Weekly Discussion Guide

1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read Acts 10:1-48.
3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

MY STORY | Starting Place
Who are the types of people with whom you might hesitate to interact? What’s at the root of this resistance within you?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in
a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. (Acts 10:1-5)

What was unique about Cornelius’ spiritual journey?

What would a non-Christian (today) who is spiritually curious, prays, and has a strong social conscience look like? Why would such a person be receptive to the Gospel?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
Peter’s Vision
Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.
“So I [Cornelius] sent for you [Peter] at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”
(Acts 10:17-19, 33)

Describe a time when you were honestly perplexed with what God was trying to teach you, or invite you into?

How would you respond if a non-Christian said to you, “I believe God has given you a message for me to hear—lay it on me.”

What barriers might exist in your mind or heart that need to be broken down before God could use you like this?

Gentiles Hear the Good News
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:34-35)

What did Peter finally realize that had eluded him up to this point?
What possible prejudices in your heart might diminish if you just acknowledged them?

If you were to decide that you were never going to act on your prejudices, but to always treat those toward whom you feel hesitancy with kindness and respect, what would that look like?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
This week, strike up a conversation with the type of person with whom you feel some degree of dislike in your heart.

Ask for that person’s opinion about something, perhaps his or her religious beliefs—and look for ways to build bridges for the Gospel in what he or she says to you.