Study Guide
Acts, Part 10 / …to the Ends of the Earth / Acts 10:1-48
In Acts 10, we see a powerful picture of God’s plan to bring the good news of Jesus to everyone. Through the intersecting stories of Peter and Cornelius, God shows that He is always at work behind the scenes—often in ways we cannot fully comprehend. This passage invites us to surrender to God’s plan even when we have doubts and to trust His leading in our lives. Our role is to point people to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to do the transforming work in their hearts.
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Icebreakers
- If you had to live in a TV show for a month, which show would you pick and why?
- What’s a skill or hobby you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet, and what’s holding you back?
Read Acts 10:1-48 (CSB)
Discuss It
In Acts 10:1-16, we see God working in multiple places at once (Cornelius in Caesarea and Peter in Joppa), revealing His incomprehensible power and presence. Can you think of a time when you realized that God’s work seemed bigger than what you could understand or control? How did that affect your trust in Him?
Additional Thought
Theologians use the following “omni” terms to describe God’s divine attributes:
- Omniscience: God knows everything, past, present, and future. Omnipotence: God is all-powerful; He can accomplish anything He wills.
- Omnipresence: God is everywhere at once; present in all situations, even the ones we think He can’t reach.
Additional Scripture
Psalm 139:1-4 (CSB) “O Lord, you have examined me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.”
Additional Question
Of God’s divine attributes listed above, which one brings you the most comfort? Which one is the hardest to grasp? Why?
In Acts 10:9-15, Peter saw a vision of four-footed animals of all kinds descending from heaven with a voice inviting him to get up and eat. Peter initially rejected the offer and the voice reprimanded him by saying, “do not call anything impure that God has made pure” (vs.15). In what ways was God using this vision to prepare Peter to share the gospel with Cornelius?
Additional Thought
Under the Old Covenant, God placed certain dietary restrictions on Israel to protect and separate them from the idolatrous nations surrounding them (Leviticus 11; 20:25-26). Since the coming of the New Covenant, those dietary restrictions and separation from the Gentile nations had come to an end. God was using this vision as an illustration of the change that needed to take place in Peter’s heart.
Additional Scripture
Romans 6:14-15 (NLT) Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. 15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!
Additional Question
How do you understand the relationship between the Old Covenant laws and the New Covenant laws? How can we discern which laws are still binding under the New Covenant and which have been fulfilled in Christ?
In Acts 10:19-33, we see that Peter didn’t know these men or why he was going with them, but he obeyed anyway. Cornelius also didn’t know Peter, but he trusted that God had a message and gathered people to hear him. What does this teach us about trusting God when the next step feels unclear or awkward? Is obedience easier or harder when you can’t see the whole plan?
Additional Scripture
Read Matthew 14:22-33
Additional Thought
Peter’s story in Acts 10 shows the growth of his since the beginning of his journey with Jesus. In Matthew 14, Peter stepped out of the boat with a small amount of faith but doubt caused him to sink. In Acts 10, we see that Peter has grown in his faith. He still may have some doubt but he followed in obedience.
Additional Question
Think about a time when you stepped out in faith even though you had doubts. What did that experience teach you about God and about yourself? How might your doubts actually be pointing you toward a deeper, more resilient faith (like Peter)?
Apply It
Acts 10:34-35 (CSB)
Say
Acts 10 reminds us again that God wants all people to know Him and He invites us to help accomplish that extraordinary work! What a privilege! Just like Peter stepped out in faith to share with Cornelius, we are called to step out in faith (even when we don’t fully understand or know the outcome).
Challenge
- This week, what is one step of faith God is asking you to take (something that may feel uncomfortable, scary or unknown)?
- Who is one person that God may be putting on your heart that you can reach out to this week? (Because He’s probably also working on their heart too)
Pray
How can we be praying for you this week?
About the Current Sermon Series
The book of Acts tells the story of how the exalted Christ sends His Spirit to empower His people to continue His work in the world. Through the Spirit’s power, ordinary believers boldly proclaim the gospel, witness miraculous works, and form vibrant communities that embody God’s welcome to all people. Acts traces how the church’s witness, energized by the Spirit, extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, revealing Christ’s ongoing work through His people and the Spirit’s leading in every new challenge and opportunity.