The Unchanging Message

Peter's visit to the house of Cornelius, at his request, was one of the most significant events in the whole of the New Testament, a Gospel address to Gentiles. Cornelius had summoned many friends and neighbours, they were eager to hear, so much so that Peter had to explain that he was ‘only' a man. We see that these people were God fearing, praying people, whose consciences were alive and alert – and yet, they were not converted. They needed Peter to explain what they had to do to be saved!

These people in the house of Cornelius were, it seems, quite well versed about God, but Peter had to preach a good old-fashioned Gospel message to them. We can deduce from the Scripture they were not treated to a spectacular display, there was no music ‘warm-up' worship leader, no jokes, just the straight-forward preaching of the need to repent, and hearing from Peter's lips about Christ, and how sins can be forgiven.

Cornelius meant business, he learnt that fearing God, having a knowledge of God, and good works, were not enough. He was exercised about his soul, and his relationship with God, are you?