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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 10:9-18

Cornelius had received positive orders from heaven to send for Peter, whom otherwise he had not heard of, or at least not heeded; but here is another difficulty that lies in the way of bringing them together?the question is whether Peter will come to Cornelius when he is sent for; not as if he thought it below him to come at a beck, or as if he were afraid to preach his doctrine to a polite man as Cornelius was: but it sticks at a point of conscience. Cornelius is a very worthy man, and has... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 10:17-33

10:17-33 When Peter was at a loss in his own mind to know what this vision could mean, look you, the men who had been sent by Cornelius had asked their way to Simon's house and stood at the door. They spoke and asked if Simon who was also called Peter was lodging there. When Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look you, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and go with them without any hesitation, because it is I who sent them." So Peter came down to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 10:17

Now while Peter doubted in himself ,.... For notwithstanding what he had heard and seen, he had not at once a full knowledge of this matter. Beza's most ancient copy reads, "as he was in himself, he doubted"; that is, when he came to himself, for he was before, as it were, out of himself, and was in a trance, or ecstasy; and now being come to himself, and reflecting on what he had seen and heard, he had some doubts and hesitations in his mind: what this vision which he had seen should... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 10:17

While Peter doubted - the men - stood before the gate - In all this we find an admirable display of the economy of Providence. Cornelius prays, and has a vision which prepares him to receive instruction from Peter: Peter prays, and has a vision which prepares and disposes him to give instruction to Cornelius. While he is in doubts and perplexity what the full meaning of the vision might be, the messengers, who had been despatched under the guidance of an especial Providence, came to the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 10:17

Verse 17 17.Peter was taught not only by the vision, but also by the Word of God; and yet in seeing he saw not, until the Spirit is unto him an interpreter; a most excellent mirror of our slackness. Although we be yet far unlike to Peter; for we are so far from understanding by and by what God will, or to what end he speaketh to us, that many interpretations are scarce sufficient for us. But we must also note that which Luke addeth, that Peter did think earnestly upon the vision, to wit, after... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:1-33

The indenture. The meeting of Peter and Cornelius is one of those binges upon which, small as they seem at the moment, vast interests turn. It was one of those moments when revolutions in the whole state of human society are at the birth; when that is being unconsciously enacted by the doers which will powerfully affect mankind to the end of time and beyond it. From the call of Abraham to the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the covenanted mercies of God had been restricted within... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:1-48

Broadening foundations. The promises of God to "Abraham and his seed for ever" are not going to be diminished now, but something of the extent of them is to be made more plain. Nothing shall be taken from the Jew which he is willing to have and to keep; but much is going to be given, with a manifestation unknown before, to the Gentile. With some form of vision, of dream, of angel-appearance, the covenant of long ages ago was made with the patriarch, and it seems that now, some nineteen... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:2-22

Devout heathen. To correct the tendency to limit the operations of Divine grace to particular sections, classes, or nations, the Scriptures record instances of true devoutness and sincere piety both before and outside the Abrahamic covenant. The comforting and inspiring truth of the Divine call and election man has too often changed into a doctrine of Divine favoritism, involving the sovereign and groundless choice of some, and the consequent repudiation and hopeless condition of many. We... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:9-17

The ecstasy and vision of Peter. I. THE ATTITUDE OF PRAYER , HOW constantly is the act and the habit of prayer mentioned in the course of this history—on the part of the community and on the part of individuals! Peter and Cornelius, the Jew and the Gentile, are in communion with God at the same moment; and it is thus shown that true fellowship between man and man on earth is conditioned by fellowship with God. Souls far apart in space are near and at one by means of this mystic... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 10:9-48

Man in God's sight; or, Divine impartiality. The incident of the conversion of Cornelius is suggestive of some important truths, but of one in particular, viz. the perfectness of the Divine impartiality. We look first, however, at— I. THE PART OF THE PHYSICAL IN THE APPREHENSION OF THE SPIRITUAL . Peter went up to pray ( Acts 10:9 ); but he was very hungry and desired bodily refreshment ( Acts 10:10 ). This state of body was probably favorable to his "falling... read more

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