What would have happened to Paul if Peter hadn't remembered the house of Cornelius?
Had Peter not recalled Cornelius’s household, the Jerusalem council would not have permitted Paul to return to Antioch with freedom to preach his Gospel. Instead, they would have pursued and plagued him at every step, opposing his ministry among the Gentiles.
Les teaches that although God wanted the house of Cornelius, the bigger purpose was to come to Paul’s defense in the Jerusalem council. After twelve years, that event had been forgotten, and no other mention was made of those Gentiles being saved until this council. If Peter had not remembered what happened at Cornelius’s house, the council would never have let Paul go back to Antioch with freedom to preach his Gospel. Instead, they would have chased and plagued him every inch of the way. But they did not, because Peter realized God had shown him that Gentiles could be saved without going through all the demands they required.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.