Acts 10:17-33

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, (18) And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. (19) While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. (20) Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. (21) Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? (22) And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. (23) Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. (24) And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. (25) And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. (26) But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. (27) And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. (28) And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (29) Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? (30) And 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, (31) And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. (32) Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. (33) Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

If I detain the Reader at these verses, it is but to call upon him to remark with me, the gracious manifestation of God the Holy Ghost, in speaking to Peter. I never can say enough to myself nor to the Reader, in calling the attention of both to what we are so apt to over-look; the unceasing office of God the Spirit, in his Almighty ministry in the Church. Most certain it is, that from the beginning, when the Church was formed, the Holy Ghost presided over it. He that anointed the glorious Head, anointed all his members, John 3:34; Ephesians 4:7; Psalms 45:7. All the services of the Old Testament dispensation, as types and shadows of Christ, were of his appointing, Hebrews 9:8. All the Prophets were sanctified and ordained by him, Isaiah 6:8; Jeremiah 1:5; Ezekiel 2:2; 1 Peter 1:10. All the Apostles from him received the unction of their Apostleship, John 7:39; Luke 24:49; John 14:26; Acts 2:1; Acts 2:1. And without the Lord the Spirit ordains ministers to his service, in all ages of the Church, vain are the laying on of the hands of men. Acts 20:28; Acts 20:28. It is very blessed to observe in this scripture, the Lord the Spirit speaking to Peter, See also Acts 16:6; Acts 16:6; 1 Timothy 4:1. And I hope the Reader, from such palpable evidences to this great and leading truth of the Scriptures, will not fail to grant it due attention. Let him remember, that speaking, and sending, are personal acts, such as define real personal Being. And let him remember also, that when the Holy Ghost commanded Peter to go with the messengers of Cornelius, saying, I have sent them; and when Cornelius said to Peter: Thou hast done well that thou art come; now therefore all we are here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God : the service Peter was then called to, was God's service, and by God's command; and consequently this Scripture proves, the Person, Godhead, and Ministry, of God the Holy Ghost.