The Transparency of Cornelius and Peter

One of the glorious dimensions of the divine encounter between Cornelius and Peter is the instant transparency in their relationship. Peter, in essence asks why these Gentiles have asked him to travel a long distance to be with them. Cornelius tells the truth. He had a vision and an angel of God told him to send a delegation for him to come and share whatever important message he possessed.

There is a funny dimension to the truth. The truth can be quirky. Stop and consider how this devout Jew is faced with a devout Gentile telling stories about visions and angels. What if Cornelius fudged the story because he was embarrassed or ashamed in telling such a wacky tale?

Peter’s response is just as transparent, however. Peter, a Jew who keeps kosher and better company than the gathering he then stood before, was happy to engage with the truth. The truth is that Peter had a vision, too. A large white sheet was let down from an opened sky by its four corners with all kinds of animals, presumably clean and unclean according to his food laws. He was told by a voice to get up and kill some lunch. Peter objected, but the voice insisted this devout Jew change his mind about what was now clean or unclean. Christ’s death had changed some things.

The truth is best friends with transparency. Peter’s sermon in Acts 10:34–48 was made more powerful by the trust created in honestly recounting the double visions (Cornelius, then Peter) and through the significant sacrifices in the double journeys (Delegation from Cornelius, then Peter and friends to Cornelius). Philip the evangelist had taken up residence in Caesarea. It would have been far more efficient to secure his preaching services, but it was not God’s plan. A small team was gathered. Missionary expenses were incurred. Time was expended. God’s plan guarantees no economic efficiencies for a servant like Peter. You must go where you are called and at whatever expense. God will provide.

The provision of God is wasted if people are not honest with their experiences in getting there. Jesus warned His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees in Luke 12:2–3. Nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing is secret that will not be made known. So, then whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms will be proclaimed from the housetops. This again is why the Christian’s yes must be yes and his no must be no.

If all things will be revealed, whether from heaven in a vision, in the preaching of the Gospel, or in the judgment to come, we must respond with the same transparency. Peter did not withhold the truth from the household of Cornelius, and they were all delivered from darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son. Speak the truth in love and wonderful things happen according to God’s design, will, and work.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

June 24, 2021