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Rev. Ronald C. Purkey, an ordained
Baptist minister, claims no originality
for this Bible study outline.
However,
every Bible study posted on this website has been taught by Rev. Purkey.
To see more Bible study outlines go
to “The Archives Page”: More Bible Study Outlines.
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GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE
November 28, 2021
SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:23-48
KEY VERSES: “Then
Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with
him.” (Acts 10:34-35)
INTRODUCTION: Acts chapter 10 is pivotal in the Book of Acts, for it
records the salvation of the Gentiles.
·
We see Peter using “the keys of the kingdom” for the
third and last time. He had opened
the door of faith for the Jews (Acts 2) and also for the Samaritans (Acts 8),
and now he would be used of God to bring the Gentiles into the church (see Gal.
3:27-28; Eph. 2:11-22).
·
This event took place about ten years after
Pentecost. Why did the
Apostles wait so long before going to the lost Gentiles? After all, in His
Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20), Jesus had told them to go into all the
world; and it would seem logical for them to go to their Gentile neighbors as
soon as possible. But God has His times as well as His plans, and the
transition from the Jews to the Samaritans to the Gentiles was a gradual one.
·
The stoning of Stephen and the subsequent
persecution of the church marked the climax of the Apostles’ witness to the
Jews. Then the Gospel
moved to the Samaritans. When God saved Saul of Tarsus, He got hold of His
special envoy to the Gentiles. Now was the time to open the door of faith (Acts
14:27) to the Gentiles and bring them into the family of God.
A. The Preparation
By Simon Peter. (Acts 10:23-27)
“Then called he them in, and lodged them. And
on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa
accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into
Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen
and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met
him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But
Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And
as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.”
(Acts 10:23-27)
The fact that
Peter allowed the “unclean” Gentiles to lodge with him is another indication
that the walls were coming down. Peter selected six Jewish believers to go
along as witnesses (Acts 11:12), three times the official number needed. It
would take at least two days to cover the thirty miles between Joppa and
Caesarea. When Peter arrived, he discovered that Cornelius had gathered
relatives and friends to hear the message of life. He was a witness even before
he became a Christian!
How easy it
would have been for Peter to accept honor and use the situation to promote
himself; but Peter was a servant, not a celebrity (1 Peter 5:1-6). When he
announced that he did not consider the Gentiles unclean, this must have amazed
and rejoiced the hearts of his listeners. For centuries the Jews, on the basis
of Old Testament Law, had declared the Gentiles to be unclean, and some Jews
even referred to the Gentiles as “dogs.”
B. The Question
By Simon Peter. (Acts 10:28-29)
“And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is
an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of
another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or
unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as
soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?”
(Acts 10:28-29)
The remarkable
thing in this section is Peter’s question, “I ask, therefore, for what intent
ye have sent for me?” Didn’t Peter know that he had been summoned there to
preach the Gospel? Had he forgotten the Acts 1:8 commission to go to “the
uttermost part of the earth”? Today, we can look back at developing events in
the early church and understand what God was doing, but it might not have been
that easy had we been living in the midst of those events. In fact, the
Jerusalem church questioned Peter about his actions (Acts 11:1-18), and later
called a conference to deal with the place of the Gentiles in the church (Acts
15).
C. The Lesson
Learned By Cornelius. (see Acts 11:30-33)
“And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was
fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and,
behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said,
Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the
sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither
Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner
by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately
therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now
therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are
commanded thee of God.” (Acts 10:30-33)
Cornelius
rehearsed his experience with the angel and then told Peter why he had been
summoned: to tell him, his family, and his friends how they could be saved.
They were not interested in asking for a lecture on Jewish religion. They were
lost sinners begging to be told how to be saved (see Acts 11:1-14). Here are
some important truths that must be emphasized:
First, the idea
that “one religion is as good as another” is completely FALSE! Those who tell us that we should worship “the God
of many names” and not “change other people’s religions” are going contrary to
Scripture. “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22), and there can be no
salvation apart from faith in Jesus Christ, who was born a Jew. Cornelius had
piety and morality, but he did not have salvation. Some might say, “Leave
Cornelius alone! His religion is a part of his culture, and it’s a shame to
change his culture!” God does not see it that way. Apart from hearing the
message of the Gospel and trusting Christ, Cornelius had no hope.
Second, the seeking
Savior (Luke 19:10) will find the seeking sinner (Jer. 29:13). Wherever there is a searching heart, God responds.
This is why it is essential that we as God’s children obey His will and share
His Word. You never know when your witness for Christ is exactly what somebody
has been waiting and praying for.
Third, Peter
certainly was privileged to minister to a model congregation (Acts 10:33). They were all present, they wanted to hear the Word
of God, and they listened, believed, and obeyed. What more could a preacher
ask?
I. A GENTILE FAMILY HEARD THE GOSPEL. (Acts
10:34-43)
A. God Is No
Respecter of Persons. (Acts 10:34-38)
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a
truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in
every nation he that feareth him, and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent
unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of
all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published
throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John
preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost
and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed
of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:34-38)
1. God Sent His Word To Israel (And The World).
There can be no
faith apart from God’s Word (the Bible) and Peter preached God’s Word (Romans
10:17). God is no respecter of persons as far as nationality and race are
concerned. When it comes to sin and salvation, “there is no difference” (Romans
2:11; 3:22-23; 10:1-13). All men have the same Creator (Acts 17:26), and all
men need the same Savior (Acts 4:12). Acts 10:35 does not teach that we are
saved by works, otherwise Peter would be contradicting himself (see Acts
10:43). To “fear God and work righteousness” is a description of the Christian
life. To fear God is to reverence and trust Him (Micah 6:8). The evidence of
this faith is a righteous walk.
INSIGHT: We need remember what the Bible says. “So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
2.. God Sent His Son To Be The Savior (of the
world). (Acts 10:39-43)
“And we
are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in
Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God
raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all
the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and
drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded
us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained
of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all
the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall
receive remission of sins.”
(Acts 10:39-43)
Peter then
summarized the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Cornelius and his friends knew about Christ’s life and death, for “this thing
was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Peter made it clear that Israel was
God’s instrument for accomplishing His work (Acts 10:36), but that Jesus is
“Lord of all,” and not just Lord of Israel. From the very founding of the
nation of Israel, God made it clear that the blessing would be from Israel to
the whole world (Gen. 12:1-3).
The public at
large knew about Christ’s life, ministry, and death, but only the Apostles and
other believers were witnesses of His resurrection. As in his previous sermons,
Peter laid the blame for the Crucifixion on the Jewish leaders (Acts 3:15;
4:10; 5:30), as did Stephen (Acts 7:52). Paul would pick up this same emphasis
(1 Thess. 2:14-16).
INSIGHT: Having finished this recitation of the
historical basis for the Gospel message, Christ’s death and resurrection, Peter
then announced the Gospel (the good news): “Whosoever believeth in Him shall
receive remission of sin” (Acts 10:43; see Acts 2:21). His hearers laid hold of
that word “whosoever,” applied it to themselves, believed on Jesus Christ, and
were saved!
A. These
Gentiles Received Christ As Their Savior. (Acts
10:44-46)
“While Peter yet spake
these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And
they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with
Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy
Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify
God. Then answered Peter, ...” (Acts 10:44-46)
1. The Holy Spirit Fell Upon The Gentiles.
Peter was just
getting started in his message when his congregation believed and the Holy
Spirit interrupted the meeting (Acts 11:15). God the Father interrupted Peter
on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:4-5), and God the Son interrupted him
in the matter of the temple tax (Matt. 17:24-27). Now, God the Holy Spirit
interrupted him -- and Peter never was able to finish his sermon! Would that
preachers today had interruptions of this kind!
2. The Gentile Believers Began To Praise God.
The Holy Spirit
was giving witness to the six Jews who were present that these Gentiles were
truly born again. After all, these men had not seen the vision with Peter and
come to understand that the Gentiles were now on an equal footing with the
Jews. This does not suggest that every new believer gives evidence of salvation
by speaking in tongues, though every true believer will certainly use his or
her tongue to glorify God (Rom. 10:9-10). This was an event parallel to
Pentecost: the same Holy Spirit who had come on the Jewish believers had now
come on the Gentiles (Acts 11:15-17; 15:7-9). No wonder the men were
astonished!
INSIGHT: With this event, the period of transition in the
early history of the church comes to an end. Believers among the Jews,
Samaritans, and Gentiles have all received the Spirit of God and are united in
the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27).
B. These Gentile
Believers Were Obedient To The Lord. (Acts 10:47-48)
“Can any
man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the
Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be
baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Acts 10:47-48)
1. The Gentile Believers Were Baptized.
These Gentiles
were not saved by being baptized; they were baptized because they gave evidence
of being saved. To use Acts 2:38 to teach salvation by baptism, or Acts 8:14-16
to teach salvation by the laying on of hands, is to ignore the transitional
character of God’s program. Sinners have always been saved by faith; that is
one principle God has never changed. But God does change His methods of
operation, and this is clearly seen in Acts 1-10.
2. The Door To The Gentiles Was Opened.
The experience
of Cornelius and his household makes it very clear that baptism is not
essential for salvation. From now on, the order will be: (1) hear the Word of
God, (2) believe on Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, and (3) then be
baptized and unite with other believers in the church to serve and worship God.
Peter tarried in
Caesarea and helped to ground these new believers in the truth of the Word.
Perhaps Philip assisted him. This entire experience is an illustration of the
commission of Matthew 28:19-20. (1) Peter went where God sent him and (2) made
disciples (“teach”) of the Gentiles. (3) Then he baptized them and taught them
the Bible (the Word of God).
INSIGHT: That same commission applies to the church today.
Are we fulfilling it as we should?
COME ONE, COME ALL
By David Jeremiah
“But in every nation whoever fears Him
and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:35)
·
In 1883,
American poet Emma Lazarus wrote a sonnet to raise money for the pedestal of
the Statue of Liberty; it was later mounted inside the Statue. The most
well-known lines of the sonnet say, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled
masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift
my lamp beside the golden door!” Those words became prophetic as millions of
immigrants from many countries entered the U.S. through the immigrant station
on nearby Ellis Island between 1892 and 1934.
·
Just as America opened its doors to the world, so
God through the Gospel has opened the doors of His kingdom to humanity’s
“huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Even though God worked through Israel, He always
had a heart for the nations (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 11:10; 42:1, 6). Reluctant at
first, the Jews finally saw that the Gospel of Christ was for the Gentiles as
well: Jew, Gentile, slave, free, male, female -- all are “one in Christ Jesus”
(Galatians 3:28).
·
If you are yearning to be free, embrace the Savior
of all mankind. He invites all to come unto Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
-- Adapted
from David Jeremiah, Turning Point, August 21, 2015
CONCLUSION: What have we learned from out study of Acts chapter
10?
·
We learned that Peter opened the door of faith to
the Gentiles. How wonderful
is the providence of God! Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was being prepared
for his life’s work; and Peter was about to break down the ancient barriers
between Jews and Gentiles: “Known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts
15:18).
·
We learned that God had to prepare both Peter and
Cornelius. He spoke to
Cornelius while he was praying and to Peter while he was relaxing. Be alert to
the voice of God; you never know when the Lord may have a word for you.
·
We learned that there are words that lead to defeat. “Not so, Lord! For I have never ….” (Acts 10:14) is
the response that leads to defeat. God was about to do a new thing, and Peter
wanted to hold on to the old. He calls Him Lord but refuses to obey Him! Yet
God tenderly instructed Peter, and the apostle surrendered to God’s will.
·
We learned that Peter did not get to finish his
sermon. When he said,
“Whosoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43), they
believed and were saved. What a great way to stop a sermon!
THOUGHT TO
REMEMBER: “There is
room enough in Christ for all comers!” --
Matthew Henry
REFERENCES: References used in these Bible studies are the Moody Bible Commentary, J. Vernon McGee’s Thru the Bible Commentary: (www.ttb.org), the Scofield Study Bible, the Believer’s Bible Commentary, Dr. Charles
J. Woodbridge Bible Outlines, Dr. Lee Roberson’s Sermons, Dr. Charles Stanley: (http://www.intouch.org/), Don Robinson’s Bible Outlines, Women’s Study Bible, The Bible Reader’s
Companion Ed. 3, The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version, Dr. Tony Evans (https://tonyevans.org/), KJV Bible Commentary, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines of the New
Testament ed. 4, Dr. David Jeremiah: (http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/), Dr. Cliff Robinson’s Bible Outlines, Dr. Robert Jeffress’ Pathway to
Victory (https://ptv.org/), Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines of the Old Testament, Dr. Alan Carr’s The Sermon Notebook (www.sermonnotebook.org), With the Word Bible Commentary, Wiersbe’s “Be” Series: Old & New
Testaments, Radio Bible Class Ministries (http://rbc.org/), selected illustrations and other references.
REV. RONALD PURKEY’S OFFICE
E-mail: Ronald Purkey
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