Questions for Acts 10:1-11:18

Key verses 10:34-35

GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM

1. What kind of person was Cornelius (10:1-2)? Why did God send an angel to Cornelius to give him further instructions (3-8)?

2. What vision did Peter have while he was praying (9-16)? Why was Peter initially unable to obey God's command, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat"? How did God respond to Peter’s hesitation?

3. Reflect on Cornelius' reception of Peter and Peter's courage in visiting the home of a Gentile (17-33). What new understanding about God did Peter gain from his interaction with Cornelius (34-35)? What occurred when Peter shared the gospel with Cornelius (36-48)?

4. When Peter went up to Jerusalem, what criticism did he receive from the circumcised believers (11:1-3)? Why did Peter tell them the whole story (4-17)? What did the believers in Jerusalem realize about God after hearing Peter's story (18)?

5. What do you think is the significance of this event in God's redemptive history? What message do you think God is conveying to you and your community through this passage?