The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Acts 10:1-2, “Now there was a man at Caesarea named Cornelius,

a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man and

one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the

Jewish people and prayed to God continually.”

Have you ever wondered how God works? He is all-powerful, all-intelligent,

all-wise; therefore, nothing hinders His ability to do whatever He wills.

I have only printed two verses above, but you need to read the entire

chapter to get the full picture of the LORD’s workings. Cornelius was

in Caesarea, praying during the ninth hour (3:00-4:00 P.M.) when God

sent an angel, who spoke to Cornelius and told him what to do.

Thirty-six miles away at Joppa, the LORD gave a vision to Peter while

he was praying at the sixth hour (noon). At that very time, the men

who Cornelius sent to find Peter, found him, after asking directions to

Simon-the-tanner’s house.

At that time in history, the Jews were forbidden to have anything to do

with non-Jewish people. But, through the vision, the LORD gave Peter

wisdom to understand that what he had seen demonstrated that God

was not partial to Jewish people, like they thought. He was opening

the door to the Gentiles to hear the Gospel.

Notice, too, that when Peter left with the three men Cornelius had sent,

and started toward Caesarea, “some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied

him” (Acts 10:23 NAU). They were to be Peter’s witnesses, confirming

that the Gentiles had received the Gospel. Thus, the LORD used an angel,

a vision, and people to do His work. He is not limited in how He works, and

He will use us if we will pray and look to Him for guidance.

Love and prayers to and for you all,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas