Acts 10:36-37

The word which God sent, &c.— The critics have exceedingly puzzled themselves about this passage, the simple meaning of which, according to my apprehension, is as follows: "Even that gospel, which God has sent by the ministrations of his servants, in the first place, and hitherto only, to the Jews, preaching the glad tidings of the noblest peace, inclusive of reconciliation with himself, and of all spiritual harmony and happiness, through the merit and mediation of the anointed Saviour. (He, as a divine person, is the author, proprietor, and governor of the whole creation, all things being made by him and for him, Colossians 1:16 and he, as vested with office-authority in human nature, has power over all flesh; and, being exalted far above all principality and power, is head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:22 has all persons and things on earth, and all the devils in hell, under his command and controul: is Lord of Jews and Gentiles; and will be universal Judge at the lastday.) Ye who live in Palestine, which has been for years the grand stage of action relating to the Messiah; must needs know something of this word of peace, which was spread abroad, and early talked of, in all the cities, towns, and villages of Judea, pursuant to its having been first published in Galilee: and this was soon after John the Baptist had prepared the way for it, by his baptizing with water, and preaching the doctrine of repentance and remission of sins, through the approaching Messiah, Mark 1:4 whom he at length openly shewed, and recommended once and again to the people, that they might believe in him. John 1:29." It is not to be wondered that St. Peter should say to Cornelius and his kinsmen, who were already proselytes of the gate, and lived at Caesarea, the seat of the governor of Judea, where the Jews dwelt, whither they continually resorted from other parts, and where Philip had already preached the gospel, Acts 8:40 ye know this word; he meaning, not that they were persuaded of the truth of it, but only that they had heard the same, and were acquainted with the report of it.