The Gospel to the Gentiles

Chapter 79: Cornelius

ACTS 10

NKJ Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

NKJ Acts 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

NKJ Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

NKJ Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,

NKJ Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert.

NKJ Acts 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Sketch a map of Palestine with Jerusalem – church centered first hear, but then show arrows going out in all directions

The Preparation of Peter

Why was Peter in the city of Joppa? (9:36)LOOK AT MAP IN BACK OF BIBLE

With whom was Peter staying? (9:43; 10:6)

The Vision of the Great Sheet

What is Peter doing on the housetop?

-Sixth hour = noon

Why is Peter against eating the animals in the sheet?

What does God tell Peter three times?

NKJ Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Cornelius

Who was Cornelius?

-Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea

-a Gentile who was seeking the true and living God

-not a heathen who was blind and careless about his soul

-not a proselyte = a Gentile who had completely accepted Judaism

-he was what the Jews called a “God-fearer” – a Gentile who worshipped the God of Israel

-a man of prayer and fasting

-demonstrated his love and kindness towards others by giving generously

Who does Cornelius send to Joppa?

Who waits with Cornelius for the coming of Peter? (10:24) ------LOOK AT MAP AT BACK OF BIBLE – find Joppa and Caesarea (how many miles apart?)

Peter Visits Cornelius

Who goes with Peter to Caesarea?

-Six Jewish Christians from the church in Joppa (Acts 11:12)

What is Peter’s message to Cornelius’ household?

___Jesus’ life ______vs. 38
___Jesus’ death ______vs. 39
___Jesus’ resurrection ______vs. 40
___Jesus’ salvation ______vs. 43

What astonished the Jewish Christians who have come along with Peter?

What was significant by the fact that these Gentile believers were baptized?

-This meant that they were accepted as part of the Church of Jesus Christ

Back in Jerusalem

What difficulty does Peter encounter when he returns to Jerusalem? (Acts 11:2-3)

NKJ Acts 11:1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

NKJ Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life."

“The wall between Jew and Gentile was broken by the gospel of Christ.”