God’s Love and Salvation Is All-inclusive
Dissolving Racial and Religious Prejudice
A. Jewish people did not believe Gentiles were included in God’s plan of salvation.
B. God convinces Peter that Gentiles are included in His redemptive plan.
- 3-fold vision of Peter, 10:10-16
- Peter heard the Spirit of God commanding him to go to Cornelius’s house.
- Peter took 6 witnesses
- Jewish law required at least 2 witnesses.
- Peter took 3 pair of witnesses
C. The Gift of the Holy Spirit to the house of Cornelius convinced the church that Gentiles were included in God’s salvation plan.
The Plan of God Includes the Gentiles, vv. 19-24
A. Disciples went to Antioch and preached the Gospel to Gentiles.
B. Gentiles believed and were converted.
C. Church sent Barnabas to Antioch:
- to evaluate what God was doing; and
- to encourage Gentiles to trust and obey the Lord.
D. This would produce controversy later, Acts 15.
Christian Conduct Results from Christian Teaching, vv. 25-26
A. After a year of teaching, the disciples were called Christians.
B. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like.
C. Conversion does not instantaneously make one a Christian in character and conduct.
- Identify new convert as
- a believer
- a disciple
- a child of God
- Term “Christian” is reserved when the believer exhibits Christ-likeness.
The Practice of Generosity, vv. 17-30
These Christians shared because of compassion, not because of a command.
Are we fully aware that everyone is included in God’s loving purpose?
Do we possess in our own attitudes, actions, and ambitions a spirit that would cause others to call us Christians?
Are we generous and gracious in ministering to the needs of others?