(Notes for the bible study with the brethren in KL on May 18, 2012)
Bible Study: The Book of Acts, chapter 10
“Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons…’
1. The apostolic ministry officially reaches the Gentiles.
- Cornelius was a centurion, captain of a 100 soldiers. Caesarea is further north of Joppa, on the coast.- Peter’s racial and religious prejudice against the Gentiles is a typical problem with the Jews.
- The Lord prepares him for the ministry to the Gentiles through a vision repeated 3 times.
Q. What does the passage say about the spiritual state of Cornelius prior to Peter’s coming to him?
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Q. How is Cornelius regarded by God prior to Peter’s coming to him?
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Q. Did Cornelius hear the gospel from the Caesarean Jews prior to God sending Peter unto him?
- What if some insisted that he did?
Q. What do v24 and 33 indicate to us about Cornelius?
2. Apostle Peter discovered and learned some momentous truths
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Apostle Peter publicly and solemnly confesses: "Of a truth I perceive
that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth
him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."- Peter publicly acknowledges his racial prejudice and ignorance thus far!
Q. What is Peter’s great discovery when he said, ‘Of a truth, God is no respecter of persons’?
Q. In what sense is God no respecter of person?
Q. How does a man become a fearer of God and worker of righteousness?
Q. What if God is a respecter of persons?
- what would be some implications?
Q. How is a man accepted with God?
- Is this acceptance conditioned on anything in the man?
- Is this acceptance dependent upon any activities of men like preaching and believing the gospel?
Q. What is the significance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit on that day?
Q. In verse 45, what is the significance of the word ‘also’?
Q. What is the significance of the Gentiles also speaking with tongues [plural]?
- What were they speaking of with tongues?
Q. Who were baptized on that day?
