Theme: God has no favourites; Christ’s church is open to all who believe

Memorial offering (Acts 10:4; cf. Leviticus 2:1-16)
One portion of the grain offering was burnt on the altar, the rest was for the priests to use for sustenance. The offering function in a similar manner to tribute that is brought to a king. Since the LORD is King of kings, it is fitting to bring him a gift in thanksgiving for his protection and care. The fact that Cornelius’ prayers and gifts are seen as a memorial offering shows that he recognises the LORD as God.

Old Covenant Purity Laws
After the LORD has given instruction about the sacrifices needed to come into his presence (Leviticus 1-9), two sons of Aaron offer ‘unauthorised fire’ before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1) and they are killed. The tabernacle has now become unclean. The LORD then gives new laws to explain how the tabernacle and people are to be cleansed so that God will remain in their midst without them being destroyed by his presence. The clean/unclean laws fall into this category (Leviticus 11-16). These laws are not about atoning for sin, but dealing with the pollution that comes from sin and living in a fallen world. They also serve to separate Israel from the nations around them, reminding God’s people that they must be holy ones because they belong to the LORD who is holy (Leviticus 11:45).