Acts 10:9–23

10:9
About noon the next day, while they were on their way and approaching the
city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
10
He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing the
meal, a trance came over him.
11
He saw heaven opened and an object something like a large sheet
descending, being let down to earth by its four corners.
12
In it were all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth and
wild birds.
13
Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; slaughter and eat!”
14
But Peter said, “Certainly not, Lord, for I have never eaten anything
defiled and ritually unclean!”
15
The voice spoke to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you
must not consider ritually unclean!”
16
This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into
heaven.
17
Now while Peter was puzzling over what the vision he had seen could
signify, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon’s house was and
approached the gate.
18
They called out to ask if Simon, known as Peter, was staying there as a
guest.
19
While Peter was still thinking seriously about the vision, the Spirit said
to him, “Look! Three men are looking for you.
20
But get up, go down, and accompany them without hesitation, because I have
sent them.”
21
So Peter went down to the men and said, “Here I am, the person you’re
looking for. Why have you come?”
22
They said, “Cornelius the centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, well
spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to
summon you to his house and to hear a message from you.”
23
So Peter invited them in and entertained them as guests.On the next day he
got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa
accompanied him.

One thought:

To God, outside of Christ, we are like bacon to a Jewish person.

Three questions:

Have a read of Hebrews 9:11-14

 

How do you feel about your own sins, it is worth reflecting on the nature of sin so that we can feel the joy of forgiveness/being made clean

 

Who is an outsider that you could pray that God would bring near?

Prayer:

Give thanks that God has made us clean in Christ’s forgiveness.

Give thanks that God has brought near those who were far from Him (Gentiles).

Ask God that He would continue to work powerfully in the lives of outsiders – bringing them to Christ.

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