PETER SEES A VISION OF GOD

Acts 10:1-11:18
Key Verse: 10:13

* THE VISIONS OF PETER AND CORNELIUS (10:1-23a)

1. What was the nationality and occupation of Cornelius? Where did he live? What kind of persons were he and his family? (1,2,4b) Why did he need to meet Jesus?

2. What was the vision he had, and what instructions did he receive? What did he do? What does this event reveal about him? About God? (cf. Dt.4:29; Mt.7:7,8)

3. In the meantime, what was Peter doing? What happened to him? Describe his vision. What instructions were given to him regarding the animals? Why did he cringe at the thought of obeying this command? (cf Lev.ll) What did the Lord teach him? (15) How many times was this repeated?

4. How is this command of Jesus (10:13) related to Jesus' command to go and preach the gospel to all creation? (Mk. 16:15) As Peter was thinking about this vision, who arrived and with what request?

5. How did Peter receive the guests? Why? Why was it unusual for him to welcome such men? How was this related to his vision?

* PETER'S MESSAGE TO CORNELIUS (10:23b-48)

6. When Peter arrived at Cornelius' house, what did he find? How did Cornelius greet him? What did Peter tell Cornelius about the great revolution that had taken place in his heart?

7. What did Cornelius want of Peter? (30-33) What was his attitude toward Peter and toward the word of God? Why is the attitude with which one listens to God's word important?

8. What did Peter tell Cornelius and his family about God? About Jesus and his beautiful life? What was the meaning of Jesus' death? (Jn. 1:29) Of his resurrection? Of his being Judge? (34-43; Rev. 5:9)

9. What is the testimony of the witnesses? (39,41,42) Of the prophets? Why were these testimonies important? What was their response to Peter's message? What happened? What can we learn from this?

* PETER DEFENDS HIMSELF (11:1-18)

10. Why did the Jewish believers criticize Peter? How did he defend his actions? How did God confirm what Peter had done? How did the apostles and brothers respond? What can we learn from Peter's and Cornelius' prayer and vision?