02.25. The Conversion of Cornelius
LESSON XXV.--The Conversion of Cornelius.
Acts 10:1-48. HIS VISION OF AN ANGEL. Acts 10:1-8.
What was the office of Cornelius? Acts 10:1. What is meant by "the Italian band?" Ans.--A band, or, as the Romans called it, a cohort composed of Italian soldiers.
What was the character of Cornelius? Acts 10:2. Being of heathen parentage, by what means had he became so faithful a servant of God? Ans.--He had doubtless learned the true religion from the Jews.
Describe his interview with the angel. Acts 10:3-6. What was Cornelius doing when the angel appeared to him? Acts 10:30. If his prayers were heard, why was he not already saved? Did God answer his prayers by an immediate forgiveness of his sins? What answer did he send to him? Acts 10:5-6. If, then, God should audibly hear the prayers of an unconverted man at this day, what according to this example, would be the answer? When the angel disappeared what did Cornelius do? Acts 10:7-8.
PETER PREPARED FOR THE MESSAGE. Acts 10:9-24.
Describe Peter’s vision on the housetop. Acts 10:9-16. What time of day was this, and how long after Cornelius had started the messengers? Acts 10:9. What was Peter’s objection to eating animals? Acts 10:14. What effect did the answer have (Acts 10:15) on the old distinction between clean and unclean meats? Did Peter at first fully understand the vision? Acts 10:17. What occurred while he was thinking about it? Acts 10:17-20. How did the men happen to arrive just after the vision passed away?
What then passed between Peter and the messengers from Cornelius? Acts 10:21-22. When did he go with the men? Acts 10:23. For what purpose did some of the brethren go with him? Ans.--As this was the first time the gospel was to be preached to the Gentiles, they went as witnesses of what would be done. Acts 11:12.
MEETING OF PETER AND CORNELIUS. Acts 10:24-33.
What congregation had Cornelius collected? Acts 10:24. Of what character must you suppose these kinsmen and near friends to have been? Describe the meeting between Peter and Cornelius. Acts 10:25-26. Do you suppose that Cornelius intended to worship Peter as a God? Ans.--No; the word translated "worship" here means to prostrate one’s self, as the ancients did in the presence of one greatly their superior.
What explanation did Peter give of going into the house of a Gentile? Acts 10:27-29. How does he now understand the vision? Acts 10:28. What reason did Cornelius give for sending him? Acts 10:30-33. How many days had it actually been since the angel appeared to him? Comp. Acts 10:3, Acts 10:9, Acts 10:23-24. Why, then, did Cornelius say it was "four days ago?" Ans.--The Jews always counted the first and last days partly included in any series as whole days, and Cornelius spoke according to this custom.
What did Cornelius say was the purpose of his friends in coming together? Acts 10:33.