Cornelius - The Search 4 - Peter's Vision

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_01 0:15

Mission Christian Radio Productions present Cornelius the Search, written for radio in six episodes by Hugh Finlay. Episode four, Peter's Vision.

SPEAKER_04 0:41

The town of Joppa contained a group of very happy people. They were followers of the way, and one of the group had been miraculously given her life back by Peter, who'd been one of Jesus' disciples in Galilee. One of their leaders, Isaac, asked Peter to stay with them for a time and teach them. He arranged for one of their number, a man called Simon, who was a tanner, to give him accommodation. Peter was happy to accept, even though tanners were looked upon as low caste. Tanning hides was a smelly occupation.

SPEAKER_00 1:18

There'll be many new converts after this, Peter. I'm sure that the word of what you have done will go around. But I hope you don't mind staying with me. I know the smell is a bit overpowering sometimes.

SPEAKER_12 1:29

You have never had to sleep in the bottom of a fishing boat when the heat is up.

SPEAKER_00 1:33

That's true. Anyway, you are welcome to my house. Especially after what you have done today.

SPEAKER_12 1:39

No, Simon. I have done nothing. The Lord Jesus has used me to bring his power to Dorcas to heal her.

SPEAKER_00 1:46

We need to know more, sir. If you don't mind, I've arranged for our members to meet and hear your teaching on this tomorrow. We are hungry to hear the word, Peter.

SPEAKER_12 1:56

Very well, but speaking of hunger, I wonder if I may presume upon you for some supper. I'm really hungry.

SPEAKER_00 2:03

With the greatest of pleasure, if you will come with me. I hope you like fish. We have a different sort here.

SPEAKER_04 2:11

The brothers and sisters at Joppa were almost in a state of euphoria as Peter and Barnabas ministered amongst them. But God is never idle. While they were enjoying the fellowship in Joppa, the household of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, was being prepared for the arrival of a guest.

SPEAKER_05 2:32

Here we are, sir. We're ready for the offer. Good virus. Now listen, Peter is living at the home of a tonner called Simon near the beach. I believe he will somehow be expecting you. Don't ask me how. I'm sure he'll be happy to come with you. Now, go as quickly as you can.

SPEAKER_06 2:49

At once, sir. It should take just two days' travel. I'm assuming that this man will not have a horse, him being a fisherman, but we'll be back as soon as we can. Excellent.

SPEAKER_00 3:00

Lunch will be ready soon, Peter. You don't seem to have lost your appetite since you gave up the fishing.

SPEAKER_12 3:05

Big man, big energy requirement. It goes with the frame, Simon. I am sorry to be such a drain on your resources.

SPEAKER_00 3:12

Oh, think nothing of it. The more Bethel's eaten, the more hides there are for me to tan. You're helping to keep me in business.

SPEAKER_12 3:19

You're never stuck for a word, are you, Simon? Tell you what, I'll go up on the roof where I can see the sea and pray. Will you call me when the food is ready? Of course.

SPEAKER_00 3:28

Take your time.

SPEAKER_04 3:30

Peter went up to the roof. But little did he know that he was about to have an event that would change the course of history for his people and the whole Gentile world.

SPEAKER_12 3:47

Lord God, thank you for giving us such beauty. Thank you for the food you supply and for the friends with whom we sit at table.

SPEAKER_10 3:58

I feel very sleepy all of a sudden. Glory to you, Lord God. Glory to you.

SPEAKER_12 4:14

What's that? It it looks like a huge bag and what's that in it? What are all those animals and birds? Is that a pig eye here?

SPEAKER_09 4:32

I must be dreaming. You're hungry, Peter. Go ahead. Kill and eat whatever you wish. Who what? I am the Lord. Do as I say, Peter.

SPEAKER_12 4:49

But, Lord, some of these things are unclean. I have never eaten anything that is forbidden by the Torah.

SPEAKER_09 4:57

It is your law, Lord. You must not contradict me, Peter. If I declare a thing to be clean, then it is so.

SPEAKER_12 5:07

But, Lord, what am I to do? These things are repugnant to me, and yet you tell me to eat them?

SPEAKER_09 5:16

What does all this mean? Nothing I declare to be clean can be unclean, Peter. You will know the meaning of this when the time comes.

SPEAKER_12 5:27

Now rest What was that all about? I seem to have seen that sheet thing three times. Up and down it went. All those beasts He said they were clean, but the Lord's law says otherwise, and all I wanted to do is pray.

SPEAKER_09 5:53

Peter you will know on time. Now go down, for there is someone looking for you. All will be well. You have a journey to make.

SPEAKER_00 6:07

Peter, can you come down, please? There are some people here to see you. One of them is a soldier, but he looks peaceful enough.

SPEAKER_11 6:15

I'm coming, Simon. Please ask them to wait.

SPEAKER_12 6:19

Lord. You're doing a new thing. What is it that you're asking of me?

SPEAKER_06 6:32

You wish to see me?

SPEAKER_12 6:33

I'm Peter. How can I help you?

SPEAKER_06 6:35

My name is Varus, sir. I am the servant of a centurion called Cornelius. He is stationed in Caesarea, and this is Decimus, one of his men. We have been asked to seek you out. Our master had a very strange encounter. Let me explain. We believe it was an angel of God, sir. Cornelius was told that he should send for you. He was even given the address of the very house you were staying in. He's not alone, sir. We of his household also believe in the one true God. But we need to know more.

SPEAKER_12 7:12

I sense the touch of the master here. Of course I'll come with you. We'll leave in the morning. You may stay here with us if Simon has no objection.

SPEAKER_00 7:22

There is always room in my house. I don't hole with excluding Gentiles. Let me take your cloaks. My servant will bring water for your refreshment.

SPEAKER_06 7:31

We've been on the road all day and it's been very hot and dusty. You're most kind.

SPEAKER_00 7:35

We are about to eat. When you've cleaned up, come and join us. We would like to hear more about this strange Roman and his household. Thank you.

SPEAKER_06 7:43

We will certainly do that. Decimus, let's go and get settled. Thank you, sir, for your hospitality. My pleasure. We shall see you shortly.

SPEAKER_04 7:53

The little party enjoyed a long evening meal, and Peter recounted the details of his vision. Varus and Decimus told of the faith that was in the household of Cornelius, much to the excitement of Peter and the others. All too soon it was time to retire. But all was not as peaceful in other places. In Jerusalem, Pilate and Domus Maximus were in conversation.

SPEAKER_08 8:23

So Domus Maximus, you have news for me from your travels? Nothing of any serious import, Governor, although uh I was surprised by the attitude of one of your centurions. You have a leaning towards being surprised, I think. What is it now? That chap in Caesarea, uh Cornelius. I stayed at his house on my way through. Is he quite sane? Susane? Of course he's a sane. What are you implying? I don't mean to offend Governor, but uh, while I was with him they were all praying and talking about gods and things. They seem to be smitten with a Jewish god. I was merely wondering if he'd become disaffected somehow.

SPEAKER_02 9:10

Nodamis, I want you to listen to me very carefully. I find it offensive that you abuse a man's hospitality in this way. Governor, really are you? Be quiet. I want you to know that since Cornelius has taken over the area, crime has virtually been wiped out, and the relationship between our troops and the locals has never been more peaceful.

SPEAKER_08 9:35

I really didn't mean to be able to do that.

SPEAKER_02 9:36

And if you think that these conditions are a basis for doubting the sanity of one of my officers, then it is not him, but you I doubt. I will hear no more of this. Leave me nigh.

SPEAKER_08 9:49

Cavanet, I really must protect.

SPEAKER_02 9:50

Leave me nigh!

SPEAKER_04 9:52

Pilate was not going to listen to tales about his men, and Domus was given a swift send-off. As with most occupying powers, results were all that mattered. Pilate did not know how Cornelius was getting the good results he did, but he was happy to leave him alone to do his work. The people of the way had not as yet been targeted by the Emperor's hatred. Back in Joppa, the little party was preparing to leave for Caesarea.

SPEAKER_12 10:23

Varus, did you sleep well?

SPEAKER_06 10:25

Yes, thank you, Peter, I did.

SPEAKER_12 10:27

Decimus, was your couch to your liking?

SPEAKER_03 10:30

Well, it was a bit too soft. I'm used to far harder beds.

SPEAKER_12 10:35

I can imagine. It can be rough on a boat as well, so I know what you're talking about. Shall we go? I thought it best if some of my friends went with us. There are three of them, they're waiting outside. I'll introduce you to them when you're ready.

SPEAKER_03 10:49

Always good to have numbers. We'll be safer from robbers.

SPEAKER_12 10:52

Of course, we do not trust in numbers, Decimus, but in the Lord God.

SPEAKER_03 10:57

We trust in him too, sir, but you have to admit, a fully armed Roman soldier does make some of them think twice.

SPEAKER_12 11:04

Fair point, I'm sure it will.

SPEAKER_06 11:06

And having fresh company will make the journey seem shorter.

SPEAKER_12 11:09

Right. Shall we go? Vharus, I want to hear how you became a believer in the Lord God. I would have thought that most of the Roman army had Mithras as their god. I can think of no bigger difference than between the Lord God and that bull cult with all its nonsense.

SPEAKER_04 11:28

So the party got on their way to Caesarea, further down the coast. The conversation between Peter's friends and the others was animated and excited. But everyone avoided the subject of the vast difference between Judaism and the Gentiles, as if by mutual consent. Sabinus, meanwhile, had called again to see his old friend. He was concerned about Cornelius.

SPEAKER_07 11:54

It was Domus Maximus behind it all. He's a very dangerous man.

SPEAKER_05 11:59

What's his problem? We gave him a bed for the night when he passed through on his way to Jerusalem. Nothing untoward happened when he was here.

SPEAKER_07 12:06

You spoke to him about your interest in the divine, did you not? Well, yes, but he wasn't interested. Neither was I. But I didn't go to the governor and try to undermine you like he did. Cornelius, he tried to plant a seed of suspicion in Pilate's mind about your loyalty. He said that if you were into the Jewish God, you were either insane or dangerous. So what happened? I understand Pilate wouldn't accept what he said. But listen, my dear friend, it is possible for this interest of yours to be misinterpreted. Please be careful with whom you share your interests. I would not like to see you and Camilla in trouble.

SPEAKER_04 12:52

Even though Cornelius and his household were living in peace and his influence was being felt in the territory, Sabinus's warnings caused him to feel a sense of foreboding. Was he to hide his interest or ignore the dangers? It was a vexed question, but having experienced the vision, he felt heartened to continue his search.

SPEAKER_01 13:53

The series was written by Hugh Finlay and produced at Commission Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland, by Colin Flanagan. Episode five of the series is entitled Many Voices.