Summary of Bible references on the Rapture
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Cornelius -- Prophetic fulfillment (1)
Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
This centurion perfectly aligns with the centurion that sent to Jesus for his servant to be healed. That Centurion was in Capernaum, this one is in Caesarea, that one was serving Herod, this one is in the Imperial guard, that one was ten years ago. We don't know if it was the same man, but if so it would not be hard to imagine him having been promoted and assigned to a different location after ten years.
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
The man in the gospels had shown great faith, a deep care and concern for his servant and a love for the people of Israel. It is not difficult to believe that a man who has shown love and care for the people in Israel would be valued and promoted by the Romans. Jesus marveled at that centurion's faith and this centurion is one that prays always.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
This memorial is a benchmark standard for the nations to enter into the presence of God, prayers and alms. The centurion in the gospels understands the command structure, he simply asks Jesus to say the word and give the command. Jesus then says that the Gentiles will be allowed into His table and fellowship and sets this man's faith up at the entrance as the standard. Then after ascending to the throne and sitting at the right hand of God an angel is sent from God to this centurion and gives him the command to send for Peter. Jesus told Peter He would give him the keys to the kingdom, and so the Lord is sending Peter to this centurion to open the doors for the kingdom to the Gentiles.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
This is right after Dorcas has been resurrected from the dead, also resurrecting Peter's ministry.
7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
In the gospels this man tells Jesus that He is a man under authority and all He needs to do is to speak the word. Here we see a command is sent to this man by an Angel and immediately he responds as a man under authority to act on the command from the Lord.
Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
This centurion perfectly aligns with the centurion that sent to Jesus for his servant to be healed. That Centurion was in Capernaum, this one is in Caesarea, that one was serving Herod, this one is in the Imperial guard, that one was ten years ago. We don't know if it was the same man, but if so it would not be hard to imagine him having been promoted and assigned to a different location after ten years.
2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
The man in the gospels had shown great faith, a deep care and concern for his servant and a love for the people of Israel. It is not difficult to believe that a man who has shown love and care for the people in Israel would be valued and promoted by the Romans. Jesus marveled at that centurion's faith and this centurion is one that prays always.
3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
This memorial is a benchmark standard for the nations to enter into the presence of God, prayers and alms. The centurion in the gospels understands the command structure, he simply asks Jesus to say the word and give the command. Jesus then says that the Gentiles will be allowed into His table and fellowship and sets this man's faith up at the entrance as the standard. Then after ascending to the throne and sitting at the right hand of God an angel is sent from God to this centurion and gives him the command to send for Peter. Jesus told Peter He would give him the keys to the kingdom, and so the Lord is sending Peter to this centurion to open the doors for the kingdom to the Gentiles.
5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
This is right after Dorcas has been resurrected from the dead, also resurrecting Peter's ministry.
7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
In the gospels this man tells Jesus that He is a man under authority and all He needs to do is to speak the word. Here we see a command is sent to this man by an Angel and immediately he responds as a man under authority to act on the command from the Lord.
Cornelius -- Prophetic fulfillment (2)
Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
We pray to commune with the Lord. It isn't simply to "ask for things". Peter had no idea what was going on, but first he needed to see that the Lord still had a purpose for His ministry and now as he is in communion with the Lord the Lord gives him his command.
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
God the creator created "all manner of four footed beasts, wild beasts, creeping things and fowls of the air." If you know the creator you can be amazed at the variety of all these creatures and each one has their specific "niche", the role they play on earth's biosphere. For example I have two dogs and just recently I noticed a few fleas in the house. So I prayed, I don't want to fill the house with poison but I do want to eliminate the fleas. Then I saw a wolf spider. This guy is the perfect guy to go hunt down these fleas and eat them. That is God's creation. Well Jesus came as the savior to bring in a new creation and He is able to save all these various creatures from the Old creation to the new creation.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
The bible calls these creatures unclean in the law of Moses. But that is prior to the crucifixion. Jesus prophesied in the gospels when He healed the centurion's servant that the "unclean gentiles" would be cleansed and be able to enter into the fellowship of the Lord. Now, after the crucifixion He is telling Peter that this cleansing has already taken place, and so He is giving the command to go and open the door to the Gentiles to enter into the fellowship.
16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
A tanner processes an animals hide into a covering. When Jesus was crucified on the cross He gave us His body and blood to eat and drink, to strengthen us. But His skin, His hide was also given to us as a covering. But this takes more processing than simply cooking the meat. Peter, Paul and the apostles are likened to tanners who processed the crucifixion of Jesus into a covering for the nations. When Jesus healed the Centurion's servant the Centurion stated that He was not worthy for Jesus to enter into his home. He understood he needed this covering and Jesus did not dispute that. He describes a future in which Gentiles will be able to sit down in the banquet feast with the Lord, a banquet where if you are not wearing the proper garment you will be cast out. This is the point in time where that skin is now ready to be worn as a covering.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
What were they seeking? They were seeking to be grafted in.
Acts 10:9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
We pray to commune with the Lord. It isn't simply to "ask for things". Peter had no idea what was going on, but first he needed to see that the Lord still had a purpose for His ministry and now as he is in communion with the Lord the Lord gives him his command.
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: 12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
God the creator created "all manner of four footed beasts, wild beasts, creeping things and fowls of the air." If you know the creator you can be amazed at the variety of all these creatures and each one has their specific "niche", the role they play on earth's biosphere. For example I have two dogs and just recently I noticed a few fleas in the house. So I prayed, I don't want to fill the house with poison but I do want to eliminate the fleas. Then I saw a wolf spider. This guy is the perfect guy to go hunt down these fleas and eat them. That is God's creation. Well Jesus came as the savior to bring in a new creation and He is able to save all these various creatures from the Old creation to the new creation.
14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
The bible calls these creatures unclean in the law of Moses. But that is prior to the crucifixion. Jesus prophesied in the gospels when He healed the centurion's servant that the "unclean gentiles" would be cleansed and be able to enter into the fellowship of the Lord. Now, after the crucifixion He is telling Peter that this cleansing has already taken place, and so He is giving the command to go and open the door to the Gentiles to enter into the fellowship.
16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
A tanner processes an animals hide into a covering. When Jesus was crucified on the cross He gave us His body and blood to eat and drink, to strengthen us. But His skin, His hide was also given to us as a covering. But this takes more processing than simply cooking the meat. Peter, Paul and the apostles are likened to tanners who processed the crucifixion of Jesus into a covering for the nations. When Jesus healed the Centurion's servant the Centurion stated that He was not worthy for Jesus to enter into his home. He understood he needed this covering and Jesus did not dispute that. He describes a future in which Gentiles will be able to sit down in the banquet feast with the Lord, a banquet where if you are not wearing the proper garment you will be cast out. This is the point in time where that skin is now ready to be worn as a covering.
19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
What were they seeking? They were seeking to be grafted in.
Cornelius -- A Prophetic Fulfillment (3)
21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
There is an ugly doctrine that is based on truth. The truth is we are saved by Jesus blood, it is not of ourselves, but it is all of Him. The ugly doctrine that springs up from this is to deride people who are "just men, those that fear God, and of a good report" as though that is a "works based salvation". No. The Centurion in the gospels knew that He was unworthy to have Jesus come under His roof despite his love and care for the people. This centurion, whether or not it is the same man, he also knows that he is unworthy. But Peter understands from His vision that the Lord has made them clean through the crucifixion. Every single gentile that enters the banquet hall with the Lord and enters into the fellowship of the body and blood should see this memorial at the entrance to this banquet. It was a man who was just, who feared God, who prayed always and gave alms, it was this man that God sent Peter to to open the door.
23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
There were three pillars to the Jewish religion that were dismantled in the New Testament. The law concerning the sabbath. Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath and His spending the entire sabbath day in the tomb was the fulfillment of the sabbath rest. If you are in the Old creation you are forbidden by law from building the kingdom, but if you are in the new creation, having been crucified with Christ, dead, buried and risen again in the newness of life then you can be a coworker with the Lord.
With Peter we see the second pillar, the kosher dietary laws. This had to be dismantled, otherwise it would have been impossible for the gospel to go to the nations. Imagine trying to preach the gospel in India, or China, or any other nation while telling them their food and customs are unclean and you can't eat with them or enter their home and if anyone were to get saved they also would have to separate themselves from family, friends and everything else in their nation. When I was in Taiwan it was extremely common to go to a restaurant that had a little altar to an idol. If I had said "I can't enter this restaurant" it would have been exceedingly awkward to preach a gospel in a nation where you are so limited. Notice how the charge to Peter is "rise and eat". If we are going to preach the gospel in these nations then we must "rise and eat". Notice also that this has happened right after the very clear rejection by the Jews. They killed Stephan, they sent Saul out to round up Christians and imprison them, and now that Paul has been saved and is showing them from the word of God that Jesus is the Christ they want to kill him. Jesus said they would be cast out in such a case and the Gentiles would be let in.
The third pillar is circumcision, a sign in the flesh that you have a covenant with God. Paul makes it clear in Galatians that the crucifixion leaves a mark on our heart giving us a new heart and that is the true circumcision. We are circumcised in our heart, whereas the physical circumcision of the flesh Paul calls "the concision".
21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
There is an ugly doctrine that is based on truth. The truth is we are saved by Jesus blood, it is not of ourselves, but it is all of Him. The ugly doctrine that springs up from this is to deride people who are "just men, those that fear God, and of a good report" as though that is a "works based salvation". No. The Centurion in the gospels knew that He was unworthy to have Jesus come under His roof despite his love and care for the people. This centurion, whether or not it is the same man, he also knows that he is unworthy. But Peter understands from His vision that the Lord has made them clean through the crucifixion. Every single gentile that enters the banquet hall with the Lord and enters into the fellowship of the body and blood should see this memorial at the entrance to this banquet. It was a man who was just, who feared God, who prayed always and gave alms, it was this man that God sent Peter to to open the door.
23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
There were three pillars to the Jewish religion that were dismantled in the New Testament. The law concerning the sabbath. Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath and His spending the entire sabbath day in the tomb was the fulfillment of the sabbath rest. If you are in the Old creation you are forbidden by law from building the kingdom, but if you are in the new creation, having been crucified with Christ, dead, buried and risen again in the newness of life then you can be a coworker with the Lord.
With Peter we see the second pillar, the kosher dietary laws. This had to be dismantled, otherwise it would have been impossible for the gospel to go to the nations. Imagine trying to preach the gospel in India, or China, or any other nation while telling them their food and customs are unclean and you can't eat with them or enter their home and if anyone were to get saved they also would have to separate themselves from family, friends and everything else in their nation. When I was in Taiwan it was extremely common to go to a restaurant that had a little altar to an idol. If I had said "I can't enter this restaurant" it would have been exceedingly awkward to preach a gospel in a nation where you are so limited. Notice how the charge to Peter is "rise and eat". If we are going to preach the gospel in these nations then we must "rise and eat". Notice also that this has happened right after the very clear rejection by the Jews. They killed Stephan, they sent Saul out to round up Christians and imprison them, and now that Paul has been saved and is showing them from the word of God that Jesus is the Christ they want to kill him. Jesus said they would be cast out in such a case and the Gentiles would be let in.
The third pillar is circumcision, a sign in the flesh that you have a covenant with God. Paul makes it clear in Galatians that the crucifixion leaves a mark on our heart giving us a new heart and that is the true circumcision. We are circumcised in our heart, whereas the physical circumcision of the flesh Paul calls "the concision".
Cornelius -- A prophetic fulfillment (4)
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
What was his prayer? In the gospels the centurion prayed for the healing of his servant but knew that he was unworthy for the Lord to enter his house. No doubt he heard what Jesus had said about a future date in which Gentiles would be worthy to enter the fellowship with the Lord. So it is not unreasonable that this centurion was praying for that, to be allowed to enter into the fellowship with the Lord.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
A beautiful parallel with the gospels. In the gospels the centurion says to simply say the word. He tells Jesus He simply needs to send the healing to his house. Now the command from God is for him to send Peter to come to his house. The Lord desires to be able to enter his house and have fellowship.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Once again we see the command structure. This centurion acted immediately on the command, commends Peter for acting immediately on getting the order and now is open to hear what God has commanded Peter. This is part of the memorial. It is essential that those taking the lead in the church hear and obey the orders of the Lord immediately and without gainsaying. It is also important that the members of the congregation assemble to hear what the Lord has commanded through those He has appointed to take the lead. We don't assemble to hear the commands of the pope or the Bishop. No, we assemble to hear the commands the Lord has given to the Bishop or overseer for us.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
This is also part of the memorial, God is no respecter of persons.
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Once again, this is not "works salvation gospel". That is an ugly twisting of the truth. God accepts those who fear God and work righteousness. This doesn't mean they are able to by justified by their own works. God is only going to allow those who are justified by the blood of Jesus. But that in turn does not mean God despises those who obey their conscience and have a love and concern for other people who are made in the image and likeness of God. Instead the two go together, just like Jesus telling the rich young ruler in the parable of the good Samaritan to "go and do likewise".
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Jesus was baptized and went about doing good and healing. In other words that is the pattern for all believers. Being justified by the Lord's blood is not some excuse for not doing good and healing others, on the contrary it should motivate us to go and do likewise.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
This the fellowship. Peter is telling them that "we are witnesses" and being a witness comes with this intimate fellowship of knowing the resurrected Christ.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Cornelius asked to know what he was commanded, and this is the commandment, to preach and testify that Jesus has been ordained as the judge of both the living and the dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Remission of sins means you are released from the legal and financial and religious obligations that came with sins you committed.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
This is what the centurion in the gospels didn't have. He didn't have remission of sins. As soon as they learned that they had received that then the Holy Spirit fell on all of them.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In the gospels Jesus is astonished at the centurions faith and here Peter is astonished at them as well. Jesus Christ being revealed as the savior of all is astonishing.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
What was his prayer? In the gospels the centurion prayed for the healing of his servant but knew that he was unworthy for the Lord to enter his house. No doubt he heard what Jesus had said about a future date in which Gentiles would be worthy to enter the fellowship with the Lord. So it is not unreasonable that this centurion was praying for that, to be allowed to enter into the fellowship with the Lord.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
A beautiful parallel with the gospels. In the gospels the centurion says to simply say the word. He tells Jesus He simply needs to send the healing to his house. Now the command from God is for him to send Peter to come to his house. The Lord desires to be able to enter his house and have fellowship.
33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Once again we see the command structure. This centurion acted immediately on the command, commends Peter for acting immediately on getting the order and now is open to hear what God has commanded Peter. This is part of the memorial. It is essential that those taking the lead in the church hear and obey the orders of the Lord immediately and without gainsaying. It is also important that the members of the congregation assemble to hear what the Lord has commanded through those He has appointed to take the lead. We don't assemble to hear the commands of the pope or the Bishop. No, we assemble to hear the commands the Lord has given to the Bishop or overseer for us.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
This is also part of the memorial, God is no respecter of persons.
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Once again, this is not "works salvation gospel". That is an ugly twisting of the truth. God accepts those who fear God and work righteousness. This doesn't mean they are able to by justified by their own works. God is only going to allow those who are justified by the blood of Jesus. But that in turn does not mean God despises those who obey their conscience and have a love and concern for other people who are made in the image and likeness of God. Instead the two go together, just like Jesus telling the rich young ruler in the parable of the good Samaritan to "go and do likewise".
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.Jesus was baptized and went about doing good and healing. In other words that is the pattern for all believers. Being justified by the Lord's blood is not some excuse for not doing good and healing others, on the contrary it should motivate us to go and do likewise.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
This the fellowship. Peter is telling them that "we are witnesses" and being a witness comes with this intimate fellowship of knowing the resurrected Christ.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Cornelius asked to know what he was commanded, and this is the commandment, to preach and testify that Jesus has been ordained as the judge of both the living and the dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Remission of sins means you are released from the legal and financial and religious obligations that came with sins you committed.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
This is what the centurion in the gospels didn't have. He didn't have remission of sins. As soon as they learned that they had received that then the Holy Spirit fell on all of them.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
In the gospels Jesus is astonished at the centurions faith and here Peter is astonished at them as well. Jesus Christ being revealed as the savior of all is astonishing.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.