March 26, 2023

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Read: Acts 10:44-48 (NIV)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[a] and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Objective:
To help participants understand the significance of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Gospel message and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and to discuss its implications for the Church today.

Introduction:
Briefly recap the story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10, highlighting the importance of the passage in demonstrating the universality of the Gospel message and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all believers, regardless of their background.

Discussion Questions:
1. How did the Jewish believers present react to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles in Acts 10:44-45? Why do you think they were astonished?
2. What was the significance of the Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God (Acts 10:46)? How did this event validate their experience with the Holy Spirit?
3. In Acts 10:47, Peter acknowledges that no one can stand in the way of the Gentiles being baptized with water. What does this statement reveal about the barriers being broken down between Jews and Gentiles in the early Church?
4. Reflecting on the early Church’s struggle to accept the inclusion of Gentiles in the Gospel message, can you think of any similar challenges that the Church faces today in terms of embracing diversity and inclusivity?
5. How does the story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10 encourage us to share the Gospel with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs?
6. In what ways can we, as a small group and as individuals, actively work towards breaking down barriers and promoting unity within the Church and our communities?

Application:
• Encourage participants to think about the importance of the inclusive nature of the Gospel message and the work of the Holy Spirit in their own lives.
• Challenge participants to examine their attitudes towards people of different backgrounds, and to consider how they can be more intentional in sharing the Gospel
and building bridges in their own communities.

Closing:
Close the session by praying for the unity of the Church, asking God to help participants embrace the inclusive nature of the Gospel, and to empower them to share God’s love with people from all walks of life.