Acts 10:1-8

Cornelius was devout, generous, prayerful—but still missing something.

Acts 10:9-23a

Acts 10:23b-34

Cornelius’s prayers and alms rose like sweet incense before the Lord.

Romans 10:14

Acts 10:34-43

Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household:

- Jesus is Lord of all (v. 36).

- He died on a cross (v. 39).

- God raised Him from the dead (v. 40).

- Forgiveness is possible: “through his name everyone who believes in him” (v. 43).

- Cornelius had prayer, generosity, devotion—but he needed Christ crucified and risen.

Acts 4:12

Acts 10:44-48

The Holy Spirit Confirms the Missing Piece

“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” (v. 44).

- The Spirit didn’t fall when Cornelius prayed.

- The Spirit didn’t fall when he gave alms.

- The Spirit fell when the gospel of Jesus was preached and believed.

- Salvation is not in works, but in grace through faith in Christ.

What Cornelius and Peter Did Right

1. They had a fear of the Lord – honoring, doing, open to instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Psalms 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.

2. They took their next best next step: fear the Lord, prayers, alms, listening to preaching,

responding, baptized.

3. They obeyed quickly – “without hesitation, immediately, at once” – in response to the Spirit’s

promptings.

4. Cornelius brought his whole house to hear.

5. They went public with their faith in baptism.