ACC ~ Acts 10 v24 - 29

OVERVIEW:

The meeting of Cornelius and Peter displays the generosity and persuasive goodness of the former among his family and friends (CHRYSOSTOM). His homage to Peter makes known the humility of his heart (BEDE), and Peter’s raising of him foreshadows his and everyone’s equality in the faith (BEDE, ARATOR), especially those the world has cast out (AMMONIUS).

10:24 | Cornelius Called His Kinsmen

THE PART OF A GOOD FRIEND. CHRYSOSTOM: This is the part of a friend, this the part of a devout person, that where such blessings are concerned, he takes care that his near friends shall be made partakers of all. Of course [his “near” friends], those in whom he had ever full confidence; fearing, with such an interest at stake, to entrust the matter to others. In my opinion, it was by Cornelius himself that both friends and kinsmen had been brought to a better mind. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 23.

10:25 | Cornelius Worshiped Peter

THE HUMILITY OF FAITH MAKES US EQUALS. BEDE: By the posture of his body Cornelius demonstrated what devotion he had within his heart. He came as a pupil to meet his teacher, and full of zeal, with pure heart, attentive ears and eager desire, he received the word of faith. Now one who is slowly dragged to belief is as though raised up from a prone position by his teacher. However, one who, out of shame for the stains of life, shows signs of humility and of shame at once by falling prostrate on his face justly deserves to be raised up by his master. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 10.25.

10:26 | I Too Am a Man

AS IN BAPTISM, A FREE GIFT. ARATOR: [Peter] does not permit [Cornelius] to throw himself at his feet with bent knee; accustomed to giving gifts freely, he prevents a gesture of respect. Hence you, a new world, raise your head, you who had been struck down by the tooth of your ancient parent, and the font gives back a birthday to you; born again, do not press down your necks with your own sins, now that they are free from another’s. ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1.

A GOSPEL OF EQUALITY. AMMONIUS: If such a man as Peter did not allow him to kneel down before him but rather made himself an equal of Cornelius, and he said these things to one who was still a Gentile, what must we say about all other people? CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 10.26-27.

10:28 | Calling No One Common or Unclean

SENT TO THE OUTCASTS. AMMONIUS: We must note that God himself ordered the Christian people not to call anyone common or unclean but to associate with them as those who hope most of all for faith in Christ. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 10.28.