The Story Of Peter And Cornelius Testifies Of The Need For Continuing Revelation!

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Cornelius was a righteous Gentile man who was humble and sought the will of God. In answer to his prayers he was given a vision in which an angel directed him to call on a man named Peter, the apostle, who was residing in the city of Joppa. He immediately sent men to find Peter, not knowing why. In the meantime Peter received this vision recorded in the 10th chapter of Acts:

“And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate…” (vs. 11-17)

Peter soon learned that the meaning of the vision was that the Gentiles, who were considered by the Jews to be unclean, should be taught the gospel. We further read in Acts:

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…” (vs. 44-48)

There are many lessons taught by the story of Cornelius. One of which is the need for continuing revelation. Anyone who reads this account should come to the understanding that not only is continuing revelation needed, but is clearly endorsed by the Lord.

The New Testament is full of examples testifying for the need of continuing revelation so as to administer the affairs of the expanding church and gospel.  Today we live in an ever-changing world with moral problems and questions unique and different than in antiquity. The need for guidance and direction today, from the Lord, is not only important, but it is necessary to bring about the salvation and exaltation of man.

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