Acts 10:19-22 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

While Peter thought on the vision Was meditating on what he had seen and heard; the Spirit said unto him God, by his Spirit, suggested to his mind, as manifestly as if he had whispered in his ear, (as he spake to Samuel, 1 Samuel 9:15;) Behold three men seek thee; arise therefore &c. Delay not, but go down to these men, and go with them The journey which they shall propose; doubting nothing Without any hesitation or scruple on account of the messengers being Gentiles, and coming from one who is also a Gentile. For I have sent them And have shown thee, that the great ceremonial distinction between Jew and Gentile, clean and unclean, is now to be abolished. And when thou comest to compare their message with what thou hast now seen, thou wilt easily know the intent of this vision, and the use thou art to make of it for thine own direction. How gradually was Peter prepared to receive this new admonition of the Spirit! Thus God is wont to lead on his children by degrees, always giving them light for the present hour. Then Peter went down to the men Instantly, before any message from them could reach him. And said To them, while they continued at the door; Behold, I am he whom you seek The person you inquire for; what is the cause wherefore ye are come? Peter, not perfectly knowing yet whither all this tended, makes the more exact inquiry. And they said, Cornelius, &c. Endeavouring to prevent any prejudice which Peter might have against Cornelius, on account of his being a Gentile, they inform him: 1st, That he was a just, or righteous, Man 1:2 d, That he worshipped the true God, the God whom the Jews worshipped, and not the false gods of the Gentiles. 3d, That he was of good report even among the Jews; was reputed by them a pious and good man; so that it would be no disparagement to him to go to him. And, 4th, What must have been an irresistible argument with Peter, that he had been warned by an angel to send for him to his house. When God's command is evident, his true people do not hesitate to obey.

Acts 10:19-22

19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.