Cornelius' Devotion
Cornelius is described as a devout man who feared God with all his household (Acts 10:2). Despite being a Gentile, his prayers and alms were recognized by God, demonstrating that God honors sincere faith and devotion.

Peter’s Vision
Peter receives a vision of a sheet with unclean animals and hears a voice saying, What God has cleansed, you must not call common (Acts 10:15). This vision signifies the removal of traditional barriers and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan.

Divine Orchestration
The simultaneous visions given to Cornelius and Peter highlight God’s sovereignty and His active role in guiding His people to fulfill His purposes.

Peter’s Realization
Upon meeting Cornelius, Peter acknowledges, I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34). This marks a significant shift in Peter’s understanding of God’s impartiality.

The Holy Spirit’s Confirmation
As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit falls on all who hear the message, confirming God’s acceptance of Gentiles without the need for them to first become Jews (Acts 10:44-46).Embrace Diversity
Recognize and celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ, understanding that God’s love and salvation are for all people.

Break Down Barriers
Actively work to remove any prejudices or barriers that may hinder the Gospel from reaching different communities.

Be Open to God’s Leading
Like Peter, be open to God’s guidance, even if it challenges your preconceived notions or traditions.

Share the Gospel Boldly
Follow Peter’s example in sharing the Gospel with those who may be different from you, trusting that God is at work in their hearts.1. Cornelius
Cornelius is described as "a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment" (Acts 10:1). He is a devout man who fears God, gives generously to the people, and prays continually. The Greek term for centurion, "ἑκατοντάρχης" (hekatontarchēs), indicates his role as a commander of a hundred soldiers.

2. An Angel of God
An angel appears to Cornelius in a vision, instructing him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-6). The Greek word for angel, "ἄγγελος" (angelos), means messenger, indicating a divine envoy.

3. Simon Peter (Peter)
Peter is one of Jesus' apostles, staying in Joppa at the house of Simon the tanner (Acts 10:5-6). He receives a vision from God that prepares him to meet Cornelius and understand the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith.

4. Simon the Tanner
Simon is the host of Peter in Joppa. His occupation as a tanner is noted, which involves working with animal hides (Acts 10:6). The Greek term "βυρσεύς" (byrseus) refers to his trade.

5. Cornelius' Servants and a Devout Soldier
Cornelius sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to bring Peter (Acts 10:7-8). The Greek word for servant, "δοῦλος" (doulos), implies a bondservant or slave, while "στρατιώτης" (stratiōtēs) refers to the soldier.

6. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding Peter and confirming the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian faith (Acts 10:19, 44-45). The Greek term "Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον" (Pneuma Hagion) is used for the Holy Spirit.

7. The Brothers from Joppa
These are the Jewish believers who accompany Peter to Cornelius' house (Acts 10:23). The Greek term "ἀδελφοί" (adelphoi) is often used to denote fellow believers or brethren.

8. Cornelius' Relatives and Close Friends
Cornelius gathers his relatives and close friends to hear Peter speak (Acts 10:24). The Greek word "συγγενής" (syngenēs) refers to relatives, and "φίλος" (philos) to friends.1. Caesarea
Acts 10:1: "At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment."
Description: Caesarea was a significant port city on the Mediterranean coast, serving as the Roman administrative capital of Judea. The Greek name "Καισάρεια" (Kaisareia) reflects its dedication to Caesar Augustus.

2. Joppa
Acts 10:5: "Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter."
Description: Joppa, known today as Jaffa, was an ancient port city located south of Caesarea. It is one of the oldest functioning harbors in the world. The Greek "Ιόππη" (Ioppē) is derived from the Hebrew "יָפוֹ" (Yāfō), meaning "beautiful."

3. Simon the Tanner's House
Acts 10:6: "He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."
Description: This location in Joppa is significant as the place where Peter was staying. Tanners worked with animal hides, and their homes were typically located near water sources due to the nature of their work.1. Cornelius' Vision
Cornelius, a centurion in Caesarea, is described as a devout man who feared God. He receives a vision from an angel of God instructing him to send men to Joppa to bring back Simon Peter.
^"About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God who came to him and said, 'Cornelius!'"^ (Acts 10:3)

2. Cornelius Sends Messengers
Following the angel's instructions, Cornelius sends two of his servants and a devout soldier to Joppa to find Peter.
^"When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants."^ (Acts 10:7)

3. Peter's Vision
The next day, as the messengers approach Joppa, Peter goes up on the roof to pray and falls into a trance. He sees a vision of a sheet descending from heaven with all kinds of animals, and a voice tells him to kill and eat.
^"He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners."^ (Acts 10:11)

4. Peter's Initial Refusal
Peter refuses to eat, citing Jewish dietary laws, but the voice tells him not to call anything impure that God has made clean. This happens three times.
^"The voice spoke to him a second time: 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.'"^ (Acts 10:15)

5. The Arrival of Cornelius' Men
While Peter is pondering the vision, the men sent by Cornelius arrive and the Holy Spirit tells Peter to go with them without hesitation.
^"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you.'"^ (Acts 10:19)

6. Peter Goes to Caesarea
Peter invites the men in and the next day he goes with them to Caesarea, accompanied by some of the believers from Joppa.
^"The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along."^ (Acts 10:23)

7. Peter Meets Cornelius
Upon arrival, Cornelius falls at Peter's feet in reverence, but Peter tells him to stand up, as he is only a man.
^"But Peter helped him up. 'Stand up,' he said, 'I am only a man myself.'"^ (Acts 10:26)

8. Peter's Sermon
Peter addresses the gathered people, explaining that God does not show favoritism but accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. He shares the message of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
^"Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism...'"^ (Acts 10:34)

9. The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
While Peter is speaking, the Holy Spirit comes upon all who hear the message, and the Jewish believers are astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out even on the Gentiles.
^"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message."^ (Acts 10:44)

10. Baptism of the Gentiles
Peter orders that the new believers be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, recognizing that they have received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had.
^"So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days."^ (Acts 10:48)Genesis 12:3
God’s promise to Abraham that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles.

Matthew 28:19
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations.

Ephesians 2:14
Paul speaks of Christ as our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.Pray for a heart that embraces all people, reflecting God’s impartial love.
Ask for wisdom and courage to break down any barriers that prevent the Gospel from reaching others.
Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in recognizing and responding to God’s leading in your life.
Pray for unity within the church, celebrating the diversity of its members as a testament to God’s inclusive love.

1. How does the account of Cornelius and Peter's visions illustrate the theme of divine intervention and revelation?

2. What significance do Peter’s and Cornelius’ visions hold in the context of the expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles?

3. How does Peter's interaction with Cornelius challenge the societal and religious norms of his time?

4. In today's context, what are some ways we can challenge and overcome cultural or societal barriers to spread the Gospel?

5. What does the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles imply about God’s acceptance of all people?

6. How does Peter's obedience to the Spirit's instruction demonstrate his faith and surrender to God's will?

7. How does Cornelius' character and his acceptance of the Gospel message challenge our biases and preconceived notions about people from different cultures or religions?

8. Why was the acceptance of Gentiles into the church significant in early Christian history?

9. How can we apply the lesson of inclusion and acceptance from Acts 10 in our daily lives?

10. How does Peter's sermon to the Gentiles help you understand the essence of the Gospel?

11. What does Peter mean when he says, "God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right" (Acts 10:34-35)?

12. How does the concept of equality in God's eyes challenge the way we perceive and interact with others?

13. How do the reactions of the Jewish believers to the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles reflect on their understanding of God's plan?

14. How does the story of Cornelius encourage believers to remain faithful and prayerful?

15. In what ways does the baptism of the Gentiles symbolize the breaking of religious and cultural barriers?

16. How does this chapter influence your understanding of God’s willingness to accept all who come to Him?

17. What can we learn from the hospitality and respect Cornelius showed to Peter and his companions?

18. How does the conversion of Cornelius and his household reflect on the power of collective faith?

19. How can Peter's willingness to learn, understand, and change be a model for us today when facing new perspectives?

20. How does Acts 10 challenge your current understanding of inclusivity and acceptance in the faith community?