The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 144

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138 TEE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES While tlie messengers of Cornelius had been gone upon their errand, the centurion "had called together his kinsmen and near friends/' that they as well as he might hear the preaching of the gospel. When Peter arrived, he found a large company eagerly waiting to listen to his words. To those assembled, Peter spoke first of the custom of the Jews, saying that it was looked upon as unlawful for Jews to mingle socially with the Gentiles, that to do this involved ceremonial defilement. "Ye know,'' he said, "how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me!" Cornelius then related his experience and the words of the angel, saying in conclusion, "Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." Peter said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that f eareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him." Then to that company of attentive hearers the apostle preached Christ, — His life. His miracles. His betrayal and crucifixion. His resurrection and ascension, and His work in heaven as man's representative and advocate. As Peter pointed those