What does Acts 10:26 Mean?

Context Summary

It should be carefully noted that the mental impression which was produced by Peter's vision was corroborated by the fact of the knocking and inquiring group at Peter's door. This is God's invariable method. For us all, as we contemplate taking a new and important step in life, there are the urging of the Spirit, the impression or vision of duty, and the knock or appeal of outward circumstances.

Evidently Cornelius had gathered to his quarters in the barracks his kinsmen and a number of intimate friends, who were as eager as he to discover the will of God. They remained quietly waiting until the party from Joppa had completed their thirty-mile journey. Peter had taken the precaution of bringing with him six brethren, evidently with the expectation that the events of that day would not only create a new era, but would also be called into serious question.

The welcome that Cornelius gave was very significant. That a high-born Roman should prostrate himself before a Jewish evangelist was unprecedented, though it revealed the true reverence and humility of Cornelius's soul; but the noble simplicity of Peter's reply was also a revelation of the true greatness of the Apostle, and ought to have more obviously influenced his would-be successors. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 10

¹  Cornelius, a devout man, being commanded by an angel, sends for Peter,
¹¹  who by a vision is taught not to despise the Gentiles;
¹⁷  and is commanded by the Spirit to go with the messenger to Caesarea
²⁵  Cornelius shows the occasion of his sending for him
³⁴  As he preaches Christ to Cornelius and his company,
⁴⁴  the Holy Spirit falls on them, and they are baptized