And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.
God showed Cornelius great favor by sending him to Peter rather than commanding him to go himself; but why should an angel yield to a mortal man's preaching? Because Christ committed the ministry of His word to His Church and uses men as His instruments. Whoever would be Christ's disciple must listen with docility to that external voice, for to despise preaching is to despise God Himself.
AI summary
Cornelius was the first Gentile deliberately brought into the gospel, a mystery even to the apostles. Mark that he was both great and good, two characters seldom united; yet when they meet, goodness makes greatness truly valuable, and greatness makes goodness far more serviceable to the world.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 10:1-8
The angel did not instruct Cornelius himself but directed him to an apostle; angels are not the ordinary means of spiritual knowledge, men are. This shows the dignity God puts upon the Gospel ministry and ministers, and the honor we ought to give them.
AI summary