October 19, 2025

ACTS: BREAKING THROUGH

October 19, 2025

 Pastor Jonathan Falwell

We as modern day Christians may find it hard to envision a world where such discrepancy existed that the newly-birthed church would find it difficult to consider taking the Gospel to non-Jews. Yet in the Old Testament God had foretold that Gentiles—non-Jewish persons—would be offered the same salvation as the Jews. When Jesus commanded the disciples in Matt. 28:19 to go into ‘all’ the world and preach the Gospel, perhaps they didn’t grasp they would be preaching to Gentiles, but assumed they would be seeking displaced Jews. God’s revealed mystery was that it would go to ‘all’ people everywhere because of Jesus Christ. Now they were at that crossroads, and God is saying, “You are [now] going to have to eat with them.” Peter’s reaction was “Not so, Lord!” Leviticus 11 and Deut. 14 condemned a Gentile diet of unclean animals. God was patient with Peter, assuring him that He had cleansed the meat for New Testament believers. Peter took some persuading to obey. Do we ever respond, “Not so, Lord”?

Focal Passages: Acts 10, 11

God’s intention is known—To All:

  • Read Acts 10:1-6. How well-known was Cornelius? In verses 1-2, what were some of the things this man did for the Jewish people in Caesarea? Why did seeking the God of the Jews open him up to salvation? What did an angel tell him to do?
  • Read Acts 10:9-16. While the servants begin traveling to Joppa, what does Peter—at a time he is very hungry—see in a vision? What was different about these animals, reptiles, and birds?
  • Read (skim!) Leviticus 11. What had God told Israel? Who told Peter to kill and eat? What was his response? Why did he need God to repeat His command that He had cleansed it?
  • Was this lesson from God about eating, or about something bigger? Was God telling Peter a New Covenant was now in effect? Do we have traditions and laws within the church today that might hinder “all” people from feeling comfortable in our church? Give some examples. How should we react?

God’s message is clear—For all:

  • Read Acts 10:24-28. When Peter and the ones from Caesarea were arriving at the house of Cornelius, who was waiting for them? What does verse 27 add to this?
  • Did Peter react correctly when Cornelius bowed down to worship him? What did Peter do?
  • What kind of body language do you think Peter had when he spoke verse 28 to them? Do we ever use language that might indicate we are not comfortable with a situation? How do you see verse 28b? Why did this verse not get wide attention in the past 200 years? Would it have eliminated some racial problems if Christians had been convinced of its worthiness?
  • Do you have any left-over racial prejudice that you can justify against this verse? What about other countries all over the globe? Is this for all people?

God’s promise is true—In all:

  • Read Acts 10:39-43. What are some of the reasons Peter gives that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies for a Messiah?
  • Does Peter make it plain that salvation is a gift to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ?

God’s grace is great—With all:

  • Read Acts 10:44-45. What happened while Peter was preaching to these people? What about the people who had come to Caesarea with Peter?
  • What about today? Is Matthew 28:19 still in effect? Are there any people-groups who are unable to be saved? Are there any who have not been witnessed to yet? Does this bother you?

God’s hope is everlasting—Through all:

  • Read Acts 11:15-18. In Chapter 11, Peter gives the apostles an explanation of the meeting with those in Caesarea. In verse 3, you will see those in Judea were horrified that he had eaten with Gentiles, but while Peter told of witnessing to them, what was their response?
  • Read vv. 23-26. Who gets involved here? After hearing what was happening in Caesarea, where did he go? Where did he and Paul go next? When had Paul first learned that he was chosen to preach to the Gentiles? What was special about these journeys?

TAKE AWAYS:

  • Never lose sight that the Gospel is not yours alone but is for all.
  • It is not your job to save; it is your job to share.
  • Focus your time and energy on where God is working, and join Him there; you will be amazed at how God uses you.

Close:  We can all empathize when God told Peter through the angel to go to Cornelius’ home and share the Gospel. Can you imagine being told to go to someone whom, your whole life, was not a person you could associate with? Many years ago, America had those lines drawn, and we must thank God every day that those lines have been erased. However, we see today that people of all races prefer to hang on to some of those holdovers from the past. Individually, we must make every effort to ensure we do not in any way continue those old traditions, for it is a sin to do so. We are all one in Jesus Christ, and should never allow prejudice have a place in our lives.

Furthermore, these Gentiles ate ‘unclean’ animals. Jews had strict rules regarding these animals, and the laws were given to Aaron and Moses! It would be as if we today knew we were going to a home where they might serve roadkill! No wonder Peter was horrified. But God emphasized three times that He had cleansed this food, and Peter should not call it unclean anymore. Peter understood God—and got the message. We have not grown up with dietary laws as Christians, because a New Covenant—one of faith—was instituted when Jesus Christ came. May we all be living a life pleasing to the Lord, free of anything that would hinder a brother from salvation.

By Sandy Day

October 19, 2025

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