Pandemic I "Reptiles, Roman Soldiers and the Law of God" - Acts 10:1-33
- Series: "Pandemic" - The Gospel Unleashed
- by: Chris Mayfield 04/11/10
Acts 10:1-33 "Reptiles, Roman Soldiers and the Law of God"
The gospel going forth to the gentiles (non-Jews) is one of the most important themes of the book of Acts. The story of Cornelius is the longest single narrative in Acts. And Luke retells this story 3 times. Luke’s heavy emphasis is that God is fulfilling his word; the gospel is not just for Israel, it is the hope of all nations. No longer are there Jew and gentile according to the gospel. The gospel is freely proclaimed to all tribes, tongues and nations. God is building his church and it is composed of people from all races.
In this story we see Peter is still growing in his understanding of Jesus’ previous teaching, God’s eternal plan and his role in spreading the gospel. Thankfully, Peter was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit even when he did not fully understand why he was to go meet Cornelius.
Engage the Text
1. What kind of man was Cornelius?
2. Why did the angel of God tell Cornelius to send for Peter? Why did God want Peter and Cornelius to meet?
3. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 have lists of clean and unclean animals for the Hebrews’ diets. What was the goal of laws dictating what was clean and unclean? Why would a Jew not eat something unclean according to the law?
4. What was Peter’s vision about? Was it about more than just what type of food was acceptable to eat?
5. Why would God command Peter to eat what was unclean? What is God trying to teach Peter?
6. Was it God’s plan to spread the gospel among the gentiles (non-Jews)? Use scripture to prove your answer.
From Thought to Action
1. Are you willing to put yourself in a situation that is uncomfortable or considered not “PC” or socially looked down up if the purpose was to spread the Gospel? When was the last time you were uncomfortable for the gospel’s sake?
2. Cornelius gathers together his relatives and friends to hear Peter’s message, the gospel. Have you made intentional efforts to share the gospel with your family and friends in such a direct way? If not, why? Who in your family does God want to use you to share the gospel with?
3. Peter is obedient to obey the Lord even though he does not really understand what is going on at first. Thus, he agrees to go meet with Cornelius. When was the last time you were obedient to God’s leading or direction but did not understand why you were doing what you were doing? Do you trust God enough to obey without knowing all the answers or why God is asking you to do something? Share examples of success and failures in this area.
