Small Group Questions “The Church Afire: No 'Common' People” Acts 10

11. Who went with Peter to Caesarea (10:23, 11:12)?

Small Group Questions a. Do you think it was a wise choice for Peter to take “The Church Afire: No ‘Common’ People” other believers along when he went to Cornelius? Acts 10:1—11:18 Explain.

1. After considering Steve’s message last week, what do b. Are there times when we would be wise to have you consider to be your personal role in Jesus’ other believers with us? Discuss. kingdom? 12. When Peter and the men reached Caesarea, who had 2. What did Cornelius do for a living (10:1)? Cornelius gathered (10:24, 33)?

3. Since Cornelius is part of an occupying army, what is 13. How might you feel if someone bowed down to you or unusual about him? fell at your feet as in 10:25-26?

4. List some of the good qualities that Cornelius had a. Do you think you would have reacted as Peter did? (10:2, 22, 24, 30). 14. What shows the receptivity of Cornelius and his 5. What happened that led Cornelius to send for Peter household to the Word of God (10:33, 44)? (10:3-6)? 15. What did Peter realize was the meaning of his vision 6. Why did God look on Cornelius with favor (10:4)? (10:28, 34)?

7. Why do you think it would be unusual for a Gentile to 16. What are some things that Peter preached to Cornelius be a devout believer in God at that time? (10:38-40, 43)?

8. How would you react if an angel appeared during your 17. What do all the prophets say about Jesus (10:43)? regular prayers? a. How can what they say about Jesus be beneficial 9. What was Peter doing when Cornelius’ servants arrived to us today as we continue to grow God’s kingdom? (10:9, 17)? 18. How did Peter and the Jews who were with him know 10. What vision did Peter see (10:11-17)? that the household of Cornelius had truly received the Holy Spirit (10:44-46)? a. What did the Spirit tell Peter to do (10:20)? 19. Why do you think the manifestation of the Holy Spirit b. Although the vision was couched in terms of food, was important on this occasion (10:44-48)? what did Peter understand this vision to be about (See 10:28; 34-35)? 20. What did Peter command them to do after they received the Holy Spirit (10:47-48)? 29. It was against Levitical Law at that time for Jews to 21. In spite of his good qualities, what shows that Cornelius associate, eat with, or even visit the house of a Gentile. was not saved until Peter came (11:14)? a. Are there certain groups of people that we should 22. When Peter got back to Jerusalem, what problem did avoid? Discuss; refer to Acts 1:8 and Matthew he face (11:1-3)? 28:18-20.

a. Do you believe it was right for Jerusalem Christians 30. Why is the story of Peter and Cornelius so important in to criticize Peter? Acts?

b. How did Peter respond (11:4-15)? 31. The lesson of this passage was not easily learned, even by Peter (see Galatians 2:11-14). What might 23. What phrases show that the Gentiles received the have happened if the early church ignored this same experience as those on the day of Pentecost principle? (10:47; 11:15, 17)? 32. Of what importance is the gift of the Holy Spirit in 24. Was the message Peter gave to the Gentiles different Peter’s argument (10:47; 11:15, 17)? than his message to Jews? Explain. 33. Do you have any prejudices that you need to 25. What conclusion did the Apostles and other believers overcome? reach (11:18)? 34. What principles or beliefs do you hold that limit your 26. Peter said, “How can I stand in the way of God?” as ability to reach out to people “different” from you? How part of his defense (11:18). How might you apply that to would others around you feel if you moved beyond your own life? these limits?

27. Why do you think Peter said “no” to God during his vision (10:14)? Next Steps:

28. What if you received a vision from God telling you to do GI am so thankful that all people are welcome at the foot something that goes against what you practice to show of the cross. devotion to God? How would you feel about it if he told you to stop going to church, for instance? GI have been guilty of prejudice. I need to allow God to open my heart toward ______. a. Would you say “no” to God? GWith God’s help, I will strive to treat others as Christ b. What would you say to a friend who told you they has treated me. had a vision from God and must change their religious practices?