Cornelius - The Search 3 - Cornelius' Visitor

Cornelius was a soldier in a harsh world, a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea.  A devout man, he made enemies.  He had a waking dream, and encountered the apostle Peter.  Cornelius - The Search, written by Hugh Finlay, and produced by Colm Flanagan.

Produced by Commission Christian Radio

Transcript

SPEAKER_08 0:16

Commission Christian Radio Productions present Cornelius The Search, written for radio in six episodes by Hugh Finlay. Episode three, Cornelius' Visitor.

SPEAKER_01 0:42

When soldiers who are friends meet, there is usually a great deal of talk, and often wine as well. Centurion Sabinus had been a friend of Cornelius and Camilla for many years, so their evening's discussion ranged far and wide on old friends, politics, and of course religion. A new Jewish religious sect came up for discussion.

SPEAKER_10 1:08

The new sect is called the people of the way, whatever that means. All the members seem to be Jews, but there's lots of hangers on who seem to want to be with them. They were rather secretive about it. I have to say, I'm watching them. I don't trust them.

SPEAKER_09 1:24

Well the Jews can be like that, Sabinas, but it springs from their belief and their uniqueness as a people. I was impressed by their vision of God, though. It's the thought that He is one and supreme overall, with no little godlets running about, as we'd have in Rome.

SPEAKER_03 1:39

We've adopted the idea of the one God, and it is to him that we now pray. Since we've done this, we have seen a big difference in our lives.

SPEAKER_10 1:48

Don't you find yourselves talking to the air, so to speak? I mean, this seems like nonsense if you don't mind me saying so.

SPEAKER_03 1:56

We judge by results. My whole household, including Varus, have joined us. I can recommend it, Sabinas.

SPEAKER_10 2:04

Can you indeed? Varus was always level headed. So what has got him caught up in this? Cornelius, I really think you should take a long look at where you're headed. I speak as your friend.

SPEAKER_01 2:18

Next morning, Cornelius was up bright and early. He was reading in his study before the others were about.

SPEAKER_09 2:28

Ten of them. That's very interesting indeed. Ten commandments directly from the Lord God. One would think everyone would pay attention with a source like that. Hear me. I am a Roman, not of your people. But I believe that you are real, whereas all others are nonsense. I want to know you, but they tell me you are not for me. Is this so? Will you not look upon all men as yours? Cornelius. What? Who is that?

SPEAKER_06 3:08

Show yourself. Who are you? What are you? Do not be afraid, Cornelius. Listen to me carefully. Put up your sword, I mean you no harm. Your prayers have not gone unnoticed by God. What do you mean? Who are you? I have a message from the Lord God for you. You must send to Joppa. You will find a man called Peter staying in the house of Simon the Tanner down by the shore. Ask him to come and visit with you.

SPEAKER_09 3:36

Peter. Simon the Tanner. The shore. Okay, I've got that, but who are you? Wit, don't go. Tell me who you are. Varus, get in here fast and bring my wife. I'm here, sir. What is it? What's the matter? A vision. I've had a vision. It's unbelievable.

SPEAKER_11 3:57

What is all the commotion? Cornelius, what is it? The master has seen something. He says it's a vision. A vision? What do you mean?

SPEAKER_03 4:07

Cornelius?

SPEAKER_09 4:09

It was a man or someone. I I don't know what, but I'll I'll I'll tell you. He was big, Camilla. Very big. He scared me half to death appearing like that. One second I was praying alone, and the next he was there. What was he like? Was he threatening? No, not threatening. He had the kindest eyes I'd ever seen. His voice was gentle. After the initial shock, I put my sword away and he he spoke to me. You drew your sword on him, sir. You tried to take him on. Oh I know, Varus, but he didn't seem to mind.

SPEAKER_03 4:42

What did he say to you?

SPEAKER_09 4:45

Well, when he had told me not to be afraid, he told me that I had found favour with God. I was to send a jopper for some chap called Peter. He's staying with a tanner near the docks.

SPEAKER_11 4:55

I've heard of Peter. They call him the big fisherman. He used to work on the Sea of Tiberias with his brothers. If it's the same man, he was present at the execution of the Nazarene. Is he a follower of the way?

SPEAKER_09 5:10

I believe he is. Well, I don't know anything about him. All I know, this man told me to get to him, so I suppose I'll have to. I don't have a choice.

SPEAKER_11 5:18

I will go, sir. I will take Decimus as a companion. We'll leave at first light. These things don't just happen by accident. I think this was a messenger from God and an angel or whatever they're called.

SPEAKER_03 5:34

All this has happened because we started worshipping the Jewish god. No other gods have ever reacted in any way. I think we may have found the real one.

SPEAKER_01 5:47

Cornelius and his household gathered for prayer to see what God wanted them to do. While they did so, events were unfolding elsewhere. Two of Jesus' followers, Peter and Barnabas, approached a small town in the Judean foothills.

SPEAKER_04 6:06

What is this place called, Barnabas?

SPEAKER_00 6:08

It's called Lida Peter. There are many of our people here.

SPEAKER_04 6:12

It's in a beautiful setting. You can overlook the Vale of Sharon and the sea. God has blessed us greatly with such fertile lands.

SPEAKER_00 6:20

Peter, will you go to the synagogue? I'm sure from what I've heard there are many of our people there. They may need encouragement. I've been there before. They were very kind.

SPEAKER_04 6:31

I look forward to meeting them. Lead on, Barnabas. Saul was a Jew. In fact, he was a Pharisee and a very strict one. That, Rabbi, is what caused him to persecute us so ferociously. He believed passionately that we were blasphemers because we named Jesus as God's son. Now he is one of us. We have no business deciding who is righteous and who isn't. Jesus told us not to judge.

SPEAKER_07 7:01

There are those who are outside the kingdom. I accept that Saul was caught in his legality, but are you saying he was wrong to exclude the Gentiles, for example? Our traditions have always considered them as fodder for hell.

SPEAKER_04 7:16

Aye, Joshua, tradition. The master said he was sent to the house of Israel for sure, but he also said he had sheep that were not of this fold. If we have a role to play in bringing salvation to the world, there must be some place for outsiders. And I know the exact place, my friend. Come now, where is your charity? Are we not told to look after sojourners and strangers? Why do you pick and choose?

SPEAKER_07 7:45

Because I stop at throwing the law out of our lives.

SPEAKER_04 7:48

Yes, I'm sure you do. I'm sure you don't want to do that.

SPEAKER_07 7:52

Well, I want to change the subject. Our friend Ines was injured in an accident some eight years ago and has been unable to walk since. Can you help him?

SPEAKER_04 8:04

No, I can't. But I know who can. Jesus Christ who is alive and risen can and will. Where is Ines? He is just two streets away. Will you come? Of course I will come. The poor chap must be almost in despair. It's time he got some relief. Lead on, Joshua.

SPEAKER_07 8:28

Inneas, I brought someone to see you. Is that you, Joshua? Who's that with you? This is Peter the Apostle. He was one of the Galilean's closest friends.

SPEAKER_05 8:40

The fisherman I'm honored indeed. Excuse me, sir, I cannot get up to welcome you. I was injured some years ago. I have heard of you, certainly, but to meet you Well this is a great honour.

SPEAKER_04 8:53

I am the one who has honored Aness. I have been brought here so that God may be glorified. Look at me. Anneess Jesus Christ of Nazareth heals you. Get up and make your bed.

SPEAKER_05 9:08

Oh right away, sir, I'll just sort out the I am walking. I am walking. Praise God, I am walking. Joshua, look at me. I am healed. Sir, brother Peter, thank you.

SPEAKER_04 9:25

Give the glory to Jesus Aeneas. It is his power that has healed you.

SPEAKER_05 9:30

Where's my wife? I must show her. She'll be amazed. It will be a shop for her, but a good one, excuse me, I really must go and find her.

SPEAKER_01 9:37

The effect on the townspeople was startling. Aeneas was well known. Peter and Barnabas were scarcely able to eat due to the pressures on them. They were constantly leading prayer and teaching almost to the point of exhaustion. Then one day two men came from nearby Joppa.

SPEAKER_08 9:59

My name is Alan, sir. I've come from Joppa to beg for your help.

SPEAKER_04 10:03

Oh, I will of course help you if I can.

SPEAKER_08 10:06

We we've heard of you as an apostle, sir, and all of us agreed that I should come to you. So what is it you want? Sir, in Joppa there was a lady called Dorcas. She was a believer in Jesus, and her faith pervaded her whole life. She used to make beautiful clothes for those of us who weren't well off.

SPEAKER_04 10:23

She was, you say.

SPEAKER_08 10:25

She became ill and died last night, sir. It has broken the hearts of many in the port. We need help, sir, for we do not know what to do. Please say you will come.

SPEAKER_04 10:35

I'll come at once. We'll start right away.

SPEAKER_01 10:39

Peter and Alon hurried through the night and arrived at the port of Joppa the next day. They went directly to a house on the seafront. It was surrounded by weeping mourners.

SPEAKER_08 10:53

This way, sir. She's been laid out in the inner room. Ladies, will you let Peter through? He has come to help us. Peter, this is Aquila, a member of our group. She was very close to Dorcas.

SPEAKER_02 11:05

Thank you for coming, sir. Dorcas was always a good woman, but when she came to Jesus, she blossomed. Look at these beautiful clothes she made for us. She was so kind to us, widows.

SPEAKER_04 11:17

Only believe Aquila and trust in God. Now, take me to her.

SPEAKER_02 11:22

Through here, sir.

SPEAKER_04 11:24

Thank you, Aquila. But I must ask you and Alan to leave the room. I wish to be alone to pray with her. Lord God of heaven and earth, look upon your handmaiden. I beg you to hear my prayer and restore her to those who love her as you restored Lazarus to his family. Dorcas, arise.

SPEAKER_03 11:54

Oh you what's happened? Oh I feel really tired.

SPEAKER_04 12:01

I'm Peter Dorcas. You've been very ill and were declared dead to the great distress of your friends. God has granted you recovery. Now take my hand and get up.

SPEAKER_03 12:13

Yes. Peter, I recognize you now.

SPEAKER_04 12:18

You may come in now, Aquila.

SPEAKER_02 12:20

Dorcas! You're alive! Praise God! I knew you would help us, Peter. Oh praise his great mercy. Dorcas is restored to us. You have brought the power of God to us, Peter.

SPEAKER_04 12:38

You have got it in one, Dorcas. All power is given in the name of Jesus. So give all the glory to God who raised you up. Now, I think your friends here want to celebrate with you, and I think it is no place for a man, so I'll leave you now.

SPEAKER_03 12:54

Thank you so much, Peter, and thank God! Will you come with me, Aquila?

SPEAKER_01 13:02

The rejoicing and festivities went on all day and spread out into the street. Peter spent some time in prayer, thanking God for his power, and next day was thinking of returning to Lydda. But something stopped him, and he stayed at Joppa. It was to be a significant decision.

SPEAKER_08 13:58

The series was written by Hugh Finlay and produced at Commission Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland, by Colin Flanagan. Episode four of the series is entitled Peter's Vision.