Peter, what did you see? Viewing Acts Chapter 10 Prepared by: Soon Siak. April 2010

Will you eat this? :)

Cornelius Sent For Peter The two big divisions during the early days of the church were between the Jews (descents of Abraham who lived by the Mosaic law) and the Gentiles (most of whom followed false gods). Since Jesus had been Jewish, that’s where Christianity started. But God was ready to spread Christianity to the Gentiles as well. What kind of person was He preparing to receive the message (v1-8)?

Cornelius Sent For Peter What kind of person was He preparing to receive the message (v1-8)? Cornelius had a good job - a centurion, and was devout, God- fearing, giving and prayerful. Note the fantastic encounter!

The Vision of Peter Who was God preparing to deliver the truth about Christianity, and how did He prepare him (v9-16)? God gave Peter a symbolic vision of “unclean” animals (representing the Gentiles) that has previously been prohibited, but were now acceptable. Again, note the fantastic encounter!

Will you eat this? :)

The Arrival of the Messengers What’s the most disgusting thing you’ve eaten, or know that some people in other cultures eat?Some of the things in this sheet seemed just as repulsive to Peter. And while Peter was confused at first, God soon began to make the meaning clear. What did Peter do to make Gentiles feel comfortable mixing with Jews (v17- 23)?

The Arrival of the Messengers What did Peter do to make Gentiles feel comfortable mixing with Jews (v17-23)? Peter’s invitation for his Gentile visitors to stay with him was significant because such intermingling was usually strictly avoided.

Peter Arrives at Caesarea Sometimes we get really defensive about what we believe and don’t keep an open mind as to what others think. This had been true between Jews and Gentiles. Do you think it was true of Cornelius (v24-26)? No. Rather he had too much of respect for Peter.

Peter Arrives at Caesarea Was it true of Peter (v27-29)? No. He, too, was willing to overlook traditional prejudices after experiencing God’s leading in this direction. In Galatians 2, however, Peter’s old prejudices returned. Is it true of you or any of your friends? Explain

Peter’s Speech After Cornelius and Peter both shared what God had done for them personally (v27-33), what new insight did Peter have (v34,35)? God doesn’t play favourites, but He accepts all people who fear [respect] Him and do what is right. (Take note of these two points.)

Descent of the Holy Spirit As Peter was speaking (v34-43), what happened that surprised his Jewish companions (v44-48)? It became obvious that the Holy Spirit was not limiting His power to Jewish Christians. Though Gentiles had always been excluded as “unclean”, God was going to form His Church from both groups.

Descent of the Holy Spirit Have you ever been astonished (v45) or surprised to hear that someone had become a Christian? Who’s the last person on earth you’d expect to become one? As the Jews and Gentiles begin to merge, what good things might you expect to come of it? What problems might you expect?

SPM 2009 Part A! Peter began to speak: “I now realise that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis. Whoever fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what race he belongs to.” Who were present when Peter said these words? (2 marks) Why were these words significant to the listeners? (1 mark) What happened while Peter was still speaking? (1 mark) As a result, what did Peter tell them to do? (1 mark)

SPM 2004 Part B (full)! Describe the visions of (I) Cornelius in Caesarea; (6 marks) Describe the visions of (ii) Peter in Joppa. (7 marks) Why was Peter given this vision? (2 marks)

Do Me A FAVOUR! Using your blank sheet, choose TWO numbers between 1 and 8. Discuss as time allows. Would your answers change if you knew this person was a Christian? Why or why not?

Do Me A Favour PERSON: 1. An inner-city gang member 2. Dying of the AIDS virus 3. Mentally handicapped 4. An exchange student from Iraq 5. Unable to walk or talk 6. A student from a secretive Madrasah 7. A drug addict 8. Very stuck up FAVOUR 1. Let him/her stay at your place for a week 2. Take him/her to all your tuition for a week 3. Tutor him/her for 3 months. 4. Talk with him/her abt your faith 5. Bring along for a teh-tarik 6. Share room during HUGE camp 7. Take him/her for football 8. Take him/her shopping for the next three Sundays

Do Me A Favour Your youth leader asked you to do a favour for someone and you agreed. The next day you find out what you got yourself into. It seems a person who is ______* wants you to _____*. (*pick a number from 1 to 8) DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT TRYING TO GET OUT OF IT. 1. On a scale from 1 (lousy) to 10 (great), how do you feel about doing this favour? 2. What might be the hardest thing about following though through this favour? 3. What might be something you’d enjoy about it? 4. What are some prejudices you might have about this person? 5. What are some fears you might have? 6. List three questions you could ask this person to make conversation. 7. List three things you could pray about for this person.

Are you ready? Prepare for test May 25 th Luke 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 Acts 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12