Chapter Summary

Peter opens the gospel door to the Gentiles. Cornelius sends for Peter and Peter goes to Caesarea. Peter's sermon to Gentiles in Cornelius' house. Holy Spirit comes upon Gentile believers.

Discussion Questions for Acts, Chapter 10

1. Cornelius was a centurion of six hundred soldiers in a prominent city: Caesarea Maritima. How does the Bible describe him? Why was his faith journey not enough to save him? Where do you think believer's struggle in our relationships to religious but unsaved people?
2. Cornelius' prayers occurred at the same time of the afternoon offerings at the Temple in Jerusalem. The angel describes his prayers as a memorial that God finds pleasing. What does this tell you about the location of God's new covenant ministry? What OT passages speak to God's view of sacrifices and the disposition of the heart?
3. God gave Peter a vision of a sheet full of animals three times. What does this number typically symbolize? Why did God emphasize this message of cleanliness/acceptance? What did this have to do with the men knocking at the door?
4. Acts 10 says that Cornelius knew little about the gospel but was a "devout man" (10:2). What did Peter say that God taught him about Gentiles who sought the Lord? Why did Peter still need to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ? How do you think Peter felt when he witnessed their salvation? Do you think he started to eat bacon after this encounter? Why or why not?
5. What incredible event happens as they believe? How did the Holy Spirit specifically move? Why was this so surprising to the Jewish apostles? Why did some Jews struggle so much with jealousy?
6. Acts 10 is a pivotal passage in the Acts of the Apostles. What happens after chapter 10 through the end of the book? Why is this passage necessary for the narrative?
7. God is impartial to Jews and Gentiles with his gospel invitation. What are you most thankful for about this truth? If the gospel is free, why are we so hesitant to share Jesus?
8. Are there people in the community who are not welcomed by your church? Who? Why should the gospel open our hearts to outsiders? What can you do to make them welcome?
9. Can you think of someone who warmly welcomed you into the body of Christ when you were an outsider? Who were they and what did they do? Have you thanked them for that hospitality? How have you passed that blessing on recently?
10. In your prayers, do you give God space to correct your thinking or behavior? Taking inventory of your prayer time...how much time is spent asking for help with needs? How can you redirect your prayers from physical needs to alignment with God's will?

Key Words/Phrase

Gentiles called, vv. 34-35.

Characters

God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Cornelius, angel, Peter, Simon, 3 messengers, John.

Strong Verse(s)

15, 34, 35, 43.