In the account of Peter and Cornelius we have two issues that seem out of place with our understanding of grace and salvation as a gift of God to undeserving sinners.
First, Cornelius, as a Gentile God-fearer, expressed his devotion to God by continual prayer and generous support of the poor and needy. The angel who appeared to Cornelius during his prayer time seems to indicate that his acts of devotion caught God's attention, which prompted the Lord to arrange for Peter to come and present the gospel to him. So, the question is, did this man's piety contribute to his salvation? If so, why did Peter need to come and give him the gospel message?
Second, Peter began his message to those gathered in Cornelius's house by telling them that “God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to Him” (vv. 34, 35). This statement seems to support the understanding that God responds to piety and goodness, no matter how it is shown. Peter seems to be addressing his audience from Deuteronomy 10:12-22. If Cornelius feared God and walked in His ways, would he not then be accepted of God? If so, is salvation of works or of grace or of both?
What does it mean that God shows no partiality?
The outline for this message is in the PDF document above.
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