Witnesses of the resurrection It’s truth, power and meaning The disciples Saul – became the apostle Paul Barnabas, the encourager Peter, forgiven, reinstated, full of the Holy Spirit

The challenge... Can, and should, the gospel be taken to people ‘not like us’? –Those currently of a different faith? –Those who don’t share our culture and values? Peter’s challenging vision God’s timing of the messenger from Cornelius Peter’s courage in going to Cornelius’ household The result...

Important enough to warrant two chapters in Acts –The events themselves –Then Peter’s justification to his friends back in Jerusalem Witnessing to the gentiles But also... The gentiles themselves becoming witnesses

What might God be saying to us? ‘You went into the house of the uncircumcised and ate with them!’ –Do we expect believers to behave in certain ways? –If so, where do we draw the line? Are there times when we should not associate with people because of their behaviour? Or is God using us to get them to change? –Belong believe behave

What might God be saying to us? ‘In a trance I saw a vision’ –Peter was hungry, and was praying (10:9-10) –‘Ekstasis’: should we ever be ‘out of ourselves’ when praying? Dream-like state? –Try to be sensitive to pictures, images God might be giving –Need confirmation... –The confirmation came for Peter when the gentiles arrived below!

What might God be saying to us? God-incidences –God may be preparing, right now, someone you will meet or contact soon –Cornelius was a spiritual person – praying without knowing the living God Don’t write off people’s spiritual searching today The past is no guide to the present when it comes to encounters with people – friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues –The time had to be right for Peter to take the gospel to a gentile family

What might God be saying to us? ‘As I began to speak the Holy Spirit came on them’ –Speaking in tongues / other languages and praising God (10:46) Peter reminded of Jesus’ words –The more we hear words of scripture the more they speak to us when we need to hear God Peter ‘ordered that they be baptised’ (10:48) –What are the necessary conditions for baptism? –Not a credal confession of faith –Not a personal testimony –Being changed and praising God! –Start of a journey of faith

What might God be saying to us? The church leaders accepted Peter’s testimony –Changed their views –It’s OK to change doctrine if there is good evidence that it has been wrong, or if new circumstances force a re-think... –Blessed the work –Probably the most important decision ever made! No wonder this has two chapters in Acts!