At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

Acts 10:1-5



At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.



The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.





“Breaking Down the Walls”



Jesus came as the light of the gentiles. That was one of the messianic prophecies of Isiah. Like the prophecy, Jesus was born of Mary who lived in Nazareth. Nazareth was almost considered as gentile territory for its proximity to the northern border. The mainstream Jews looked down Nazarenes as impure Jews. Jesus was often called as Nazarene by His criticizers. During His public ministry, Jesus broke the long-standing barrier between Jews and gentile. The most famous case was the meeting with Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus saved the Samaritan woman by offering the living water. He also preached good news to other Samaritans when the woman introduces Jesus to the town people. Jesus’ work of breaking down the walls between people and nations continued and dramatically expanded when the Holy Spirit came. As the Holy Spirit came at the Pentecost, the disciples filled with the Holy Spirit, began to speak in tongues which were real language spoken in foreign countries. This miracle symbolically showed that the barrier between peoples who speak different languages was broken. This was indeed the reversal of the tower of Babel where God confused the language when people arrogantly attempted to reach the heights of God. The Holy Spirit broke the curse. We cannot become God by massing up people with false unity. God makes us one breaking the walls by the cross of Jesus Christ. Today’s passage shows the continuing work of God to break down the barriers. God chose a devout Roman centurion Cornelius and brings him together with Peter. Despite the initial hesitance, Peter witnessed that the Holy Spirit came upon and filled the gentiles and Jews alike. Where there is the spirit of the Lord, there is no barrier. As the Spirit moves freely among the nations and peoples, we should recognize and render freedom to one another. Jesus broke all the walls by His cross. The Holy Spirit carries us freely by the power of the cross. Hallelujah! Are you rejoicing in freedom? Do you share the freedom with your neighbors near and far? Amen!