TORREY BIBLE CONFERENCE
Cornelius
by Dr. Herbert Henry Ehrenstein, Evangelical Foundation, Philadelphia
H ow wonderfully God deals with His children in every age. Acts 10 tells of the way in which Cornelius, the Roman centurion, was brought to the Lord. This outstanding Gentile was stationed at the military garrison in Caesarea. He had become disillusioned with the pagan Roman religion in which he had been reared. To the best of his ability' he had lived up to the light he had known; he sought further illumination. God is always ready to give more light to those who seek it. Rarely does anyone, however, live up to the light he has. In some manner, Scripture does not specify, Cornelius had learned to trust the God of Israel. He was ready to go on to greater truth. Peter was chosen to bring, as a hu man instrument, more light and guid ance. Why did God choose this one so thoroughly Jewish? Peter had looked down his nose at the Gentiles. Why didn’t God send John, who was a real diplomat, or James who was such a schooled politician? But God had some thing for Peter to learn, too. There was a graphic object lesson necessary for Peter to lose his prejudices. The story opens with Cornelius pray ing; no doubt asking for more light. An angel is sent to him declaring that
his prayers had been heard by God. So many times I have had this question put to me: “How can I know God’s will for my life?” There is really only one answer to that question. If you want to know God’s will for any given situation, the best way is to be willing to do His will even before you know what it is. The major part of the prob lem is solved right there. It is like giving God a signed blank check and letting Him fill in the amount. Granted you might hesitate to do this for some friend for it is just possible that one might take advantage of you. God, how ever, always acts fairly and justly with His children. Never will He take ad vantage of your weakness or vulner ability. Only remember this: don’t try to back out of the agreement once you have made it with Him; He will hold you to your promise. Cornelius is told, “And now send to Joppa, and call for one, Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner” (Acts 10:5, 6). In Cor nelius’ mind there was no time for de lay. He sent off his servants imme diately. Now see how expertly God takes care of His business. Not only had He prepared Cornelius by giving him a prayer burden, He also now begins to 18
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