Acts 10:22 – “The men replied, ‘We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, the men who were sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion, explain why they have come to Peter’s house. They introduce Cornelius as a righteous and God-fearing man, respected by the Jewish people. They also tell Peter that a holy angel appeared to Cornelius, instructing him to invite Peter to his home so that he could hear Peter’s message.

This is a crucial moment in the story. Peter has just had a vision that challenged his beliefs about clean and unclean things (Acts 10:9-16), and now, right on cue, he meets messengers from a Gentile, inviting him to step outside his comfort zone.

The key phrase here is: “so that he could hear what you have to say.” Cornelius was seeking God, and God was orchestrating events so that Peter could share the gospel with him. This verse reminds us that God is always at work, bringing people to the truth.

Historical Context

At this time, Jews and Gentiles did not mix freely. Jewish law and tradition made it clear that Gentiles were considered “unclean” and that Jewish people were to avoid close contact with them.

Cornelius, however, was different. He was a “God-fearer”—a Gentile who worshiped the God of Israel but had not fully converted to Judaism (he likely did not follow all Jewish laws, such as circumcision). Even so, he was well-respected by the Jewish people because of his faith and generosity (Acts 10:2).

For Peter, this was a major challenge. He had grown up following strict Jewish customs that discouraged close association with Gentiles. Yet here he was, being invited into a Gentile’s home by the direct command of God. This event marked a major shift in the history of the church—the gospel was about to go beyond the Jewish community to the entire world.

Theological Implications

1. God Draws People to Himself – Cornelius was a Gentile who was seeking God, and God responded by sending him Peter. This shows that salvation is for all people, not just one group.
2. Obedience Opens the Door for God’s Work – Cornelius obeyed immediately when the angel told him to send for Peter. Now, Peter would have to decide if he would obey God’s leading as well.
3. The Gospel is for Everyone – This verse sets the stage for Peter to realize that God does not show favoritism—salvation is available to both Jews and Gentiles.

This verse reminds us that God is constantly working in both the lives of those who seek Him and those He calls to share the gospel. Just as God prepared Cornelius to receive the truth, He also prepared Peter to deliver it.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, presents this verse in a structured and purposeful way. The messengers emphasize three key points:

1. Cornelius is righteous and respected. This builds credibility, showing that he is genuinely seeking God.
2. An angel instructed him to send for Peter. This makes it clear that this invitation is from God, not just a personal request.
3. Cornelius wants to hear Peter’s message. This highlights that the gospel is the central focus of this encounter.

This verse is building anticipation. Peter has heard the invitation—now he must decide whether he will follow where God is leading.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Cornelius was seeking God, and God answered.
• John 10:16 – “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.” Jesus spoke of Gentiles being included in God’s kingdom.
• Acts 1:8 – Jesus commanded His followers to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” Peter was about to take a major step toward fulfilling this mission.
• Romans 10:12-13 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”
• Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. God is Working in the Hearts of Those Who Seek Him – Cornelius was a Gentile, yet he was hungry for the truth. God responded by sending Peter to share the gospel. This should remind us that there are people all around us whom God is preparing to hear the truth.
2. We Must Be Willing to Go Where God Leads – Just as Peter was challenged to step outside his comfort zone, we must be willing to follow God’s leading, even when it challenges our traditions or personal preferences.
3. Salvation is for Everyone – The gospel is not just for one group of people—it is for all who seek God. We must be careful not to put limits on who we think God can reach.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He responds to those who seek Him. Cornelius was not yet a believer in Christ, but because he was seeking God, God sent Peter to bring him the gospel. This shows that God is always drawing people to Himself.

This verse also reflects God’s personal love. He didn’t just send a general message—He sent an angel to Cornelius and a vision to Peter. God personally arranged this meeting because He cared about Cornelius and his household.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus had already set the stage for this moment. During His ministry, He:

• Healed the servant of a Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), showing that faith is what matters, not nationality.
• Spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), proving that the gospel is for all people.
• Commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Now, Peter was about to act on that command. This verse shows how Jesus’ mission was not just for the Jews but for the whole world.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Cornelius’ example encourage us to seek God more in our own lives?
2. What can we learn from Peter’s willingness to follow God’s leading, even when it challenged his past traditions?
3. Are there people in our lives whom we have considered “outsiders” to God’s grace? How does this passage challenge that mindset?
4. What does this verse teach us about God’s role in preparing both the messenger and the receiver of the gospel?
5. How can we be more open to opportunities to share the gospel with those who may not be like us?

Acts 10:22 is a powerful reminder that God’s salvation is for all people. He is always at work—preparing hearts, arranging divine appointments, and calling His followers to step out in faith. Just as Peter was being invited into God’s bigger plan, we too must be willing to follow God’s leading and share the gospel wherever He sends us.