Acts 10:9-18

Cornelius wasn’t the only one having a vision. Notice the difference in the type of visions, though. While Cornelius’ vision was straightforward, with an angel delivering a message, Peter’s was more symbolic. Visions come in all shapes and sizes. Scripture even says that God speaks to us in the night seasons and that young men will see visions while old men will dream dreams.

Take note of dreams. I have had several dreams where God has spoken to me and ministered to me in my sleep. Some contained answers to questions I hadn’t even asked yet, but were planted in my spirit to be revealed at a later time—in some instances, over 30 years later. Some were warnings, and two were visitations from the Lord Himself. God can speak to us however He chooses. We have to be careful not to get hung up on the delivery system. He is always speaking to us—the question is, “Are we listening?”

The message to Peter was that he was not to call something unclean that God had made clean. In fact, he saw the same vision three times. God was setting Peter up for his encounter with Cornelius’ servants (Gentiles) who were approaching the place where he was staying—mind you, Gentiles were considered unclean to Jews. This message was very timely, for Cornelius’ servants were standing at the gate along with a Roman soldier.


God is always preparing us for what lies ahead, even when we do not yet understand what He is doing. Peter could not fully grasp the meaning of the vision at first, but the Lord was already orchestrating divine appointments and breaking down barriers that had long divided people. Sometimes God speaks in ways that require patience, discernment, and obedience before the full picture becomes clear. The important thing is that we remain sensitive and willing to respond when He speaks.

To be continued tomorrow…