Page 57 - Acts Student Textbook

Peter’s report to the Jerusalem leaders: the attestation of the Spirit (11:1-18).

Peter summarized the vision he had received (11:4-10). Peter then described the message of the
Spirit (11:11, 12). Peter then told about the angel who had appeared to Cornelius (11:13, 14).
Then Peter told about the coming of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius (11:15, 16). All who were present
concluded that the Gentiles could be saved (11:17, 18).

Peter and Cornelius

11.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Based on Cornelius’ life and experience, what could be deceiving about him, and what can
you say is key to salvation?

2. What are the decisive factors that transformed Peter’s ethno-centric worldview into the
conviction that Gentiles can experience salvation apart from Jewish law?

3. What was the significance of Holy Spirit baptism and tongues in this passage?

4. What was Peter’s response to Cornelius when he received a religious reverence of bowing, and
how does it affect men of God worldwide today?

11.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Do not get deceived by church goers, and their religious activities, thinking that they are all
saved. There are so many church goers today who are like Cornelius. They live morally
upright, they do not miss a Sunday at church, they give faithfully, cheerfully, and
sacrificially etc. Danger is that salvation is not based on all those good things. It is based on
the positive response to the gospel (the person and finished work of Jesus), which brings about a
relationship with Christ! Some say the gospel is for outside evangelism. Here is my encouragement to
you! Preach the gospel in and outside the church building! The gospel, births us, grows us, and
matures us! By the way, do not accept religious honor, don’t take up God’s place!

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