ACTS Go Tell the Good News Lesson 10

ACTS Go Tell the Good News! Lesson 10 Acts 9: 32 – 10: 48

REVIE W The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9: 1 -19; 22: 1 -16; 26: 15 -18) • Saul is confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus (9: 1 -9) • The Lord appears to Ananias in a vision and tells him to go to Saul (9: 9 -16) • Saul is baptized (9: 18)

REVIE W Saul’s early life as a Disciple (Acts 9: 19 -22; Galatians 3: 13 -17) • Immediately Saul begins to preach in the synagogues of Damascus (9: 19 -22) • Saul returns to Jerusalem three years after leaving for Damascus, but he is not initially received by the disciples there. • Barnabas helped the apostles see that Saul was now a disciple of Christ • There was peace among the churches and they multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord.

Peter preaches in Lydda & Sharon (Acts 9: 32 -35) • Peter “went here and there among them all” (ESV) • He finds Aeneas, paralyzed for eight years, and heals him (9: 33 -34) • Lead to many turning to the Lord (9: 35)

Peter raises Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9: 36 -43) • At Joppa: a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), a woman full of good works and charitable deeds • She became sick and died • Her friends send for Peter, who is in Lydda, imploring him not to delay

Peter raises Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9: 36 -43) • Peter comes and witnesses the results of Tabitha’s deeds • Peter puts her friends out of the house and prays and asks her to arise • She is presented alive • It became known and many believed

Peter preaches gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10: 1 -48) • A certain man named Cornelius in Caesarea üCenturion of the Italian Regiment üDevout üOne who feared God with his household üGave alms generously üPrayed to God always

The vision of Cornelius (Acts 10: 1 -8) • A certain man named Cornelius in Caesarea • Fasting and praying (vs. 30) about the 9 th hour (~3: 00 PM) • He observes a man in bright clothing (an angel of God, vs. 3) • His prayers & alms are recognized by God

The vision of Peter (Acts 10: 9 -16) • Peter went up on the housetop to pray about the 6 th hour (~noon) • Became hungry & then fell into a trance (ecstasy) • He sees heaven opened & a great sheet bound at the 4 corners… • Filled with four-footed animals, wild beasts,

The vision of Peter (Acts 10: 9 -16) • Peter is instructed to kill and eat • Peter replies, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean” • “What God has cleansed you must not call common” • Repeated 3 x Food permitted and forbidden under the old law: • Leviticus 11: 2 -27 • Deuteronomy 14: 3 -20

Peter preaches gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10: 17 -48) • As Peter is wondering about the meaning of the vision, those sent by Cornelius arrive at Simon’s house • The Spirit tells Peter to go down and go with them, “doubting nothing; for I have sent them” • Peter asks why they have come and invites them in & lodged them • On the next day, Peter and others from Joppa go to Caesarea

Peter preaches gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10: 17 -48) • Cornelius had called together his close friends and relatives in anticipation of Peter’s visit • As Peter enters, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worships him • Peter lifts him up and tells him that he is a man also • Peter explains why he was there although it was unlawful for a Jewish man to keep company or go to one of another nation • But because of the vision from God, he came without objection; but why was he there?

Peter preaches gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10: 17 -48) • Cornelius explains his vision and states that Peter has done well to come. “Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God. ” (vs. 33) • Peter begins to understand the purpose of the visions: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ” (vs. 34 -35)

Peter preaches gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10: 17 -48) • Peter continues to preach Jesus: His actions and ministry, His death, and His resurrection (vs. 3641) • They were witnesses, chosen of God, of all of these things and commanded to preach to the people and to testify… “it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins. “ (vs. 42 -43)

Peter preaches gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10: 17 -48) • While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon those who heard the word (vs. 44) • Those of the circumcision who believed were astonished…the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also! • They heard them speak with tongues and magnify God! • Peter states, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? " (vs. 47)

Peter preaches gospel to Gentiles (Acts 10: 17 -48) • “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. ” (vs. 48) The good news has come to the Gentiles!