These small group Bible studies of Acts 10:24-48 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Acts 10:24-48 Bible Study – The Holy Spirit Welcomes Gentiles!
Acts 10:24-42 Bible Study Video
Acts 10:24-42 Podcast
Outline
I. Peter meets Cornelius (24-33)
II. Peter shares the good news with Gentiles (34-43)
III. Holy Spirit comes to the Gentiles (44-48)
I. Peter meets Cornelius (24-33)
Discussion Questions
• What can we learn from Cornelius about bringing our families with us into God’s family?
• Why did Cornelius react that way when he met Peter?
• What can we learn from Peter’s response?
• What had Peter learned from the vision?
• Why did he tell them that Jews couldn’t associate with Gentiles? Was he being rude?
• What observations do you have about their communication with each other?
• Why is it important for us to always recognize that we are in the presence of God?
• How do we practice living in the presence of God?
Cross-References
Revelation 19:10 – Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Luke 10:6 – And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.
Acts 16:31 – And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Cornelius had called family and friends together –
Acts 10:24 – Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
Cornelius clearly had a significant influence with a number of people. He was a Roman officer and well-respected. In this passage, we see that he uses his influence to make sure that his friends and family hear from God. Cornelius was not just content to come to the Lord on his own. His mind wasn’t set on saving himself. Rather, he was thinking about the other people in his life. It was his strong desire that they would hear the truth.
Application – Try not to arrive in heaven on your own. While God is the one who saves, do everything you can to make sure that your friends and family hear the gospel and have an opportunity to believe. While you may not have as much influence as Cornelius did, use what you have.
One of the major weaknesses of Israel in the Old Testament was their failure to raise up the next generation to follow the Lord. There were a number of righteous kings and leaders who led Israel well during their lifetime, but failed to pass on the same level of commitment to their children and the next generation. Eli, Samuel, and David are examples of fathers who didn’t train their children well. We don’t know about Joshua’s children, but when the elders of his generation all died, Israel fell away from God. They didn’t properly pass it on.
Judges 2:7,10 – And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel… And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.
Throughout Scripture, there are many reminders to pass on a knowledge of God to others, especially one’s own family and children.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Cornelius did not even know this Scripture in Deuteronomy, but he did it by instinct. He wanted those dearest to him to have the same knowledge of God that he did.
This is a noble quality.
Reflect – Do you have this desire for your family? How can you practically live out this goal of seeing your family in heaven one day?
It starts with the heart. Place a higher priority on a proper relationship with God than academic or athletic success. The best degrees in the world will mean nothing on judgment day.
One simple and powerful application is to have regular family devotions. This is the best way to invite God into your home and family and make sure that each member of your household is well grounded in the Word.
2. Cornelius worshiped Peter –
Acts 10:25-26 – When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”
Cornelius was a God-fearing man. You can see his humility as well as his deep respect for Peter. Although his intentions are good, his worship of Peter is misplaced. Cornelius is a clear example of someone who wants to do the right thing, but is not yet fully informed. He lacks knowledge in key areas.
It is far better to know little and do what you know than to know a lot and refuse to do it. The latter is pride and is difficult to correct. The first is generally only requires a mild correction to fill in the missing gaps of information.
A similar example is Apollos. He had a good heart and faithfully preached about God. But his message was lacking because he did not fully understand Jesus. A private talk with Priscilla and Aquilla was enough to bring him on track (Acts 18:18-28).
Application – Be willing to graciously fill in the gaps of knowledge that other believers around you might have. Use discernment to know when a kind word of reminder is sufficient. Not all people need the Bible thumped over their heads.
Jesus was firm and strict with the Pharisees because their problem was pride. But He was gentle to those who knew their sins already.
3. Peter’s response to being worshiped –
Peter responded to Cornelius’ worship by telling him, “Stand up, I too am a man.” Peter did what he should do. He deflected any personal glory and put the focus back on the Lord. This was clearly the right thing to do, but that is not to say that Peter would not have felt any temptation to just accept it.
Reflect – It is unlikely we will meet people who fall down and worship us. But we still face the issue of pride. No one is immune to enjoying accolades and welcoming praise from men. When might you be tempted to take credit for yourself?
Let us all remember, as Peter did, “I too am a man.” Even when you do well, remember the following verse.
Luke 17:10 – So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
4. Peter’s opening words –
Acts 10:28 – And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.
It might seem rude to tell the Gentiles that he wouldn’t normally even associate with them. However, they already knew this. Everyone present would have been familiar with the cultural obstacles between Jews and Gentiles hanging out together.
Many who gathered likely would have been thinking of that very thing. Thus, it was necessary for Peter to explain why he was going against cultural norms. It wasn’t his idea. It wasn’t something he personally would have even been comfortable with. The fact that it was happening showed God was doing something big. Acknowledging the hostility between the groups brought even more glory to God for His amazing plan to break down this hostility and unify both groups under His banner.
In verses 17 and 19, we saw that Peter was considering the meaning of the vision. By now, he understood what God was communicating to him. This was his conclusion.
Acts 10:28 – God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.
This is a very important lesson that the church today should remember as well. In Jesus, we are one family.
The church that I attend has believers from six continents and over fifty different nationalities. There are students and businessmen, young and old, men and women, Jew and Gentile, and poor and rich. Our mother tongues are different. Our skin tones are not the same. Some are in the spotlight behind the pulpit, and others are in the background. Yet everyone is valuable in God’s sight. We should show respect, love, and kindness to each.
Application – Let us not look down on any person. Let us not call any common or unclean.
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
5. Cornelius reviewed his account –
After Peter’s opening remarks, Cornelius reviewed the account from his perspective. There could be no doubt that the meeting that happened that day was ordained by God. The disciples would not have naturally desired to reach out to the Gentiles, especially Romans. Therefore, God made sure that it happened. He moved to bring the gospel to those whom He wanted to hear it.
The entire account is a reminder of God’s providence. He is in control of everything, directing events to accomplish His purposes.
Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
II. Peter shares the good news with Gentiles (34-43)
Discussion Questions
• What was Peter’s key takeaway from these events?
• What does it mean that “God shows no partiality?”
• What are some common ways that even believers might show partiality?
• How can you reach out to those who are not in the “in group?”
• What was the message Peter preached?
• How did he summarize the gospel?
• If you were to share the gospel within sixty seconds, what are the essential things you would mention?
• What was the action point he concluded with?
Cross-References
Romans 2:11 – For God shows no partiality.
James 2:1 – My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Ephesians 2:17 – And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
Luke 24:48 – You are witnesses of these things.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. God shows no partiality –
Peter states the key takeaway from these events.
Acts 10:34-35 – 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.
Man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Skin tone, ethnicity, and status are meaningless to God. He desires people to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
We like to think that we are sophisticated and don’t show partiality. But is that true?
Reflect – What are some common ways even Christians might show partiality?
• Favoring the wealthy. That could include giving rich people a bigger say in decisions.
• Favoring those with tenure. That could include putting those with tenure onto mission or deacon boards instead of looking at character (Titus 3).
• Giving more honor or consideration to famous names or big ministries. I have met people who don’t want to listen to sermons from their local pastor because they say that they can find a better one from a big-name online preacher. This overlooks the fact that God can and does speak through regular people. The Holy Spirit is not limited to working only with the famous.
• Favoring those who speak loudest or best. Sometimes the introvert has the best counsel. I know a man who seldom speaks in Bible study because his nature is very quiet. But when he does, he makes it count.
• Favoring one race or ethnicity. This can still happen even subconsciously.
• Favoring those who are socially more graceful. Do you happily approach and welcome those who don’t seem to fit in?
• Favoring our own cliques instead of reaching out to newcomers.
Cornelius was a Gentile, but he feared God.
Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
2. Peter preaches the gospel –
Reflect – Who preached the worst “sermon” in history?
Jonah is definitely in the running. He had zero compassion for the Ninevites. He wanted them to reject his message and be punished by God. There is no record that Jonah even asked the people to repent.
Jonah 3:4 – “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”
You can almost imagine Jonah saying this with glee. He looked forward to God’s wrath being poured out on Israel’s cruel enemies. Yet God desired to save them, so he did. When God prepares the hearts, fish jump into the boat.
Peter could have given the worst sermon in history and they still would have been saved. It was a divine appointment and Peter was just the messenger.
However, he still preached a clear and concise message. He seems to understand that it wasn’t necessary to go on for a long time. His audience was ready to believe. They didn’t need any persuasion.
Application – Whether you are “preaching” to a church or your children, be sensitive to the audience. Don’t go longer than necessary just to hear yourself talk. If the person is receptive, finish and let them take action.
What did Peter preach? He summarized the gospel.
Reflect – How would you summarize the gospel in sixty seconds?
• Jesus brought the good news message of peace.
• Jesus modeled righteousness.
• Jesus healed people by the power of God.
• Jesus died on the cross.
• Jesus rose again on the third day.
• The disciples witnessed these things firsthand.
• The disciples were called to testify of what they had seen.
• Believe in Jesus and be forgiven.
After Peter shared, he ended with a call to action. He invited them to place their faith in Jesus and be forgiven. This is the information that Cornelius and his friends were lacking. Cornelius believed in God, but he did not yet know that Jesus was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Now he did. He had a decision to make. Would he believe?
Application – Close your sharing with a call to action. A good message, whether to a church, a Bible study, a student, or your child, should have some action point. What good is it to lecture a student on his mistakes if you don’t tell him what he should do to improve? Knowledge without action is useless (James 2:26).
III. Holy Spirit comes to the Gentiles (44-48)
Discussion Questions
• Did they make a public profession of faith before the Holy Spirit came on them?
• What did the Holy Spirit know that we don’t?
• Why were Peter’s traveling companions so surprised about what was happening?
• How did they know that the Gentiles had received the gift of the Holy Spirit?
• What did Peter do?
• What does this passage teach us about God?
• Why is this event important for you today?
Cross-References
Ephesians 1:13-14 – In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Romans 10:12 – For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. The Holy Spirit comes to the Gentiles –
Acts 10:44 – While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.
Scripture is clear that the one who believes is saved.
Galatians 3:2 – Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?
Therefore, we can conclude that Cornelius and the Gentiles with him believed in their hearts as they heard Peter share. The Holy Spirit did not wait for an altar call or a public confession of faith. Neither did He wait for them to be baptized. At the moment when they believed in their hearts, He came upon them. It is a clear reminder that God sees the heart. While we may not know the exact moment of conversion in others, or even in ourselves, God does know.
These Gentile believers were converted to Christ. The Holy Spirit put His stamp of approval on their acceptance into the church. It is a reminder that salvation is not earned through mighty deeds, good works, public statements of faith, or even baptism. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Romans 10:9 – Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
The heart belief comes first and wherever that is genuine, a profession of faith will follow.
This account is extremely significant in the history of the church and of God’s plan on earth. Throughout the Old Testament, God dealt primarily with the Jews. They were His chosen people. He gave them the law, the Scriptures, and the prophets. From the beginning, it was His purpose to use the nation of Israel as a beacon of light to attract the world to God. However, Israel did not fulfill this purpose.
Jesus came as the fulfillment of God’s intention made known to Abraham to bless the nations of the world through Israel.
Genesis 12:3 – I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
God’s purpose to reach the nations was also prophesied by Isaiah.
Isaiah 42:6 – I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations.
Isaiah 49:6 – It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
It is in this passage in Acts 10 that we see God’s purposes, pronounced thousands of years before, fulfilled. It is also here that we see Jesus’ commission to the disciples to reach the “ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8) really begin to take shape.
Reflect – Have you ever taken time to thank God that salvation is available for the Gentiles?
Application – If you are a Gentile, this occasion is something of a liberation day. It is the birthday of the Gentile church. Take a moment and thank God that He made salvation available to you.
2. The Gentiles began to speak in tongues –
The Holy Spirit left no doubt that the Gentiles were saved. The early church would have more than enough tension between Jew and Gentile as it was. God made it clear that He was at work, that He saved this group of Gentiles. He made it so abundantly clear that no rational person could think otherwise. It was as if He publicly sealed their admission into the church at large.
The speaking in tongues and other signs they were displaying were outward evidence of the internal work the Holy Spirit had done in their hearts. One purpose of those signs was to confirm their rightful entry into the church.
Ephesians 2:14-16 – For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
3. Peter commanded them to be baptized –
Baptism immediately followed their conversion. Baptism would be a major public step for them in confessing their belief in Christ and staking their identity in Him.
Throughout Acts, we see the importance of baptism. If you were saved, you got baptized. It was as simple as that.
Reflect – How important is it for believers to publicly confess their faith? Is it possible for real believers to keep their faith secret and just trust God in their hearts?
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Meet the Author: Jason Dexter has been serving the Lord overseas in the 10/40 Window for more than twenty years, making disciples, teaching the Bible, and equipping believers to understand and apply God’s Word. These Bible studies were written by him, not by AI.
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