Oct 19, 2014
Acts 10:24-11:19


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http://zachadams.org/acts/acts10_24-11_19.mp3

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Outline:


Fifty years ago in his classic 1962 book, “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions” Thomas S. Kuhn defined a “paradigm” as “a person’s vision of reality through which that person then perceives and interacts with the world.” With this in mind… A “paradigm shift” occurs when a person undergoes a fundamental change in thinking, leading to a new way of behaving.


While the last 40 years has brought with it some of the most incredible changes to the way American’s live their lives (air travel, high speed internet, home computers, wireless phones, etc), one of the most interesting “paradigm shifts” has been the way people consume water. 


It’s amazing to think, but 40 years ago the “bottled water” industry was nonexistent. If a person wanted a nice glass of ice water the kitchen tap provided such a service at virtually no cost. For years paying for water that was freely available seemed to be an incredulous proposition; and yet, today “bottled water” has become big business. 


And you know, this “paradigm shift” has happened rapidly… 



Note: This “paradigm shift” took place even amidst growing research showing how bad these plastic bottles were for the environment.


What makes this shift all the more amazing is that clean water is still one of the cheapest commodities for most Americans. Consider… If you drank a $1 bottle of water today - took the bottle home and continued to use it - you could refill that bottle every day with tap water for 3 years before you’d spend $1 on tap water. Even the cheapest bottled water is 2,000 times more expensive than the water you can draw out of the tap!


It’s astounding to consider, but in America we spend $21 billion a year on bottled water while we spend $29 billion maintaining our entire water system (pipes, treatment plants, and pumps). This means we only spend 18% fewer dollars on crushable, plastic bottles as we do on our most fundamental, water infrastructure system.


And if this shift wasn’t all the more perplexing, according to a 2005 “20/20” investigation by John Stossel there are no provable health benefits to bottled water over tap water. As a matter of fact, tap water is test more often and held to higher safety standards than bottled water. According to a story run by the New York Times the Government Accountability Office concluded, “Neither the public nor federal regulators know nearly enough about where bottled water comes and what safeguards are in place to ensure its safety.”


Bottled water is a “paradigm shift” based on a marketing scam… Did you know in the U.S. more than 40% of bottled water is actually nothing more than reprocessed tap water. PepsiCo (Aquafina) and Coca Cola (Dasani) are two of the worst offenders. One of Aquafina's water sources is the Detroit River, and Coke was recently forced to admit they filter local municipal water but refused to disclose their filtration methods! Isn’t it ironic that when compared using a blind taste test most people actually preferred tap water over the bottled variety. - 20/20 Investigation


Understand “paradigm shifts” take place in the spiritual realm as well. As a matter of fact, Church History will reveal Christianity has gone through 5 such shifts.


In Acts 10 Christianity shifted away from Jewish Sectarianism when it opened its door to Gentile Hellenists. Then in the 4th & 5th century Christianity experienced another shift when it moved from Orthodox Traditionalism to Roman Catholic Authoritarianism. 


Yet still another shift occurred in the 16th century when Luther challenged this Authoritarianism by ushering in the Reformation. In the 18th & 19th centuries Christianity shifted from the Protestant Fundamentalism to a Liberal Theology based in Modernism. 


Even today, some have argued that Christianity is experiencing another shift as it moves from Modernism to Post-Modernism. For example… It’s undeniable that Christianity is rethinking positions on absolute truth vs. relativism, creationism vs. evolution, inherency vs. progressive revelation, women clergy amidst gender roles, homosexuality, etc.


Even individuals experience “paradigm shifts” when it comes to their own faith. Kids reach a point where they begin to question the faith of their parents. Millennial’s struggle trying to reconcile their Christian beliefs with the changing culture around them. At some point each of us have or are trying to decide what it really means to be a follower of Jesus. 


Understand… “Paradigm shifts” aren’t always for the best. While the Gospel’s leap into Gentile communities and Luther boldly nailing his “95 Thesis” to the door of the “Castle Church of Wittenberg” proved to be blessed shifts in the trajectory of Christianity, one can hardly say Constantine's merging of the Church and state with the Edict of Milan proved beneficial. Though we spend billions in bottled water, are we actually better for it?


This is what makes the events of Acts 10 & 11 so helpful. In watching how Peter handled a clear “paradigm shift” we can learn how to insure what’s taking place in the church corporately or in our lives individually is really a genuine work of God.



Acts 10:24-28, “And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” 



Peter begins by explaining his conundrum and the radical nature of what’s happening! After this obviously awkward initial exchange, Peter begins, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation.” 


Peter is making sure they knew the moment he stepped into that house he was crossing a line of demarcation. Not only would he have been ceremonial unclean, but he was keenly aware his actions would create waves among the Jewish church.


“But God has shown me…” Peter acknowledges that while the way he was raised presented an environment where prejudice was the norm… And his religious upbringing only served to substantiate this perspective… “But God!” Oh the power of these two words! 


Because of the vision God had given him Peter could rest in two important realities: 




  1. Keeping company with Gentiles would have no impact on his standing before God.



  2. He possessed no moral right to judge anyone God was willing to cleanse!



Acts 10:29-36, “Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.” Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all…” 



“I perceive…” Peter is working this all out on the fly. The vision coupled with the events of the last two days are beginning to form an understanding “that God shows no partiality,” but instead “accepts” those who “fear Him” and those who “work righteousness” regardless of nationality. While being “sent to the children of Israel” Jesus is the “Lord of all!”



Acts 10:37-43, “That word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”



Don’t forget the driving factor behind this meeting… Cornelius was a man who had found the gods of this world to be a farce. Beyond this, though he’s accepted the true God of Israel, Cornelius has also discovered the religious system of Judaism to be empty. 


Both the world and religion had left Cornelius searching for more. The cry of his heart longed for something real, something genuine. Peter had been sent by God because he had the fix for Cornelius’ craving - the antidote for his disease - the answers to his questions. 


Peter begins with the Gospel… He tells them about Jesus: His life, death, burial, and resurrection (a story they knew as it “was proclaimed throughout all Judea”). Peter also personalizes things by telling them that he was a “witness of all these things” and was there to “testify that Jesus was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.”


Cornelius had prayed to God asking what he must do for his life to make sense… For his life to have meaning and purpose… For the longing of his heart to find satisfaction. The answer that God provides through Peter, “Whoever believes in Jesus will receive remission of sins!” 


“Whoever…” Salvation has been extended to all of humanity. 


“Believes…” It doesn’t matter what you’ve done and it’s not predicated upon what you do! 


“In Jesus…” Salvation is found in a person, not a religious system.


“Will receive…” Salvation is a gift to be received, not one to be earned.


“Remission of sins!” This word “remission” is the Greek word “aphesis” meaning “to release from bondage, to forgive, or pardon.” Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the cross we can be released from the bondage of sin for one reason and one reason alone… The debt for our sin was effectively satisfied. 


Never forget… While grace may be free for the recipient, there is always a cost for the giver! It’s also a powerful truth that the great the grace - the stepper the price!


Pastor Joe Focht made a powerful observation concerning Peter’s presentation of Jesus as both the “Judge of the living and the dead.” He said, “It would be wise for many to consider that not believing in a Jesus isn’t enough to make Him go away!” 


Please understand, the belief that all roads lead to God is only a half truth… While it is true everyone will stand before Jesus, he will be presented as either your Savior or Judge!



Acts 10:44-46, “While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.” 



Peter is the only person who’s been interrupted by all three members of the Trinity: 




  1. He’s interrupted by God the Father at the Transfiguration. (Mark 9)



  2. He’s interrupted by the Son while talking to the Pharisees about taxes. (Matthew 17)



  3. And now we see Peter’s sermon to those gathered at the house of Cornelius being interrupted by the Holy Spirit… Luke tells us, “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.”


One pastor I listen to observed that God interrupted Peter because He knew his sermon was not going to get any better the longer he went! It’s been said, “If you can’t strike oil after 45 minutes of drilling, you might as well give up!”


Don’t overlook the significance of these words “the Holy Spirit fell upon them…” In the O.T. we’re told the “Glory of God” filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and then later the Temple (2 Chronicles 7:1), and in both instances this unique occurrence took place to publicly demonstrate God’s favor and the structures consecration.


But now we see that God has a new Temple… A new dwelling place… In 1 Corinthians 3:16 Paul would say, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” And while there were instances of the Spirit of God coming “upon” the Jew, this is the first time this has ever happened with a Gentile.


Cornelius and those who gathered were saved by God just as they were… Non-observant Gentiles received God’s favor and were consecrated as holy! Clearly from God’s perspective His acceptance and their righteous standing did not require they become observant Jews.


Note: They “spoke with tongues and magnified God.”


Why were the men who’d come with Peter so astonished? 



  1. They were witnessing a seismic “paradigm shift” in God’s plan.


  2. They were witnessing the Gentile Pentecost.


Observation: Salvation occurred as a result of a quiet belief of the heart.



Acts 10:46-48, “Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.”



Peter so understood the magnanimity of the moment that he commands that these Gentile believers be publicly baptized! Imagine the scene… Jews baptizing gentiles! 


Note: Another example against “Baptismal Regeneration.”



Acts 11:1-3, “Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!” 



After spending a few days with Cornelius and this newly formed church in Caesarea, Peter and these six men who had accompanied him from Joppa head to Jerusalem to give an account as to what had just taken place. It would seem word spread faster than their feet.


First key to a Paradigm Shift… You’re willing to be accountable and transparent with trusted people willing to challenge and discuss the legitimacy of your claim.


Upon their arrival we’re told “those of the circumcision (Jews) contended with Peter.” In the Greek “contend” or “diakrinô” literally means “to separate one’s self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, or strive with dispute.” This was a heated debate.


What was their issue? Peter had kept company and eaten with Gentiles.


Peter begins his explanation by recounting the events of Acts 10…



Acts 11:4-15, “But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.” 


“At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.” 



Now Peter provides the justification for his actions…



Acts 11:16-17, “Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ (better translated, “Who believed on the Lord”), who was I that I could withstand God?”



David Guzik said it well when he remarked that “A work of God must be in line with the Word of God.” Peter wisely places this event into context by using Scripture as his plumb-line. 


Second key to a Paradigm Shift… Your claim must be substantiated by truth.


Peter says, “Then I remembered the Word of the Lord…” In Mark 1:8 Jesus said that while “John indeed baptized with water, you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Peter’s logic…




  1. God’s approval of us would be demonstrated through the “baptism of the Holy Spirit.”



  2. The Gentiles were baptized with the Holy Spirit just like we were.


  3. Therefore, God was as equally approving of the Gentiles as He was the Jews.


He says, “If therefore God gave them the same gift when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ (baptism of the Holy Spirit), who was I that I could withstand God?” It’s as though Peter is saying, “Guys, if God accepted them what was I supposed to do?” 



Acts 11:18, “When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”



Clearly Peter’s story, the evidence of the Holy Spirit, and his Scriptural justification resinated with this contentious crowd. Luke tells us “they became silent” or literally “held their peace.”


It wasn’t as though these men who were contentious with Peter “held their tongue” but still inwardly stewed, we’re told “they glorified God…” Crossing this racial divide took guts on the part of Peter, but the universal acceptance of this work by the Jewish brethren is amazing.


Observation: Contentious disagreements should be settled by the Word of God.


Third key to a Paradigm Shift… The evidence for your claim should persuade others.


Why were they glad… “That God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”


Final key to a Paradigm Shift… The paradigm shift makes a positive impact.


“Repentance to life…” It’s been correctly said that God loves you just the way you are (it’s an amazing aspect of God’s grace that we don’t have to clean ourselves up before we come to the cross), however, understand another key dynamic at work… God wants us to come to Him with a sincere desire that He make us into something better.


“God has also granted…” It true that the desire to repent doesn’t naturally flow from the wellspring of our fallen nature. As a matter of fact, the Bible presents repentance as being a gift of God! God has to do a work in your heart whereby He spawns the desire to repent over our sin. So what does this mean? David Guzik cautioned, “If you feel the need to repent today, do it now… For you might not want to do it tomorrow.”


There is no greater paradigm shift than when a person on the road to destruction repents and becomes a follower of Jesus Christ. As we’ll begin to see next Sunday, the seismic shift of Acts 10 and 11 would create a ripple that would effect the entire world!

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