Evangelist On Tap

The conversion of Saul should have alerted us to the unusual pattern of God’s choice of whom he will speak to, and of his extraordinary saving and transforming power. It is God who takes the initiative. Even today, there are people who are brought to consider the claims of Jesus Christ through dreams and visions, although such heavenly evangelism is not the norm. God’s normal method is through his people.

Cornelius had an established position in Roman society as a commander of part of the forces supporting the Roman governor. Most Romans would have despised the Jews and their beliefs, but this man was different. He had begun not only to be attracted to what he knew about the God of Israel, but had begun to worship him. He was part of that small community that would bridge the gap between the Jewish faith and the Gentiles as they responded to the Gospel. He was devout, but he was not a man who already enjoyed an assured relationship with God. He might have been a synagogue attendee, but he hadn’t become a Jew.

Now God is responding to his searching after truth by arranging for him to hear the Gospel. The angelic visitation is for one purpose: to connect Cornelius and Peter so that Cornelius can hear and respond to the good news. The request for Peter to help a church in Joppa has brought him nearer to Caesarea. An open-hearted man can thus be brought into contact with a man who can explain the Gospel to him. God has prepared Cornelius spiritually to hear the message and Peter geographically to give it, but there is further necessary preparation of the messenger before Cornelius will be converted.

Are there people near you who are seeking to know the true God to whom you could be the messenger of the Gospel?