1. A Turning Point in the Church

• Why is Acts 10 considered a major turning point in Christian history?
   
• How does this chapter begin to fulfill Acts 1:8?
   
• What barriers (cultural, religious, social) are being broken down in this story?
   

Cornelius:

• What do we learn about Cornelius’s character and spiritual life in verses 1–2?
   
• How do his actions reflect a sincere pursuit of God, even before formally hearing the gospel?
   
• How did God respond to Cornelius’s prayers and generosity (v. 4)? What does this say about God's attentiveness?
   

Peter:

• Read Peter’s vision in verses 9–16. What was Peter’s initial reaction to the command?
   
• Why do you think Peter resisted? What does this reveal about long-standing religious beliefs?
   
• What lesson is God teaching Peter through this vision?
   

• How do the dietary laws in Leviticus and Deuteronomy connect to Peter’s resistance?
   
• What does God mean when He says, “What God has made clean, do not call common” (v. 15)?
   
• How does this vision prepare Peter for a new kind of ministry?
   
• In what ways does God challenge our assumptions or biases about who we think is “ready” or “worthy” to receive the Gospel?
   

• In verse 17, Peter is still confused—yet the men from Cornelius show up exactly at that moment. What does this show about God’s timing?
   
• How does Peter respond to God’s command in verse 20?
   
• What can we learn from Peter’s willingness to “Rise and go without hesitation”?
   
• How does obedience—even when we’re unsure—lead to clarity and deeper impact?
   

• In verses 25–26, Cornelius falls at Peter’s feet. Why is this significant, and how does Peter respond?
   
• What does this teach us about keeping God—not people—at the center of our faith?
   

• How does this encounter confirm the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the gospel?
   
• Why is it important that both Cornelius and Peter receive visions and instructions independently?
   
• How does God use their collaboration to reinforce the truth of the Gospel's universality?
   

• How does Acts 10 reinforce the truth of Acts 1:8?
   
• Do you view the command to be a witness “to the ends of the earth” as a personal call or just a church-wide mission?
   
• Who are the “Gentiles” in your life—people different from you—whom God may be calling you to reach?
   
• What steps can you take this week to “Rise and Go” with the Gospel, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone?
   

Pray that God will open your eyes—like Peter—and open doors—like He did with Cornelius. Ask for courage to say “yes” without hesitation when God tells you to rise and go.

• Why do you think Luke shifts focus back to Peter after discussing Saul’s conversion?
   
• What does it say about Peter’s faith and priorities that he went “here and there” sharing the message of Jesus (v. 32)?
   
• How can we adopt Peter’s mindset of ministering to others “as we go” about our daily lives?
   

• What stands out to you about Peter’s healing of Aeneas (v. 33–34)? Why does Peter emphasize “Jesus Christ heals you”?
   
• How can we stay mindful of giving glory to Jesus—not ourselves—when serving others?
   
• In what areas of your life might God be calling you to step out in bold faith and obedience like Peter?
   

• How is Tabitha described in verse 36? What does this tell us about the kind of life she lived?
   
• What do her acts of charity and kindness teach us about the power of a faithful, generous life?
   
• What role did the community play in this miracle (vv. 37–39)? How can Christian community respond in faith when tragedy strikes?
   

• Verse 42 says, “many believed in the Lord.” How did both Aeneas’s healing and Tabitha’s resurrection lead to faith in Jesus?
   
• How can your personal testimony—your story of God at work—be used to draw others to Christ?
   
• Do you find it easier to serve through actions (like Tabitha) or words (like Peter)? How can both be used together to glorify God?
   

• What does it mean to “minister as you are going”? How does that change your view of everyday life?
   
• How can you ensure that your deeds—like healing, helping, or encouraging—are done in Jesus’ name and for His glory?
   

This week, look for one opportunity in your daily routine—at work, in your neighborhood, or online—where you can serve or encourage someone in Jesus' name. Pray for God to use it to bring glory to Him and open doors for the Gospel.

· • Why were the believers in Jerusalem hesitant to welcome Saul, even after his encounter with Christ (v. 26)?

· • Think of a time God dramatically changed someone you know. How did others respond to that change, and what does it teach us about extending trust and grace?

· • What practical steps can a church take today to discern genuine conversion without falling into perpetual suspicion?

· • Barnabas risked his own reputation by vouching for Saul (v. 27). What qualities of 'encouragers' make them so valuable to the body of Christ?

· • Read Acts 4:36‑37. How does Barnabas’s earlier act of generosity foreshadow his later advocacy for Saul?

· • Who has played a 'Barnabas role' in your life or ministry, and how did their support shape your trajectory?

· • How can you intentionally cultivate a Barnabas‑like habit of spotting untapped potential in others? List two concrete actions you could take this week.

· • Luke reports that the church 'enjoyed peace … was strengthened … and grew in numbers.' What conditions contributed to that season of peace and growth?

· • Which of those conditions are within our control today, and which rely solely on God’s timing and grace?

· • “Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit” (v. 31, NIV): What do these twin postures look like in everyday Christian practice?

· • How does unity among believers amplify the church’s witness in a skeptical world? Give modern examples.

· • What threatens unity in your own congregation or small group right now, and how might Acts 9 guide your response?

· • Saul’s story shows that a transformed life becomes a powerful testimony that precedes us (v. 28‑29). In what ways is your personal testimony opening—or closing—doors for the gospel?

· • How can the group pray for one another to “go before” the Lord this week?

· • Choose one person whose potential you can affirm this week. Write them a brief note—or speak directly—sharing the ways you see God at work in them. Then pray that God will multiply encouragement and unity, just as He did in Acts 9.