Why Send For Peter?

Text: Acts 10:24-33

 I. Peter raised the question. 10:29
    A. Hear the angel of God (10:5-6).
    B. Cornelius as he relates the vision of the angel, 
       10:32-33. (speak – hear).
    C. Peter – 10:34; 11:14-15; 15:7
    D. Although miracles attended the conversion of 
       Cornelius, God did not have Peter to go to the house 
       of Cornelius for the purpose of working miracles.
    E. Peter did not go for a social visit, although he 
       enjoyed the hospitality of Cornelius – Acts 11:3.
    F. Peter did not for political reasons, nor did he go 
       for the purpose of discussing politics, social 
       morays, current events, human philosophy or death 
       bed stories.
    G. Peter went simply to preach the gospel of Christ.  
       He preached the same gospel that he had preached 
       unto the Jews.
    H. Preaching is God’s chosen way to convert and save 
       the lost.
       1. 1 Corinthians 1:21
       2. Matthew 28:19-20
       3. Mark 16:15-16
       4. Romans 10:13f
    I. It is not may purpose to study the conversion of 
       Cornelius but to raise the same question which Peter 
       raised, “Why have you sent for me?”

II. The work of an evangelist – 2 Timothy 4:5.
    A. To change people, not to teach a different doctrine.
       1. Galatians 1:6-9
       2. 2 John 9
       3. Revelation 22:18-19
    B. Show men how to behave in the church.
       1. 1 Timothy 3:15
       2. By manner of life – 1 Timothy 4:12-13
       3. By Message – 1 Timothy 4:16
    C. Put the brethren in remembrance – 1 Timothy 4:6
       1. Paul reminded Timothy – 2 Timothy 1:6
       2. Peter – 2 Peter 1:12-14
       3. Things which Timothy was to call to the 
          remembrance of the brethren.
          a. The fact that some would apostatize and teach 
             false doctrine – 1 Timothy 4:1f; 2 Peter 2:1-
             3.
          b. To receive all the gifts and favors of God 
             with prayer and thanksgiving and to be used 
             according to the will of God.
    D. Preach, reprove, and exhort – 2 Timothy 4:1-4
       1. Preach – “The Word”
          a. 1 Timothy 6:3-5
          b. 2 Timothy 1:13
          c. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
          d. “Christ” Acts 8
          e. “Kingdom” Acts 2
       2. Why Preach – Time will come when men shall not 
          endure sound doctrine.
          a. 1 Timothy 4:6, 16
          b. John 6:44-45
          c. Hebrews 8
          d. 1 Corinthians 1:21
          e. Romans 1:16
       3. Reprove and rebuke – 1 Timothy 5:20
       4. Exhort
    E. Charge the rich that they trust not in riches – 1 
       Timothy 6:16-19
    F. “Perfect” the saints and edify the Body of Christ – 
       Ephesians 4:11-12
    G. Evangelist is to study.
       1. 2 Timothy 2:15
       2. 1 Timothy 4:13
       3. Meditate – 1 Timothy 4:15
    H. The evangelist will be judged for his own work – not 
       the members.
    I. Not here to run the affairs of the church – 
       Evangelist – authority – counsel, advise, recommend.  
       Attend some business meetings, others not.