Friday: Further Study – Peter and the Gentiles
Read Ellen G. White, Jew and Gentile,
pp. 188-200, in The Acts of the Apostles.
Peter told of his astonishment when, in speaking the words of truth to those assembled at the home of Cornelius, he witnessed the Holy Spirit taking possession of his hearers, Gentiles as well as Jews.
Image © Steve Creitz from GoodSalt.com
The same light and glory that was reflected upon the circumcised Jews shone also upon the faces of the uncircumcised Gentiles. This was God’s warning that Peter was not to regard one as inferior to the other, for the blood of Christ could cleanse from all uncleanness. . . .
Peter’s address brought the assembly to a point where they could listen with patience to Paul and Barnabas, who related their experience in working for the Gentiles.
—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 193, 194.
Discussion Questions:
- Peter’s vision has been explained to support the argument that the dietary laws of the Old Testament are no longer valid—specifically, as justification for eating unclean meat. The meaning of the vision was clearly explained by Peter himself:
I should not call any [human] common or unclean
(Acts 10:28). The vision was not, therefore, about diet but about acceptance of other humans as God’s children, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, occupation, or religion. Why, though, do people use this as an argument in regard to diet? What should this tell us about how careful we need to be in how we handle Scripture? - Dwell more on Romans 2:14-16. How should we as a church relate to this idea in terms of missions? That is, why do we need to preach to those who have the law written in their hearts?
- In Thursday’s study, we talked about the Jerusalem Council as a model for the church today. Read over the texts about the council (Acts 15:1-35). What are some specific things it did that provide a template for the church today? For instance, look at such things as: (1) personal testimonies about witness, (2) the role of the gospel, (3) the role of Scriptures, (4) the role of missions, and (5) how the people related to each other in the council.
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why do we need to preach to those who have the law written in their hearts?
Why do we teach children anything once they can read & write?
Because there are so many interesting and useful things that will help them to be more fulfilled and safe.
And because it is not the law that saves, but knowledge of our own sinfulness that shows us our need for a Savior. We need to still preach and spread the Word, because law on their heart or not, we all are in need of Jesus!!