Acts 10:23-48

Teaching Notes

In Acts 10:23–48 the scene reaches its climax as Peter enters Cornelius’ home. This simple act of crossing a threshold would have shocked Peter’s Jewish peers—stepping into the house of a Gentile was culturally and religiously unthinkable. Yet Peter obeys God’s prompting, embodying the truth of the vision he received: in Christ, no one is to be called unclean. Cornelius, his family, and close friends are all gathered, eager and expectant to hear what God has commanded. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, and Peter himself confesses that he has come to see more clearly than ever before that God does not show favoritism, but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

Peter then proclaims the heart of the gospel with remarkable simplicity and clarity. He declares that Jesus is Lord of all—crucified, risen, and witnessed by many. He recounts Jesus’ ministry of healing and deliverance, His death on the cross, and the victory of His resurrection. The good news is summed up in one powerful promise: “Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” Peter doesn’t hold back or soften the message for his Gentile listeners; instead, he places them on the same footing as Jewish believers, offering them the fullness of salvation in Christ.

While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon all who hear the word. The Jewish believers who accompanied Peter are stunned—Gentiles are speaking in tongues and praising God, receiving the same Spirit they themselves had received at Pentecost. God Himself confirms that these outsiders are fully included in His family. Peter, seeing the undeniable work of the Spirit, commands that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

This passage powerfully demonstrates that the gospel is not bound by cultural walls, religious traditions, or human prejudice. Salvation is for all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. It also reminds us that the Spirit is sovereign, often moving in ways that exceed our expectations. Like Peter, we are called to step into places that feel uncomfortable, to cross boundaries in obedience to God, and to trust that His Spirit is at work in the hearts of people we might least expect. The story of Cornelius’ household is ultimately the story of God’s inclusive grace—a grace that reaches into every home, every nation, and every heart that turns to Him.