. Objection 2: Further, faith directs the intention. Now there can be no good save what comes from a right intention. Therefore, among unbelievers, no action can be good. Objection 3: Further, when that which precedes
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Made Known to Some?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ's birth should not have been made known to anyone. For, as stated above (A[1], ad 3), it befitted the salvation of mankind that Christ's first coming should be hidden. But Christ came to save all; according to 1 Tim. 4:10: "Who is the Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful." Therefore Christ's birth should not have been made known to anyone. Objection 2: Further, before Christ was born, His future birth was made known to the Blessed Virgin and Joseph.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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