Oct. 6, 2004

Chap.9, verses 36-38- Luke continues with an “outside of Jerusalem” incident.  This time in Joppa, a seaport northwest of Jerusalem where there were disciples of Jesus.  Of interest to Luke is Tabitha (Hebrew for gazelle) also called Dorcus (Gk) who was a productive believer given to sharing with others.  “which she did”= imperfect active tense used to speak of her habit of doing good works.

  Tabitha dies and her body is prepared for burial and left in an upper room.  Peter is then sent for with evident expectation that he might restore her to life (there are parallels to Mark 5:35-42 where Jesus restored life to a young woman).  It may be the 2 men left before her actual demise.

Chap.9, verses 39-41- Peter responds by coming to Joppa and meets others in the chamber where her body lies.  Present are widows testifying to Tabitha’s good works by showing the coats & garments she made.  Peter has everyone removed, kneels and prays.  What he then does is speak to Tabitha telling her to arise. Although not directly stated is that Peter is doing this under the power of the name of Jesus

Christ (9:34).  Her life is restored to her as an example of God’s power upon His apostles.

Chap.9, verse 42-43 as a result of Tabitha’s restored life, many believe.  Thus, the miracles serve as supportive to evangelism.

   Chapter 10 gives us Luke’s description of the conversion of a Gentile

named, Cornelius.  This event is critical in the developing work of reaching out to the world (1:8).  Already the gospel has moved from

Jew to Samaritan (ch.8) and Jew to Gentile (ch.8); now it moves from

apostle to Gentile.  Visions are used with both Cornelius (vs.3) and Peter (vs. 10) to prepare them for this great moment.

Chap.10, verses 1-2- Caesarea was a seaport that was completely refurbished and enlarged under Herod the Great.  He deepened the harbor, built a breakwater and constructed an amphitheater, temple and large aquaduct.

   Centurions were commanders over 300-600 men and were chosen less for their bold fighting as more for their resiliency and steady-hand under fire. 

   Cornelius is described as:  1. devout –eusebas-cautious with reference to God; pious   2. feared God- a term for a proselyte to Judaism; one who has adopted fear of the True God   3.gave much alms to people- showing he was generous, not materialistic

4. prayed to God always- practiced a discipline of seeking God in prayer.   These characteristics make him an excellent candidate to

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hear the gospel of Christ.  In Romans 2, Paul discusses this aspect of the direction of one’s life and how it affects understanding and responsiveness to the truth- see 2:7  “patient continuance in well-doing seek..”  and 2:10  “glory, honor and peace to every man that worketh well…”  While all may be sinners, how a sinner lives may present him/her a better or poorer opportunity to respond to truth.

God, who knows the hearts of all men, is able to bring the truth or more truth to those who seek it as evidenced in their daily living.

There is a preparation of the heart for God’s word so as to aid when God’s word is given.  That preparation involves “life choices”.

   Chap.10, verses 3-5- The preparation of Cornelius now involves

a vision (hormati) that directs him elsewhere for truth.  He is addressed by name and responds to the angel as “Lord”.  We must admit that Cornelius could have rejected this “vision” and not have

sent for Peter.  Happily, we find Cornelius continues his search.

“prayers and alms…a memorial before God” – see Psa. 141:2

This language conveys the idea that Cornelius’ heart of seeking and his behavior of selflessness has expressed itself in a manner causing God to respond with additional truth and mercy.  “Memorial” suggests

aspects of life-choice’s that God recognizes as evidence of one who longs for a genuine relationship with God.