Acts (9)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 10 (Lesson 9) by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 10.39-43.
Peter adds himself into the historical data of the Gospel. He and his companions are witnesses. They testify of the facts. They report the promise. They relate their own experience. They warn of the consequences of not obeying. They explain the way to be saved. That’s what witnesses do. Right?

For reflection
1.  Peter’s Gospel includes the righteousness of Christ (good works) and the sacrificial atonement of the Lord (taking our debt upon Himself). It also includes the resurrection, for this is the key to the promise of forgiveness and life, and the warning of judgment to come. How about the Gospel as you present it? What are the main points you want to make sure to proclaim?

2.  For Cornelius, a civil servant, the idea that there was a “judge” higher than Caesar (we note that our story takes place in Caesarea, anticipating things to come) would have seemed as novel as saying there was another “lord” besides the Emperor. Should we expect the Gospel to sound novel or even strange to the people with whom we share it? Why? But is the Gospel powerful to overcome this strangeness? Explain.

3.  Peter understood how to explain the Gospel in terms relevant to this Roman magistrate and soldier. He wanted to be crystal clear about what the Gospel is and what it requires. But he also supported his witness with reference to the prophecies concerning Jesus in the Old Testament, before explaining how one comes to gain the forgiveness Jesus provides. How would you use the Old Testament and the New Testament in helping someone to understand the Good News?

4.  Peter is the master evangelist. We note that he didn’t prepare this particular message. The Lord gave it to him, just as He had promised He would (Lk. 21.12-15). Peter had spent the last several years preparing, so that he would be ready when needed (1 Pet. 3.15). Certainly Peter knew all the elements of the Gospel, but the Spirit gave Him just the words he needed on this occasion, with this person and his family and friends. Peter’s witness flowed from his experience, his learning, and his sense of calling from the Lord. What does this suggest about our witness for Christ?

5.  In order to see the Spirit work like that in us, we need to (1) be willing to go where He sends us, (2) be familiar with the broad outlines of the Gospel, and (3) initiate conversations with the people in our Personal Mission Fields in ways relevant to them and their interests and needs. God will do the rest. With whom can you initiate a conversation about spiritual matters today? What will be your opening line? Pray that God will lead you like He did Peter.

Summary
Peter did not allow long-standing taboos or inbuilt fears to keep him from sharing the Good News with this Gentile in his home. He trusted God and rested in His Spirit to say just what was needed, right when it was called for. How can you become more like Peter in your witness for Christ?

Closing Prayer
I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.
Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
And I will declare Your greatness.
They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
And shall sing of Your righteousness.
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.
The LORD is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.
All Your works shall praise You, O LORD,
And Your saints shall bless You.
They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

Psalm 145.1-13

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

Please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Or, you can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal.