Justin Houtz

Leviticus 9, Acts 10

DateVersionReading Plan
April 9, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Leviticus 9

Observation

On the eighth day, Moses called Aaron, his sons and the elders of Israel to give instruction the offerings. He told them the process to follow that the glory of the LORD would appear to them and in order to make atonement for himself and for the people (Lev. 9:1-7). Aaron did so as the LORD commanded Moses (Lev. 9:8-21). Aaron then lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them and came down from offering the sin offering, burnt offering and peace offering (Lev. 9:22). Moses and Aaron went into the tent and then came out, blessing the people, and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people (Lev. 9:23). Fire came out and consumed the burnt offering and pieces on the altar, and when the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces (Lev. 9:24).

Application

What an astonishing sight it must have been to see the glory of the LORD and the fire come down to consume the offering. As the CSB Notes states, “His entrance now signaled the imminent presence of the Lord.” The LORD deemed their offering acceptable and chose to be present with them. This is the greatest blessing mankind could ever receive; God Himself. The amazement of this is compounded all the more as we realize that God came down, took on human flesh, dwelt among us and blessed us with His presence by His Son who is, in Himself, our acceptable, all-sufficient sacrifice. It is a wonder beyond measure and comprehension but one that should rouse all manner of praise and worship.

Acts 10

Observation

Transitioning from Peter’s stay with Simon the tanner, Luke focuses on a man named Cornelius in Caesarea. He was a devout and God-fearing man who gave alms generously to the people and prayed continually to God (Acts 10:1-2). “Ryrie suggests he was probably ‘a proselyte of the gate; that is, he believed in the God of Judaism and His government, but had not yet taken any of the steps to become a full-fledged proselyte.’” (BBC). About the ninth hour of the day an angel appeared to Cornelius, told him that his prayers and alms had ascended to God and that he was to send men to Joppa and bring Peter (Acts 10:5). Cornelius did so, relating everything to the men and sending them to Joppa (Acts 10:8).

The next day, as Cornelius’ men were journeying, Peter went on the housetop to pray, became hungry and fell into a trance (Acts 10:9-11). In the trance, Peter saw a vision of something like a great sheet descending and in it were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds of the air (Acts 10:12). A voice came to Peter and told him to rise and eat, but Peter replied that he had never eaten anything unclean (Acts 10:13-14). The voice came to Peter again and told him that what God has made clean, he was not to call common (Acts 10:15). This happened three times and the thing was taken up at once to heaven (Acts 10:16).

While Peter was perplexed about the vision, Cornelius’ men were standing at the gate making inquiry for Peter (Acts 10:17). The Spirit told Peter that the men were looking for him and that he should accompany them without hesitation (Acts 10:18-20). Peter did so and asked the reason for their coming (Acts 10:21). The men told Peter about Cornelius, that he was an upright, God-fearing man and that he was directed by a holy angel to send for Peter (Acts 10:22). Peter then invited them to be his guests (Acts 10:23).

The next day, Peter went with them back to Cornelius where Cornelius was waiting along with his relatives and close friends (Acts 10:24). Cornelius fell down at Peter’s feet and worshiped him but Peter rebuked him, saying that he too was a man (Acts 10:25-26). Peter acknowledged that they knew how it was unlawful for a Jew to associate or visit anyone of another nation but God showed him that he was not to call any person common or unclean (Acts 10:28). Cornelius told Peter what had happened to him, the vision and instruction he had received to bring Peter (Acts 10:29-33).

Peter opened his mouth and addressed Cornelius and the people, saying that he truly understood that God shows no partiality and presented the gospel of Jesus Christ (Act 10:34-43). While Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word, pouring out even on the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46). Peter rhetorically asked if water could be withheld from them for their baptism, those who had received the Holy Spirit as they had (Acts 10:47). Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and they asked Peter to remain with them for some days (Acts 10:48).

Application

Again, the order of events in this chapter are helpful to reflect upon as they showcase God’s providential work. Cornelius was given a vision to send men for Peter and, while the men were in transit, Peter had a vision of his own to prepare him for their coming. Through this, Peter was both shown and given opportunity to abide in the truth that God shows no partiality. As with Peter, there should be no hinderance for us in sharing the gospel. It is the message for all and we as His ambassadors are called to proclaim the need for repentance from sin and faith in Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, how abundant is Your grace that Your will is to be with Your people. How undeserving I am to be granted Your presence. Thank You that by Your Son you bestow mercy to the sinful and wicked. Father, thank You for Your calling on my life to be a herald of our desperate plight and salvation found only in Christ.

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