Divine Hospitality and Inclusion

Acts 10:17–23 (NASB95) 

17Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate; 18and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. 19While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20“But get up, go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings, for I have sent them Myself.” 21Peter went down to the men and said, “Behold, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for which you have come?” 22They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you.” 23So he invited them in and gave them lodging. And on the next day he got up and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 

Today, we turn our attention to Acts 10:17–23—a pivotal section in which Peter encounters messengers from Cornelius that point to a new horizon in God’s mission. 

In these verses, we witness Peter’s initial perplexity upon the arrival of the three emissaries. Luke emphasizes this moment of “great puzzlement” using terms such as “diaporeō” (greatly puzzled), “dierōtaō” (asking), and “diakrinomai” (hesitating)—all of which intensify the unexpected nature of this encounter. From a Jewish perspective steeped in ritual purity, Peter’s inward questioning is both natural and profound as he grapples with the implications of his earlier vision. The messengers, arriving near noon from a location that suggests a well-appointed household (possibly by the sea), undertake a simple yet significant mission: to inquire whether Peter resides at the address they have been given. Their inquiry, characterized by the Lukan ἐπυνθάνοντο ("inquiring"), demonstrates a respectful and intentional approach to seeking him. 

As the narrative unfolds, the Spirit guides Peter even before he fully understands the mission behind these guests. In Acts 10:19–21, the Spirit endorses the visitors, marking them as divinely appointed to be part of God’s unfolding plan. Their presence confirms that God has already set the Gentile mission into motion: what was once considered unclean is now embraced as part of His universal family. When the emissaries present Cornelius in the best possible light—as a righteous, God-fearing man—the hospitality extended by Peter’s host underscores the importance of gentle and respectful engagement with those from outside the traditional boundaries. This carefully orchestrated encounter not only prepares Peter for the radical inclusion of the Gentiles but also sets a critical precedent for a multiethnic future for the church. 

This passage encourages us to reflect on and dismantle our own barriers. Like Peter, we may feel puzzled when faced with cultural or linguistic differences, yet the Spirit invites us to respond with open-hearted hospitality. Today’s church is urged to actively seek out and welcome those on the margins or from unfamiliar backgrounds, trusting that God’s Spirit is at work to unify all people under the banner of Christ.   

Blessings, 
Ryan Goodnight