Acts 10:8

So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:8

In the last verse, Cornelius had called his servants and a devout soldier. With that remembered, it now says, “So when he had explained all these things to them.” The word translated as “had explained,” signifies to completely bring forth and thus to thoroughly explain. This means that Cornelius didn’t just tell them, “You three are to go to Joppa and fetch a guy named Peter.” Instead, he told them the entire substance of what occurred including the vision, the visitation, the words of the messenger, and so on.

This shows that Cornelius was on the friendliest of terms with his servants and his soldier. They deserved no explanation, but they were provided with it. It is another hint of the caliber of the man who deemed those around him deserving of more than just an arrogant, commanding attitude. Understanding this, and only after fully declaring the matter, it next says that “he sent them to Joppa.”

As it was the ninth hour (3 pm) when he was given the vision, it shows the truly obedient nature of Cornelius to get about the task without delay. It also shows his true desire to get about hearing what Peter would have to say. Nothing is said of them leaving in the morning, but that they called, and he sent them out.

Life application: Paul, citing the Lord, says –

“‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

The prayers of Cornelius had been heard, and he had been told that the day of salvation had come. He didn’t delay in getting about the business that had been set before him. There are people that really want to hear the word. Their hearts are already primed for responding favorably to the gospel. Others might be so far from the Lord that the gospel is the last thing one would expect they would want to hear. And yet, at the right moment, it is presented to them, and tears of joy flood their faces as they realize the significance of what Jesus had done for them.

We cannot know what type of reaction we will receive when we share the gospel, but we will never know if we don’t... share the gospel. Today may be the only day we ever come across a particular person. We should probably get about what we have been called to do lest we are later filled with regret over our negligence.

Let us be ready and willing, at all times, to share the wonderful news that Jesus has come!

Lord God, we can look around the world and think we have plenty of time to do this or that but then find out it is too late, and our window of opportunity is closed. How sad is the regret in such times. And how much more so when we have failed to share the good news about Jesus. Help us not to be  in our sharing of the gospel, O God. Amen.