Children’s Bible Program – Level 2: NT Lesson 17 “Peter Meets Cornelius”
Featured Passage: Acts 10
Even though the brethren were being persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ, the disciples continued to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God and a way of life — “the Way”– everywhere they went. Many of the brethren at the time came from a Jewish background, and to the Jews, anyone who wasn’t Jewish was called a Gentile and was considered to be “unclean”. God did not want anyone to be considered “unclean” anymore, and He had a plan to spread the Gospel to many different kinds of people. To make His plan known, God chose to work through a man named Cornelius.
Discuss:
- Who was Cornelius? What type of reputation did he have? Who did Cornelius worship?
- What did God tell Cornelius to do?
- What did Peter see in the vision while he was on the rooftop? What did Peter conclude the vision meant (Acts 10:28)? (Note: Many people wrongly conclude that this dream meant it was okay to eat unclean food.)
- Who was at the house with Cornelius when Peter came?
- What happened to Cornelius and his household while Peter was speaking?
- What did Peter do after Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit?
- What did Peter mean when He said “God shows no partiality”? God accepts all those who fear Him regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality (Romans 2:11).
Memory Challenge:
Acts 10:34-35
“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”
