Acts 10: Good News for the Gentiles
Through visions, Peter brings the gospel to Cornelius and his household.
Summary
Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, receives a vision telling him to send for Peter. Meanwhile Peter has his own vision of a sheet filled with animals and a voice telling him not to call unclean what God has made clean. When Peter arrives at Cornelius's home, he realizes that God shows no favoritism and preaches Jesus to the Gentiles gathered there. As he speaks, the Holy Spirit falls on them just as it had on the first believers, and they are baptized — a turning point for the early church.
Main Characters
- Cornelius — A God-fearing Roman centurion who seeks the truth and gathers his household.
- Peter — Learns through a vision that the gospel is for all people and preaches to the Gentiles.
- Cornelius's household — Gentiles who receive the Holy Spirit and are baptized.
Key Verse
Acts 10:34-35 (WEB)
Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
Lessons Learned
- God shows no favoritism; the good news is for every kind of person.
- God often prepares both the messenger and the hearer ahead of time.
- Long-held prejudices must give way to God's wider purposes.
- The Holy Spirit, not human approval, confirms who belongs to God.
- What had to change in Peter before he could reach Cornelius?
- How does God prepare both Peter and Cornelius for their meeting?
- What does “God shows no favoritism” mean for how we treat others?
- Where might God be challenging your assumptions about who is “in” or “out”?
- Why is this moment such a turning point in the story of Acts?