Theory question 106
Mission to the GentilesNarrate Peter's defence of his role in the conversion of Cornelius. What use did he make of this incident during the Council of Jerusalem?
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The circumcision party in Jerusalem criticised Peter for going to uncircumcised men and eating with them (Acts 11:1-3).
Peter explained in order: at Joppa while praying he saw a vision of a sheet with all kinds of animals and heard "Rise, Peter; kill and eat" (Acts 11:5-7).
He refused, saying nothing unclean had entered his mouth; the voice said, "What God has cleansed you must not call common"; this happened three times (Acts 11:8-10).
Three men from Cornelius arrived, and the Spirit told him to go with them without hesitation; six brethren went with him (Acts 11:11-12).
Cornelius told how an angel had told him to send for Peter (Acts 11:13-14).
As Peter began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them as on the apostles at the beginning (Acts 11:15).
He remembered Jesus' word about baptism with the Holy Spirit; "who was I that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:16-17).
The critics were silenced and glorified God for granting the Gentiles repentance unto life (Acts 11:18).
At the Council: Peter reminded them that God chose him to bring the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 15:7).
God gave them the Holy Spirit just as He did to the Jews and made no distinction, cleansing their hearts by faith (Acts 15:8-9).
He asked why they should put on Gentiles a yoke the Jews themselves could not bear; all are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts 15:10-11).
Tell Peter's defence from Acts 11, then his speech in Acts 15:7-11.