使 徒 行 傳 第11章 Acts Chapter 11

11:1	[hb5]	使 徒 和 在 猶 太 的 眾 弟 兄 、 聽 說 外 邦 人 也 領 受 了 　 神 的 道 。
	[kjv]	And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
11:2	[hb5]	及 至 彼 得 上 了 耶 路 撒 冷 、 那 些 奉 割 禮 的 門 徒 和 他 爭 辯 說 、
	[kjv]	And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
11:3	[hb5]	你 進 入 未 受 割 禮 之 人 的 家 、 和 他 們 一 同 喫 飯 了 。
	[kjv]	Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
11:4	[hb5]	彼 得 就 開 口 、 把 這 事 挨 次 給 他 們 講 解 說 、
	[kjv]	But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
11:5	[hb5]	我 在 約 帕 城 裡 禱 告 的 時 候 、 魂 遊 象 外 、 看 見 異 象 、 有 一 物 降 下 、 好 像 一 塊 大 布 、 繫 著 四 角 、 從 天 縋 下 、 直 來 到 我 跟 前 ．
	[kjv]	I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
11:6	[hb5]	我 定 睛 觀 看 、 見 內 中 有 地 上 四 足 的 牲 畜 、 和 野 獸 、 昆 蟲 、 並 天 上 的 飛 鳥 。
	[kjv]	Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
11:7	[hb5]	我 且 聽 見 有 聲 音 向 我 說 、 彼 得 、 起 來 、 宰 了 喫 。
	[kjv]	And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
11:8	[hb5]	我 說 、 主 阿 、 這 是 不 可 的 ． 凡 俗 而 不 潔 淨 的 物 、 從 來 沒 有 入 過 我 的 口 。
	[kjv]	But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
11:9	[hb5]	第 二 次 、 有 聲 音 從 天 上 說 、 　 神 所 潔 淨 的 、 你 不 可 當 作 俗 物 。
	[kjv]	But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
11:10	[hb5]	這 樣 一 連 三 次 、 就 都 收 回 天 上 去 了 。
	[kjv]	And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11:11	[hb5]	正 當 那 時 、 有 三 個 人 站 在 我 們 所 住 的 房 門 前 、 是 從 該 撒 利 亞 差 來 見 我 的 。
	[kjv]	And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
11:12	[hb5]	聖 靈 吩 咐 我 和 他 們 同 去 、 不 要 疑 惑 。 〔 或 作 不 要 分 別 等 類 〕 同 著 我 去 的 、 還 有 這 六 位 弟 兄 ． 我 們 都 進 了 那 人 的 家 ．
	[kjv]	And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
11:13	[hb5]	那 人 就 告 訴 我 們 、 他 如 何 看 見 一 位 天 使 、 站 在 他 屋 裡 、 說 、 你 打 發 人 往 約 帕 去 、 請 那 稱 呼 彼 得 的 西 門 來 ．
	[kjv]	And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
11:14	[hb5]	他 有 話 告 訴 你 、 可 以 叫 你 和 你 的 全 家 得 救 。
	[kjv]	Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
11:15	[hb5]	我 一 開 講 、 聖 靈 便 降 在 他 們 身 上 、 正 像 當 初 降 在 我 們 身 上 一 樣 。
	[kjv]	And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
11:16	[hb5]	我 就 想 起 主 的 話 說 、 約 翰 是 用 水 施 洗 、 但 你 們 要 受 聖 靈 的 洗 。
	[kjv]	Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
11:17	[hb5]	神 既 然 給 他 們 恩 賜 、 像 在 我 們 信 主 耶 穌 基 督 的 時 候 、 給 了 我 們 一 樣 、 我 是 誰 、 能 攔 阻 　 神 呢 。
	[kjv]	Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
11:18	[hb5]	眾 人 聽 見 這 話 、 就 不 言 語 了 ． 只 歸 榮 耀 與 　 神 、 說 、 這 樣 看 來 、 　 神 也 賜 恩 給 外 邦 人 、 叫 他 們 悔 改 得 生 命 了 。
	[kjv]	When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
11:19	[hb5]	那 些 因 司 提 反 的 事 遭 患 難 四 散 的 門 徒 、 直 走 到 腓 尼 基 、 和 居 比 路 、 並 安 提 阿 ． 他 們 不 向 別 人 講 道 、 只 向 猶 太 人 講 。
	[kjv]	Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
11:20	[hb5]	但 內 中 有 居 比 路 、 和 古 利 奈 人 、 他 們 到 了 安 提 阿 、 也 向 希 利 尼 人 傳 講 主 耶 穌 。 〔 有 古 卷 作 也 向 說 希 利 尼 話 的 猶 太 人 傳 講 主 耶 穌 〕
	[kjv]	And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.
11:21	[hb5]	主 與 他 們 同 在 、 信 而 歸 主 的 人 就 很 多 了 。
	[kjv]	And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
11:22	[hb5]	這 風 聲 傳 到 耶 路 撒 冷 教 會 人 的 耳 中 、 他 們 就 打 發 巴 拿 巴 出 去 、 走 到 安 提 阿 為 止 ．
	[kjv]	Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
11:23	[hb5]	他 到 了 那 裡 、 看 見 　 神 所 賜 的 恩 就 歡 喜 、 勸 勉 眾 人 、 立 定 心 志 、 恆 久 靠 主 。
	[kjv]	Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
11:24	[hb5]	這 巴 拿 巴 原 是 個 好 人 、 被 聖 靈 充 滿 、 大 有 信 心 ． 於 是 有 許 多 人 歸 服 了 主 。
	[kjv]	For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
11:25	[hb5]	他 又 往 大 數 去 找 掃 羅 、
	[kjv]	Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
11:26	[hb5]	找 著 了 、 就 帶 他 到 安 提 阿 去 。 他 們 足 有 一 年 的 工 夫 、 和 教 會 一 同 聚 集 、 教 訓 了 許 多 人 ． 門 徒 稱 為 基 督 徒 、 是 從 安 提 阿 起 首 。
	[kjv]	And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
11:27	[hb5]	當 那 些 日 子 、 有 幾 位 先 知 從 耶 路 撒 冷 下 到 安 提 阿 。
	[kjv]	And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
11:28	[hb5]	內 中 有 一 位 、 名 叫 亞 迦 布 ． 站 起 來 、 藉 著 聖 靈 、 指 明 天 下 將 有 大 饑 荒 ． 這 事 到 革 老 丟 年 間 果 然 有 了 。
	[kjv]	And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
11:29	[hb5]	於 是 門 徒 定 意 、 照 各 人 的 力 量 捐 錢 、 送 去 供 給 住 在 猶 太 的 弟 兄 。
	[kjv]	Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
11:30	[hb5]	他 們 就 這 樣 行 、 把 捐 項 託 巴 拿 巴 和 掃 羅 、 送 到 眾 長 老 那 裡 。
	[kjv]	Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

使 徒 行 傳 第10章 Acts Chapter 10

10:1	[hb5]	在 該 撒 利 亞 有 一 個 人 、 名 叫 哥 尼 流 、 是 義 大 利 營 的 百 夫 長 。
	[kjv]	There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
10:2	[hb5]	他 是 個 虔 誠 人 、 他 和 全 家 都 敬 畏 　 神 、 多 多 賙 濟 百 姓 、 常 常 禱 告 　 神 。
	[kjv]	A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
10:3	[hb5]	有 一 天 、 約 在 申 初 、 他 在 異 象 中 、 明 明 看 見 　 神 的 一 個 使 者 進 去 、 到 他 那 裡 、 說 、 哥 尼 流 。
	[kjv]	He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
10:4	[hb5]	哥 尼 流 定 睛 看 他 、 驚 怕 說 、 主 阿 、 甚 麼 事 呢 。 天 使 說 、 你 的 禱 告 、 和 你 的 賙 濟 、 達 到 　 神 面 前 已 蒙 記 念 了 。
	[kjv]	And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
10:5	[hb5]	現 在 你 當 打 發 人 往 約 帕 去 、 請 那 稱 呼 彼 得 的 西 門 來 ．
	[kjv]	And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
10:6	[hb5]	他 住 在 海 邊 一 個 硝 皮 匠 西 門 的 家 裡 ． 房 子 在 海 邊 上 。
	[kjv]	He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
10:7	[hb5]	向 他 說 話 的 天 使 去 後 、 哥 尼 流 叫 了 兩 個 家 人 、 和 常 伺 候 他 的 一 個 虔 誠 兵 來 ．
	[kjv]	And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
10:8	[hb5]	把 這 事 都 述 說 給 他 們 聽 、 就 打 發 他 們 往 約 帕 去 。
	[kjv]	And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
10:9	[hb5]	第 二 天 、 他 們 行 路 將 近 那 城 、 彼 得 約 在 午 正 、 上 房 頂 去 禱 告 ．
	[kjv]	On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
10:10	[hb5]	覺 得 餓 了 、 想 要 喫 ． 那 家 的 人 正 預 備 飯 的 時 候 、 彼 得 魂 遊 象 外 ．
	[kjv]	And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
10:11	[hb5]	看 見 天 開 了 、 有 一 物 降 下 、 好 像 一 塊 大 布 ． 繫 著 四 角 、 縋 在 地 上 ．
	[kjv]	And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
10:12	[hb5]	裡 面 有 地 上 各 樣 四 足 的 走 獸 、 和 昆 蟲 、 並 天 上 的 飛 鳥 。
	[kjv]	Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
10:13	[hb5]	又 有 聲 音 向 他 說 、 彼 得 、 起 來 、 宰 了 喫 。
	[kjv]	And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
	[bbe]	And a voice came to him, saying, Come, Peter; take them for food.
10:14	[hb5]	彼 得 卻 說 、 主 阿 、 這 是 不 可 的 、 凡 俗 物 、 和 不 潔 淨 的 物 、 我 從 來 沒 有 喫 過 。
	[kjv]	But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
10:15	[hb5]	第 二 次 有 聲 音 向 他 說 、 　 神 所 潔 淨 的 、 你 不 可 當 作 俗 物 。
	[kjv]	And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
10:16	[hb5]	這 樣 一 連 三 次 、 那 物 隨 即 收 回 天 上 去 了 。
	[kjv]	This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
10:17	[hb5]	彼 得 心 裡 正 在 猜 疑 之 間 、 不 知 所 看 見 的 異 象 是 甚 麼 意 思 、 哥 尼 流 所 差 來 的 人 、 已 經 訪 問 到 西 門 的 家 、 站 在 門 外 、
	[kjv]	Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
10:18	[hb5]	喊 著 問 、 有 稱 呼 彼 得 的 西 門 住 在 這 裡 沒 有 。
	[kjv]	And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
10:19	[hb5]	彼 得 還 思 想 那 異 象 的 時 候 、 聖 靈 向 他 說 、 有 三 個 人 來 找 你 ．
	[kjv]	While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
10:20	[hb5]	起 來 、 下 去 、 和 他 們 同 往 、 不 要 疑 惑 ． 因 為 是 我 差 他 們 來 的 。
	[kjv]	Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
10:21	[hb5]	於 是 彼 得 下 去 見 那 些 人 、 說 、 我 就 是 你 們 所 找 的 人 ． 你 們 來 是 為 甚 麼 緣 故 。
	[kjv]	Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
10:22	[hb5]	他 們 說 、 百 夫 長 哥 尼 流 是 個 義 人 、 敬 畏 　 神 、 為 猶 太 通 國 所 稱 讚 、 他 蒙 一 位 聖 天 使 指 示 、 叫 他 請 你 到 他 家 裡 去 、 聽 你 的 話 。
	[kjv]	And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
10:23	[hb5]	彼 得 就 請 他 們 進 去 、 住 了 一 宿 。 次 日 起 身 和 他 們 同 去 、 還 有 約 帕 的 幾 個 弟 兄 同 著 他 去 。
	[kjv]	Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
10:24	[hb5]	又 次 日 、 他 們 進 入 該 撒 利 亞 。 哥 尼 流 已 經 請 了 他 的 親 屬 密 友 、 等 候 他 們 。
	[kjv]	And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
10:25	[hb5]	彼 得 一 進 去 、 哥 尼 流 就 迎 接 他 、 俯 伏 在 他 腳 前 拜 他 。
	[kjv]	And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
10:26	[hb5]	彼 得 卻 拉 他 說 、 你 起 來 ． 我 也 是 人 。
	[kjv]	But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
10:27	[hb5]	彼 得 和 他 說 著 話 進 去 、 見 有 好 些 人 在 那 裡 聚 集 、
	[kjv]	And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
10:28	[hb5]	就 對 他 們 說 、 你 們 知 道 猶 太 人 、 和 別 國 的 人 親 近 來 往 、 本 是 不 合 例 的 ． 但 　 神 已 經 指 示 我 、 無 論 甚 麼 人 、 都 不 可 看 作 俗 而 不 潔 淨 的 ．
	[kjv]	And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
10:29	[hb5]	所 以 我 被 請 的 時 候 、 就 不 推 辭 而 來 ． 現 在 請 問 、 你 們 叫 我 來 有 甚 麼 意 思 呢 。
	[kjv]	Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
10:30	[hb5]	哥 尼 流 說 、 前 四 天 這 個 時 候 、 我 在 家 中 守 著 申 初 的 禱 告 、 忽 然 有 一 個 人 、 穿 著 光 明 的 衣 裳 、 站 在 我 面 前 、
	[kjv]	And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
10:31	[hb5]	說 、 哥 尼 流 、 你 的 禱 告 、 已 蒙 垂 聽 、 你 的 賙 濟 、 達 到 　 神 面 前 已 蒙 記 念 了 。
	[kjv]	And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
10:32	[hb5]	你 當 打 發 人 往 約 帕 去 、 請 那 稱 呼 彼 得 的 西 門 來 、 他 住 在 海 邊 一 個 硝 皮 匠 西 門 的 家 裡 。
	[kjv]	Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
10:33	[hb5]	所 以 我 立 時 打 發 人 去 請 你 、 你 來 了 很 好 ． 現 今 我 們 都 在 　 神 面 前 、 要 聽 主 所 吩 咐 你 的 一 切 話 。
	[kjv]	Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
10:34	[hb5]	彼 得 就 開 口 說 、 我 真 看 出 　 神 是 不 偏 待 人 ．
	[kjv]	Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
10:35	[hb5]	原 來 各 國 中 、 那 敬 畏 主 行 義 的 人 、 都 為 主 所 悅 納 。
	[kjv]	But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
10:36	[hb5]	神 藉 著 耶 穌 基 督 （ 他 是 萬 有 的 主 ） 傳 和 平 的 福 音 、 將 這 道 賜 給 以 色 列 人 。
	[kjv]	The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
10:37	[hb5]	這 話 在 約 翰 宣 傳 洗 禮 以 後 、 從 加 利 利 起 、 傳 遍 了 猶 太 ．
	[kjv]	That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
10:38	[hb5]	神 怎 樣 以 聖 靈 和 能 力 、 膏 拿 撒 勒 人 耶 穌 、 這 都 是 你 們 知 道 的 ． 他 周 流 四 方 行 善 事 、 醫 好 凡 被 魔 鬼 壓 制 的 人 ． 因 為 　 神 與 他 同 在 。
	[kjv]	How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
10:39	[hb5]	他 在 猶 太 人 之 地 、 並 耶 路 撒 冷 、 所 行 的 一 切 事 、 有 我 們 作 見 證 ． 他 們 竟 把 他 掛 在 木 頭 上 殺 了 。
	[kjv]	And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
10:40	[hb5]	第 三 日 　 神 叫 他 復 活 、 顯 現 出 來 、
	[kjv]	Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
10:41	[hb5]	不 是 顯 現 給 眾 人 看 、 乃 是 顯 現 給 　 神 預 先 所 揀 選 為 他 作 見 證 的 人 看 、 就 是 我 們 這 些 在 他 從 死 裡 復 活 以 後 、 和 他 同 喫 同 喝 的 人 。
	[kjv]	Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
10:42	[hb5]	他 吩 咐 我 們 傳 道 給 眾 人 、 證 明 他 是 　 神 所 立 定 的 、 要 作 審 判 活 人 死 人 的 主 。
	[kjv]	And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
10:43	[hb5]	眾 先 知 也 為 他 作 見 證 、 說 、 凡 信 他 的 人 、 必 因 他 的 名 、 得 蒙 赦 罪 。
	[kjv]	To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
10:44	[hb5]	彼 得 還 說 這 話 的 時 候 、 聖 靈 降 在 一 切 聽 道 的 人 身 上 。
	[kjv]	While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
10:45	[hb5]	那 些 奉 割 禮 和 彼 得 同 來 的 信 徒 、 見 聖 靈 的 恩 賜 也 澆 在 外 邦 人 身 上 、 就 都 希 奇 ．
	[kjv]	And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
10:46	[hb5]	因 聽 見 他 們 說 方 言 、 稱 讚 　 神 為 大 。
	[kjv]	For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
10:47	[hb5]	於 是 彼 得 說 、 這 些 人 既 受 了 聖 靈 、 與 我 們 一 樣 、 誰 能 禁 止 用 水 給 他 們 施 洗 呢 。
	[kjv]	Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
10:48	[hb5]	就 吩 咐 奉 耶 穌 基 督 的 名 給 他 們 施 洗 。 他 們 又 請 彼 得 住 了 幾 天 。
	[kjv]	And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Lesson 89: Acts 10–11

New Testament Seminary Teacher Manual, 2016

Listen

Introduction

God revealed to Peter in a vision that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles. Peter taught the gospel to Cornelius and his household and later settled contention among Jewish Saints about the gospel being preached to the Gentiles. The Lord’s work continued to move forward despite persecution.

Suggestions for Teaching

Acts 10

God reveals to Peter in a vision that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles

Invite students to imagine that a friend asks: “I heard that in 1978 your church changed its position to allow all men to receive the priesthood regardless of race. If you believe your church is directed by God, and God is an unchangeable being, how is that possible?”

Ask students to write in their class notebooks or scripture study journals how they would respond to this friend. (Note: Make sure students respond to the question of changing Church practice rather than speculating on possible reasons for the priesthood restriction. Also, do not speculate on why the priesthood restriction was in place, since these reasons have not been revealed [see Official Declaration 2].)

Invite students as they study Acts 10–11 to look for doctrines and principles that can help them answer questions about how the Lord leads, guides, changes, and directs His Church.

Explain that up to this point in New Testament times, the gospel had been preached, with a few exceptions, exclusively to Jews as directed by the Savior (see Matthew 10:5–6). However, the Savior also told His disciples that after the Holy Ghost came upon them they would preach the gospel “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In Acts 10 we read about a significant change in the way the Church operated that would facilitate this.

Invite a student to read Acts 10:1–2 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for details about a Gentile named Cornelius. (You may want to point out that Cornelius “feared God” (verse 2). God-fearers were Gentiles who worshipped the Lord but were not proselytes, or converts to the Jewish faith, and therefore did not live the entire law of Moses.)

• • 
  What was Cornelius’s profession? (He was a centurion in the Roman army, responsible for one hundred soldiers.)

Remind students that prior to this time, a Gentile could not join Christ’s Church without first converting to Judaism, since the gospel was only taken to the Jews.

• • 
  Even though Cornelius could not join the Church as a Gentile, how did he show his faith in God?

Invite two students to take turns reading aloud from Acts 10:3–6. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what happened to Cornelius. (Explain that “the ninth hour of the day” [verse 3] was about 3:00 p.m.)

• • 
  According to verse 4, what did the angel tell Cornelius about his prayers and alms?
• • 
  What did the angel instruct Cornelius to do?

Summarize Acts 10:7–8 by explaining that Cornelius sent three men to Joppa to find Peter. (To help students understand where Caesarea is in relationship to Joppa, you may want to refer students to the map “The Holy Land in New Testament Times” [Bible Maps, no. 11].)

Explain that as these men traveled to Joppa, Peter had a remarkable vision while staying at the house of a man named Simon. Give each student a piece of paper. Invite students to read Acts 10:9–16 silently and to draw a picture of Peter’s vision as it is described in these verses. After sufficient time, ask students to use their pictures to explain to a classmate what happened in Peter’s vision. Following this activity, ask:

• • 
  In the vision, what was Peter commanded to eat?
• • 
  According to verse 14, what was Peter’s initial reaction to this commandment? (Explain that under the law of Moses, Jews were forbidden to eat animals that were designated as common or unclean [seeLeviticus 11].)
• • 
  According to verse 15, what did the Lord say about the unclean animals He had commanded Peter to eat?

Invite a student to read Acts 10:17–20 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what happened while Peter was pondering the meaning of his vision.

• • 
  What phrase in verse 17 indicates that Peter did not initially understand the meaning of his vision?
• • 
  Who arrived as Peter was pondering his vision?
• • 
  What did the Spirit tell Peter to do?

Summarize Acts 10:21–24 by explaining that the three men told Peter about Cornelius’s vision. The next day, Peter and other disciples accompanied them to see Cornelius.

Invite a few students to take turns reading aloud from Acts 10:25–28. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Peter did when he arrived at Cornelius’s house.

• • 
  According to verse 28, what did Peter say about interactions between Jews and Gentiles?
• • 
  What did Peter now understand?

Summarize Acts 10:29–33 by explaining that Cornelius told Peter about his vision. Cornelius had also gathered his family and friends so Peter could teach them.

Invite a student to read Acts 10:34–35 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Peter learned.

• • 
  How would you summarize what Peter learned?

Summarize Acts 10:36–43 by explaining that Peter taught Cornelius and his household about Jesus Christ and His good works, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. Peter testified that those who believe in Jesus Christ will receive a remission of their sins.

Invite a student to read Acts 10:44–48 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for the effect Peter’s teachings had on these Gentiles. Explain that the phrase “they of the circumcision” (verse 45) refers to the Jewish disciples who had come with Peter from Joppa.

• • 
  According to verses 44–46, what effect did Peter’s teachings have on Cornelius’s household?
• • 
  Why were the Jews who were present for this occasion astonished?
• • 
  Through Peter’s experiences recorded in Acts 10, what did the Lord reveal to him about the Gentiles? (The gospel should be preached to the Gentiles, and they could be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ.)

To help students identify doctrines we can learn from Acts 10, divide them into groups of two or three. Provide each group with a copy of the following handout, or write these questions on the board. Invite students to work with their groups to answer the questions.

(click to view larger)

Acts 10

• • 
  What truth can we learn from the account of Peter and Cornelius about how the Lord directs His Church?
• • 
  What truth can we learn from the fact that the Lord revealed truth to Peter over time instead of all at once?
• • 
  What truth can we learn from this account about what God may do with instructions He has given in the past?

© 2015 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

After sufficient time, invite several students to come to the board to write the truths their groups identified. Make sure the following truths are reflected in what they write:

God directs His Church by revelation to His prophet, the senior Apostle.

We may receive revelation and understanding gradually as we obey the Lord.

God may change or add to instructions He has given in the past according to His wisdom and the needs of His children.

Invite a student to read aloud the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ask the class to listen for how the third truth in the bolded list is reflected in Elder Christofferson’s statement.

“By this experience and revelation to Peter, the Lord modified the practice of the Church and revealed a more complete doctrinal understanding to His disciples. And so the preaching of the gospel expanded to encompass all mankind” (“The Doctrine of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 88).

Give students time to review what they wrote about how they would respond to their friend’s question. Encourage them to write additional insights they gained while studying Acts 10, and allow them to share these insights with the class.

Give students opportunities to explain, share, and testify

Allowing students to teach each other gives them opportunities to explain doctrines and principles, share insights and experiences, and testify of divine truths. This can also deepen students’ understanding of doctrines and principles and enhance their ability to teach the gospel. As students explain, share, and testify, the Holy Ghost can strengthen their testimonies of the truths they express.

You may need to point out that although God may modify practices of the Church and add to our doctrinal understanding through ongoing revelation (see Articles of Faith 1:9), His divine nature, attributes, covenants, doctrines, and plan never change. Knowing this can help us have faith in God and confidence that He will lead His Church according to His will and the needs of His children.

Acts 11:1–18

Peter settles contention among Jewish Saints about preaching the gospel to the Gentiles

• • 
  How do you think some of the Jewish members of the Church felt when they heard about Peter’s interaction with a Gentile? (Peter’s interaction with a Gentile was a major change from past practice, and some members had difficulty accepting this change.)

Invite a student to read Acts 11:1–3 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for how the disciples responded to what Peter had done.

• • 
  How did the disciples respond to what Peter had done?

Summarize Acts 11:4–15 by explaining that Peter described to the disciples the visions he and Cornelius had received. He told them Cornelius and his household had received the teachings of Jesus Christ and then had experienced the power of the Holy Ghost in the same way in which Peter and other disciples had.

Invite a student to read Acts 11:16–17 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for Peter’s concluding remarks to the disciples.

• • 
  What do you think Peter meant when he said, “What was I, that I could withstand God?” (verse 17)? (Peter would not oppose God’s will of giving the Gentiles the opportunity to receive the gospel, repent, and be baptized.)

Invite students to read Acts 11:18 silently, looking for how the disciples responded to Peter’s explanation.

• • 
  How did the disciples respond once they learned that Peter had been led by God?
• • 
  What principle does this account teach about how we can sustain and follow those who preside over the Church? (Students may identify a variety of principles, but make sure they understand that when we know that those who preside over the Church are led by God, we can confidently sustain and follow them.This principle has been confirmed in modern scripture, which records that God has revealed His will to those who hold the presiding priesthood keys [see D&C 28:2, 7; 42:11; 107:65–66].)
• • 
  How have you come to know that those who preside over the Church are led by God?
• • 
  What counsel from the prophets have you chosen to follow because you know the prophets are led by God?

Invite students to set a goal to gain a stronger testimony that those who preside over the Church are led by God.

Acts 11:19–30

The Lord’s work moves forward despite persecution

Summarize Acts 11:19–30 by explaining that because of persecution, several disciples were scattered throughout the region but faithfully preached the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they went.

Commentary and Background Information

Acts 10:21–24. Cornelius needed to send for Peter to receive the ordinances of the gospel

“Seeing an angel or receiving a visitation from heaven does not bring salvation; keeping the commandments does. Cornelius wished for salvation, and in order to obtain it he had to obey its precepts. The angel who appeared and gave Cornelius initial instructions could have told him what to do, but he sent him to Peter, who held the earthly authority. This is the pattern in the kingdom of God. It is, then, as Joseph Smith observed: … ‘The angel told good old Cornelius that he must send for Peter to learn how to be saved: Peter could baptise and angels could not, so long as there were legal officers in the flesh holding the keys of the kingdom, or the authority of the priesthood” [Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 110; italics added]” (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles [Church Educational System manual, 1979], 252).

Acts 10:45. The gift of the Holy Ghost

In Acts 10:45, the phrase “the gift of the Holy Ghost” refers to the power of the Holy Ghost, which had come upon these Gentiles. This is different from the gift of the Holy Ghost, which we receive through the ordinance of confirmation after baptism (see Acts 8:14–17; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 97).

Acts 11. God directs His Church by revelation to His prophet, the senior Apostle

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of the order by which revelation is received for the Church:

“There is order in the way the Lord reveals His will to mankind. We all have the right to petition the Lord and receive inspiration through His Spirit within the realm of our own stewardship. Parents can receive revelation for their own family, a bishop for his assigned congregation, and on up to the First Presidency for the entire Church. However, we cannot receive revelation for someone else’s stewardship. The Prophet Joseph Smith declared:

“‘It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instructions for those in authority, higher than themselves’ [Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 197–98]” (“We Believe All That God Has Revealed,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 85–86).

Acts 11. Revelation often comes incrementally as we act according to what we know

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles likened incremental revelation to the rising of the sun:

“The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God ‘line upon line, precept upon precept’ (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently ‘distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven’ (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare” (“The Spirit of Revelation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 88).

Supplemental Teaching Ideas

Acts 10:24–47. Video presentation—“Peter’s Revelation to Take the Gospel to the Gentiles”

Before dividing students into groups to discuss questions about Acts 10, you may want to show a portion of the video “Peter’s Revelation to Take the Gospel to the Gentiles” (time code 3:30–7:53) from The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos, available on LDS.org. This video portrays Peter teaching Cornelius and his household. After the video, continue following the instructions in the lesson.

Play

Acts 10:34–35. “God is no respecter of persons”

As students are summarizing what Peter learned as recorded in Acts 10:34–35, make sure they identify the following truth: God is no respecter of persons. You may want to invite them to mark this truth in verse 34.

• • 
  What does it mean that “God is no respecter of persons”? (See 2 Nephi 26:33.)
• • 
  What comfort can this truth give you?

You may need to explain that while God does not favor people based on such distinctions as nationality or social position, He does judge all people by their works and blesses those who obey Him.

(For additional information, see the official statement “Race and the Church: All Are Alike unto God” [mormonnewsroom.org/article/race-church]; see also Bruce R. McConkie, “All Are Alike Unto God” [Church Educational System symposium on the Book of Mormon, Aug. 18, 1978], speeches.byu.edu.)