Peter and Cornelius

?
  • Created by: Erin W
  • Created on: 03-12-17 19:13

Intro

  • Story of Peter and Cornelius represents the first major movement into Gentile Evangelism.
  • Demonstrates the first progression of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins.
  • Can be simplified and divided into four sections:
  • Cornelius' vision
  • Peter's vision
  • Peter's speech
  • Effects of the conversation of Cornelius and his family.
1 of 8

Cornelius' Vision

  • 3pm—angel of Lord appeared to him.
  • Angel said his gifts to the poor had been acknowledged by God.
  • Angel told him to find Peter in Joppa.
  • 3pm—significant as it was prayer hour.
  • Vision significant for the spreading of the Gospel.
  • Proves that God intended for Christianity to involve Gentiles.
  • Evangelising Gentiles "in accordance with God's deliberate beliefs." (Marshall)
2 of 8

Peter's Vision

  • Joppa at 12pm—Peter had gone to pray in private.
  • Fell into trance and and a voice told him to "kill and eat."
  • Peter refused—"I have never eaten anything unclean."
  • Voice said he shouldn't consider anything unclean that God has cleansed.
  • Obvious parallel—both men have a vision whist praying—shows equality.
  • Figurative meaning of Peter's vision was the preaching of equality for all.
  • Challenged traditional Jewish opinion.
3 of 8

Peter's Speech

  • Peter and Cornelius arrived at Caesarea with the others.
  • Cornelius kneels at Peter's feet—Peter tells him that's only for God.
  • Peter addresses those who were curious about the Gentile.
  • He expounds the kerygma—there is no racial barrier to Chiristian salvation.
  • Before the speech ends the Holy Spirit descends on them.
4 of 8

Significance of Peter's Speech

  • Peter's refusal to be worshipped shows him and Cornelius are equal.
  • Peter explains how God does not have preferences and accepts everyone.
  • Peter explains to everyone that Jesus offers forgiveness to everyone.
  • Stott: transcends all racial barriers.
5 of 8

The Conversation and It's Effects

  • The conversation affected the wider Christian Church.
  • Many of the circumcised Jews were angry with Peter.
  • Peter explained his actions by telling them of his vision.
  • "John baptised with water, but you you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit."
  • There were no longer objections.
6 of 8

Significance

  • Reaction of circumcised Jews and Peter's response to the events are fundamental to the spread of the Gospel.
  • Jews objected to Peter staying with Gentiles—unclean—Guy
  • Significant as no one objected.
  • The sheet is the church that contained different races.
  • Demonstrates for Luke how important it was.
  • God had allowed the Gentiles a chance of salvation.
7 of 8

Conclusion

  • Hugely affected the spread of the Gospel.
  • Changed the Church's perspective on the evangelism of Gentiles.
  • It is a point of reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles.
  • Luke makes clear this is a result of divine intervention.
  • Opened the way for all to enjoy the salvation that Christ offered.
8 of 8

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Religious Studies resources:

See all Religious Studies resources »See all Christianity resources »