Sunday Morning Bible Study: Peter and Cornelius
- Ken Kalis
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
Acts 10 — Peter and Cornelius: The Gospel Opens to the Gentiles
As I worked on this lesson, a young woman who had been forced into trying to change her gender cried out for help. In desperation she wept that she had been deceived by those who were supposed to love her. She took hormones had surgeries to get rid of her breasts and reproductive organs. Now, she is in despair, thinking her life us rruine beyiyd hope. But there is alway hope in Jesus. Let's pray for her today. Here is my message to her:
That was the devil's work. He hates you because he hates Jesus. But Jesus loves you, as you are. He has plans for you---Good plans. Has redeemed you, and you can come to Him just as you are:
Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Words: Charlotte Elliott, 1835;
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mark 2:17
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Summary
In Caesarea, a Roman centurion named Cornelius is introduced as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed continually. One afternoon, an angel appeared to him, saying that his prayers and gifts had come up as a memorial before God. He was told to send men to Joppa to find Peter, who was staying with Simon the tanner.
Meanwhile, Peter, (1 BC-67AD) praying on the rooftop, fell into a trance and saw a great sheet descending from heaven filled with all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean. A voice said, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter refused, saying he had never eaten anything common or unclean. The voice replied, “What God has cleansed, do not call common.” This vision occurred three times, preparing Peter for what was about to happen.
When Cornelius’s men arrived, the Spirit told Peter to go with them “doubting nothing.” In Caesarea, Peter found a house full of Gentiles waiting eagerly to hear the message of salvation. Peter proclaimed:
“God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean… God shows no partiality, but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”
As Peter preached Jesus’ death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word—just as at Pentecost. The Jewish believers were astonished that the Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. Peter then commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ*.(4BC - 30 AD)
An asterisk* after a name means the person is in my book SPIRITUAL LIVES.
Main Themes
God’s impartial love: Salvation is not limited by race, nationality, or background.
The universality of the Gospel: The same Spirit that came at Pentecost now fills the Gentiles.
Obedience to divine leading: Both Cornelius and Peter responded immediately to God’s voice.
Breaking barriers: God was teaching His church that the old walls of separation had fallen.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think God chose a Gentile soldier, Cornelius, to receive this revelation?
How did Peter’s vision challenge his lifelong understanding of purity and law?
What does Acts 10 teach us about the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into new truth?
How can our churches today reflect God’s impartial love toward those who seem “different”?
A Prayer
Lord God,
Thank You for opening the door of faith to all people. Help us to see others as You see them, and to welcome every heart that You are calling. Remove our prejudices and make us true messengers of Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 “Whosoever heareth,” shout, shout the sound!
Spread the blessed tidings all the world around.
Tell the joyful news wherever man is found:
“Whosoever will may come.”
Refrain:
"Whosoever will, “whosoever will!”
Send the proclamation over vale and hill;
’Tis a loving Father calls the wand'rer home;
“Whosoever will may come.”
2 Whosoever cometh need not delay.
Now the door is open; enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way.
“Whosoever will may come.” [Refrain]
3 “Whosoever will” the promise is secure;
“Whosoever will” forever shall endure.
“Whosoever will” ’tis life forevermore.
“Whosoever will may come.” [Refrain]
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