emphasize unity.
44 While Peter was still speaking these words,
the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message.45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed
because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and declaring the greatness of God.
Then Peter responded,
47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized,
who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
accept people with a shared faith in Jesus.
Note that this is the third noteworthy conversion we have seen in Acts.
share why this event was so significant.
Gentiles are now included in the kingdom.
Just like Pentecost, the coming of the Spirit resulted in people speaking and hearing in different languages
and God was praised (v. 46).
Speaking in other languages was a curse at the tower of Babel (Gen. 11),
but the curse was reversed at Pentecost and here in Acts 10.
Circumcised
The Jewish believers, the circumcised, who accompanied Peter were amazed when the Holy Spirit arrived at Cornelius’s house.
When Abraham was set apart by God to be the father of a great nation,
God’s intention was that all nations on earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3).
When God brought the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, His powerful acts would help the nations know Him.
Solomon’s temple was designed to reveal God as Creator of heaven and earth for the nations.
The people of Israel were always meant to be God’s conduit of blessing to the whole earth.
However, they had lost that purpose and become insular,
thinking that the blessings of God were meant for them alone.
For them, circumcision became a symbol of that mentality.
The book of Acts, though, proves that God’s purposes have never changed.
He still intends to bless the ends of the earth through the message about Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection.
And He still expects His people to be the ones who share His message with the world.
identify how Peter knew God had saved Cornelius and his friends.
Emphasize that the Gentiles exhibited some of the same responses as the Jewish people had in Acts 2.
emphasize the nature of baptism.
Peter rhetorically asked if there were any objectors to baptizing the people present.
Then, he directed his associates to baptize these new believers
“in the name of Jesus” (v. 48)
because they had received the Holy Spirit just as the Jews had on Pentecost.
Acts 10 concludes with the kind of hospitality that should mark the relationships between all believers.
The hospitality of Cornelius reflects God’s willingness to welcome all kinds of people into His kingdom.
It also represents a transition in the history of the church.
The gospel is for all people.
That includes those whom we might be tempted to think are outside the realm of God’s love.
His offer of salvation through forgiveness of sins is an open door to anyone who is willing to walk in.
baptism doesn’t save anyone, but it is a public confession of faith and obedience.
Note that Peter treated these new believers just as he would have treated a Jewish convert
because in God’s eyes there was no distinction.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 117 of the Personal Study Guide:
Encourage adults to share groups who might be considered “Gentiles” today.
Challenge adults to examine their lives to see what prejudices hinder them from sharing the gospel.
Read Acts 10:34-35 aloud and
remind adults that God makes salvation available to all people.
Challenge them to read and reflect on these verses throughout the week, asking God to reveal Himself and to help them adjust their lives to what He shows them.
Close the session in prayer, thanking God for the privilege of sharing His love with others.
During the week, email or text each person in the group individually. Remind them that the opportunity to accept Christ is open to all and encourage them to be alert to opportunities God provides to share His love with someone else-even someone who is different. Let them know that you are available to answer questions they might have. Remind adults to continue asking God to reveal any personal prejudices that might keep them from sharing Christ with someone else.
Encourage adults to review the lyrics for
“He Reigns” by Newsboys
on their phones or other devices.
Highlight phrases that point to an inclusive God.
Play the song as adults listen.