William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Acts 10:21 - 10:21

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Acts 10:21 - 10:21


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Observe here, 1. The messengers whom Cornelius sent to St. Peter, two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier. All soldiers are not rude: but some are religious. Behold a devout soldier under a devout captain, and two household-servants whom their master's example had rendered humble and modest.

Observe, 2. The just and laudable, not false and flattering character, which they gave of their master Cornelius; That he was a just man, one that feared God, and one of Good report among all the nation of the Jews. It is both the duty and commendation of servants, give to their master's due honour: and, when called to it, their deserved character.

Observe, 3. How St. Peter's doubts being resolved, he disputes no further, delays no longer, but hastens immediately to Cornelius: When once God's command is plain, we must not dispute, but dispatch; we must no longer object, but obey.

Observe, 4. The reverence given by Cornelius to St. Peter; he fell down at his feet and worshipped him. It seems to be more than a civil reverence which he gave him: It looks as if Cornelius took him for an angel in human shape, or a person sent immediately from heaven to him; and accordingly he prostrates himself before the apostle: But St. Peter would by no means receive any undue honour or respect from him, assuring him, That he was but a man, and God's messenger sent unto him. Whatever Peter's pretended successor challenges as his due, of reverence and homage, St. Peter himself would not suffer Cornelius to lie at his feet, much less to kiss his feet: The ambassador would not run away with the honour which belonged to the prince that sent him.

Observe, 5. How St. Peter acquaints Cornelius, that that partition-wall betwixt the Jews and Gentiles, which was erected and set up by God's command, was now by the same authority pulled down and removed; and that no man is now unclean by any ceremonial uncleanness, because he is not circumcised: and might converse with, and be conversed with as freely as if born a Jew.

Since the coming of Christ, no person or nation is legally or ceremonially unclean; but every nation, or even person, by nature, morally unclean.