“Conversions in Acts” — What did they do to become Christians?
Part 6.
We have noticed five specific conversion accounts in the Book of Acts:
The 3,000 on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38, 41).
Those in the city of Samaria (Acts 8:1-12).
“Simon the Sorcerer” (Acts 8:13).
The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40).
The conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).
We now come to Acts 10 where we learn when and how the Gospel reached the Gentile world.
We are introduced to Cornelius.
There was a man by the name of Cornelius who feared God and thus was a prime candidate for the Gospel.
He is a very interesting individual as the Bible conveys: “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:1-2).
While he was a good man and had great intentions, he was lost without the Gospel and needed to hear the Good News!
Peter’s vision.
An angel of God came to Cornelius in a vision to let him know that his prayers had “reached God.” In other words, God took notice of him and was preparing to send a Gospel preacher his way.
It is important to note that there is never a conversion where the Word of God doesn’t go! The Gospel preacher would be none other than the Apostle Peter who also received a vision. Consider what the text says.
“Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again” (Acts 10:10-16).
Peter goes to Cornelius.
While Peter “wondered within himself” as to what the vision meant, three men who were sent by Cornelius came to retrieve Peter. How can one say God is not involved in the lives of people!?
Cornelius was excited as he anticipated Peter’s arrival; in fact, he was so excited that he “called together his relatives and close friends.” When Peter came in, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshipped him. Peter, not being Deity, rejected worship: “As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.”
Peter was just a man; not the infallible “Pope” of the Catholic Church some have tried to make him out to be! Only Deity is worthy of worship (Rev. 19:10)!
The conversion of Cornelius.
Cornelius had the proper approach, mindset, and heart to hear the Gospel (Acts 10:33). Peter, as divinely instructed, “opened his mouth” and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:34-43).
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the Word (Acts 10:44). This was to show that the Gentiles were now eligible for the Gospel! The gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Gentiles just as Peter and the disciples were empowered on the Day of Pentecost (Luke 24:49; Acts 2:1-4). This was an undeniable sign that God had His hand in what was taking place.
Peter then asked a very important question: “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have” (Acts 10:47)?
Dear friends, if baptism wasn’t essential to salvation, why did Peter ask this question? Furthermore, if one is saved “the moment he believes,” why does Peter clearly speak of the importance of baptism?
After this question, Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48).
Our study on conversions in Acts.
Those on the Day of Pentecost heard the Gospel, believed it, gladly received it, and obeyed it. As we have noticed in our study, the same formula is present with every conversion (Acts 8:12-13, 35-38; 9:18; 22:16).
The Gentiles were now eligible to receive the Gospel per the instructions of Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). What a monumental moment when Jews and Gentiles were reconciled by the Gospel: God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).
The same Gospel is to be preached, heard, believed, and obeyed today for the same result: Salvation from sin by the blood of the Lamb contacted in the watery grave of baptism (John 1:29; Acts 22:16; Rom. 6:3-6; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 1:5)!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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