Acts 10:17-23
17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate.
18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you”.
20 “Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”
22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.”
23 Then he invited them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
1. As Peter was thinking on what he had seen and heard, the people from Cornelius house were right there asking for Peter and the Holy Spirit confirmed to Peter that he should go with them. Here you will notice the timings of God speaking to Peter and soon after that the three people coming to take him along with them and the Holy Spirit’s confirmation all at the same time. All synchronising together and in harmony. This is how it happens when God speaks, directs and works – There is no confusion. Everything will fall together in place and work together in peaceful harmony making it a testimony for the Glory of God. Holy Spirit is not an author of confusion but of peace. If your visions or your church people’s visions are leading into confusion and disturbance just forget them. He leads us beside the still waters.
2. Peter received them and let them stay there and next day he set out to go with them: Peter was not in a hurry. Remember, after we hear God we need to learn to balance between what has to be done immediately and what has to be done gradually- This is Spiritual maturity. For example, when God Spoke to Cornelius he obeyed immediately. But when God spoke to Peter he went the next day. So we should know what has to be done immediately and what has to be done gradually. Many have got into chaos or have made mistakes in this area where they had to obey gradually they did it hastily and where they had to do it immediately they did it gradually. Ask God to give you the Spirit of wisdom and understanding about His times and seasons.
Continuation of this study in next week’s article.
Bro S. R. Manohar