Peter’s culture said, “Keep your distance from Gentiles.” His Christ said, “Build bridges to Gentiles.” And Peter had to make a choice. An encounter with Cornelius forced his decision.
Cornelius was an officer in the Roman army. An angel told Cornelius to get in touch with Peter, and Cornelius sent three men to find him. Meanwhile, Peter heard the call of God’s Spirit in his heart. “Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them” (Acts 10:19-20 NKJV).
The next day Peter told Cornelius about Jesus and the gospel, adding “God has shown me that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit” (Acts 10:28 CEV). Soon, the presence of the Spirit was among them, and they were replicating Pentecost. These things happen when we choose to follow Christ instead of our culture.
