Acts 10: God's Grace to All
A study of Acts 10, focusing on God's impartiality and the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation.
1. God's Preparation of Cornelius
1.1 Cornelius: A God-Fearing Gentile
Verses: Acts 10:1-2; Acts 10:4
- Cornelius was a devout man who feared God and prayed continually.
- His prayers and alms were noticed by God.
1.2 The Vision of Cornelius
Verses: Acts 10:3-6
- An angel appeared to Cornelius, instructing him to send for Peter.
- The angel's message confirms God's acceptance of Cornelius' devotion.
2. God's Preparation of Peter
2.1 Peter's Vision: Unclean No More
Verses: Acts 10:9-13
- Peter receives a vision of a sheet filled with all kinds of animals.
- A voice commands Peter to kill and eat, but Peter refuses, citing dietary laws.
2.2 The Significance of the Vision
Verses: Acts 10:14-16
- The voice declares that what God has cleansed, Peter should not call common or unclean.
- This vision is repeated three times, emphasizing its importance.
2.3 The Spirit's Guidance
Verses: Acts 10:19-20
- The Spirit instructs Peter to go with the men sent by Cornelius, without hesitation.
- Peter obeys, demonstrating his willingness to follow God's leading.
3. The Gospel Proclaimed
3.1 Peter Meets Cornelius
Verses: Acts 10:24-33
- Peter arrives at Cornelius' house and finds many people gathered.
- Cornelius welcomes Peter and shares the story of his vision.
3.2 Preaching to the Gentiles
Verses: Acts 10:34-43
- Peter declares that God shows no partiality, but accepts those who fear Him and work righteousness.
- He preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his household.
4. The Gentile Pentecost
4.1 The Holy Spirit Falls
Verses: Acts 10:44-46
- The Holy Spirit falls on all who heard the word, just as it did on the Jewish believers at Pentecost.
- They spoke in other tongues and magnified God.
4.2 Baptism in Jesus' Name
Verses: Acts 10:47-48
- Peter recognizes that God has granted the Gentiles the same gift as the Jews.
- He commands them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
5. Lessons and Applications
5.1 God's Impartiality
Verses: Acts 10:34-35; Romans 10:12-13
- The outpouring of the Spirit on the Gentiles demonstrates God's inclusive love.
- Salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their background.
5.2 The Importance of Baptism
Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4
- Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is essential for obedience to the Gospel.
- It signifies identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.