Acts 11:13 – “He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter.’”

Extended Explanation

Acts 11:13 is part of Peter’s retelling of how the gospel came to the Gentiles. He is explaining to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem how a Roman centurion named Cornelius was visited by an angel who gave him a clear message: Send for Peter.

This verse is important because it shows that Cornelius wasn’t seeking Peter out on his own. He didn’t just happen to be curious about Jesus. Instead, God Himself orchestrated the entire event. The angel appeared in Cornelius’s house, not to preach the gospel himself, but to direct Cornelius to Peter. This confirms that God was working on both sides—preparing both Peter and Cornelius for this divine meeting.

Another key point is that Cornelius was a Gentile—a Roman soldier who was considered an outsider by the Jewish people. Yet, God chose to reach out to him in a miraculous way. This moment represents a major shift in the spread of the gospel, showing that salvation was for all people, not just for the Jewish nation.

Historical Context

Cornelius was a centurion—a commander in the Roman army—and he lived in Caesarea, a city that was a major center of Roman rule. Even though he was a Gentile, Acts 10:2 describes him as a God-fearing man who prayed and gave to the poor. This means he respected the Jewish God and lived a moral life, but he had not fully converted to Judaism.

Jewish tradition taught that God’s promises were mainly for Israel, and while Gentiles could worship the one true God, they were still considered outsiders. For a long time, the Jewish people believed that anyone who wanted to be accepted by God needed to follow the laws of Moses, including circumcision and dietary restrictions.

However, Cornelius’s experience challenged that belief. God sent an angel to a Gentile’s house. This was unheard of. Instead of requiring Cornelius to first become Jewish, God directed him straight to the message of Jesus Christ. This event was a turning point in church history, making it clear that salvation was not based on nationality or religious customs but on faith alone.

Theological Implications

Acts 11:13 reveals several key truths about how God works:

1. God takes the initiative in salvation. Cornelius didn’t find God on his own—God sent an angel to reach him. This reminds us that salvation is always God’s work, not ours. He calls people to Himself, preparing their hearts to receive the gospel.
2. Angels serve God’s purposes but do not preach the gospel. The angel did not explain salvation to Cornelius. Instead, he directed him to Peter, a human witness. This shows that God has given the responsibility of sharing the gospel to believers, not to supernatural beings.
3. God’s grace is for all people. Cornelius was a Roman officer, part of the empire that ruled over Israel. Yet, God still reached out to him. This proves that no one is too far from God’s love, and He desires all people to come to faith.
4. Obedience opens the door to God’s blessings. Cornelius acted immediately on the angel’s instructions. If he had ignored them, he would have missed out on hearing the gospel. When God speaks, we must respond in faith and obedience.

Literary Analysis

Acts 11:13 is part of Peter’s speech to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. The structure of this passage is important because it builds a strong case for why Peter went to the Gentiles. The key elements in this verse are:

• “He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house” – This highlights that Cornelius’s encounter was supernatural and direct. God was moving in a powerful way.
• “Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter” – The angel didn’t just tell Cornelius about God; he directed him to a person who could share the gospel. This reinforces the importance of human witnesses in God’s plan.

Peter is careful to explain every step in detail because he is defending his decision to go into a Gentile’s house. By emphasizing that God initiated this event, Peter is making it clear that he was simply obeying God’s command.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 10:3-6 – The original account of Cornelius seeing the angel and being told to send for Peter.
• Hebrews 1:14 – Angels are ministering spirits sent by God to help those who will inherit salvation.
• John 6:44 – Jesus says that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them, showing that salvation is God’s initiative.
• Romans 10:14-15 – People must hear the gospel from other believers in order to be saved.
• 1 Timothy 2:3-4 – God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that God is actively at work in people’s lives, even before we reach them with the gospel. Cornelius was already seeking God, and God responded by sending him a messenger to lead him to salvation.

It also encourages us to be faithful in sharing the gospel. If Peter had refused to go, Cornelius and his household would not have heard the message of Christ. God often chooses to work through His people, and we must be ready to obey when He calls us to witness to others.

Additionally, this verse challenges us to break down barriers in our thinking. The Jewish believers had to realize that God’s salvation was not just for them—it was for everyone. We must be careful not to assume that certain people are outside of God’s reach.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is personal and intentional. He didn’t leave Cornelius in the dark—He sent an angel to guide him. This shows that God actively seeks out those who are searching for Him.

This verse also shows that God does not play favorites. He reached out to a Gentile, proving that His love is not limited to one race, nation, or background. His invitation to salvation is open to all.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus had already prepared His followers for this moment. He told them:

• To preach the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
• That He had other sheep outside of Israel (John 10:16).
• That He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Peter’s obedience to go to Cornelius’s house was a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ command. Cornelius, a Gentile, was welcomed into God’s family not by law-keeping, but by faith in Christ—just as Jesus had promised.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this passage challenge the way I see people who are different from me?
2. Do I believe that God is actively working in people’s lives, even before I share the gospel with them?
3. Am I willing to obey when God calls me to share my faith, even if it’s outside my comfort zone?
4. How can I be more aware of the ways God is leading me to witness to others?
5. What does this passage teach me about God’s desire to save all people?

Acts 11:13 is a powerful reminder that God is always working to bring people to Himself. He calls us to be part of that mission by obeying His leading and sharing the good news of Jesus with those He places in our path.