Mosaic Teaching Guide
5 July 09

Teaching Series: Of Spirit and Flesh (5) Acts 10-11

Question: What is the hardest thing about living in the way of Jesus?

1. Introduction

Chapter 10: Peter and Cornelius

1. Vv. 1-16 Peter’s Vision
1. We are introduced to Cornelius “a devout man who feared God . . . he gave generously to the people and prayed constantly to God” (v.2).
2. An angel directs Cornelius to send for Peter.
3. Meanwhile Peter is having his own divine intervention.  He is given a vision.  The heavens open up and something like a large sheet/sail descends by its four corners.  In the sheet are a whole host of unclean animals.  A voice instructs Peter to eat.  Peter, outraged, resists these instructions. The voice responds: “What God has made clean, you must not call profane” (v.15).
   
   
2. Vv. 17-33 Peter and Cornelius Meet
1. No sooner had the vision dissipated when Cornelius’ servants are at the gate of the tanner’s house where Peter is staying.
2. The Spirit instructs Peter to go with these men without hesitation. 
3. Cornelius’ men lodge for the night. The next day they depart for Cornelius’ home.
4. Their meeting is dramatic.  Cornelius fall at Peter’s feet and begins to worship. 
5. Peter is confronted with a room full of Gentiles.  He names the elephant in the room; “I am not supposed to be here.  You know Jews aren’t supposed to hang out with Gentiles.  But God has shown me that I should not call anyone unclean.
6. Cornelius tells Peter of his vision.  And then invites Peter to speak.
   
   
3. Vv. 34-43 “God shows no partiality”
1. Peter tells them the story of Jesus.
2. The Holy Spirit falls upon everyone in the room.
3. They are all baptized.

Chapter 11

1. Vv. 1-18 Peter Defends His Meeting with Cornelius
1. The good folk in Jerusalem are in an uproar over Peter eating with Gentiles. 
2. Peter tells them what happened.
3. There was a moment of stunned silence.  And then praise for what God is doing in the world.
   
   
2. Vv. 19-30 The Church Grows and they Take a Name
1. People of the Way were scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.  They preached to Jews but the message about Jesus was getting out to Gentiles as well.
2. The church began to grow in Antioch.
3. Barnabas went down to check it out.  He was impressed by what he fount. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Paul in order to bring him to Antioch to help build the church.  They remained in Antioch for a year and this community was called “Christians” for the first time.
4. The Antioch Christians send relief to the Christians in area of Jerusalem

 

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