We were asked in class to choose a topic to discuss, I chose to focus on Chapter 10 and 11 and the revelation given.
Choice 5: Acts 10.
The Vision of Peter
1. Read Acts 10:1–17; 11:1–18.
1. Read Acts 10:1–17; 11:1–18.
· Who appeared to Cornelius and what was his message?
An angel appeared and told Cornelius that God has heard his prayers, and he told him to send men to Joppa to find Peter the Apostle who would then give Cornelius further instruction.
An angel appeared and told Cornelius that God has heard his prayers, and he told him to send men to Joppa to find Peter the Apostle who would then give Cornelius further instruction.
· What was Peter’s reaction to the Lord’s command during his vision upon
the housetop?
He refused, saying “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.
He refused, saying “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.
· Why did Peter react the way he did?
My own thinking is that Peter wanted to follow the commandments previously given by the Lord and so he refused the offer. In his mind it was the right thing to do, and rightfully so as that was the commandment up until this new revelation given from God.
My own thinking is that Peter wanted to follow the commandments previously given by the Lord and so he refused the offer. In his mind it was the right thing to do, and rightfully so as that was the commandment up until this new revelation given from God.
· Read Joseph Smith—History 1:30, 44, 46 and discuss why you think the
Lord repeated the vision three times for Peter.
I have heard it said that when something is repeated 3 times in the bible it is for power and emphasis, and even a sacred usage. We already know in the first half of the New Testament that Peter was asked 3 times if he loved Jesus and if so to “feed my sheep”. The Rooster also crowed 3 times when Peter denied Christ. Many instances in the scriptures come with a repetition of threes. With these thoughts in mind I believe that not only did God do it for emphasis, as to make sure the receiver (in this case, Peter) knew the revelation being given to him but also to stress the importance of the revelation.
I have heard it said that when something is repeated 3 times in the bible it is for power and emphasis, and even a sacred usage. We already know in the first half of the New Testament that Peter was asked 3 times if he loved Jesus and if so to “feed my sheep”. The Rooster also crowed 3 times when Peter denied Christ. Many instances in the scriptures come with a repetition of threes. With these thoughts in mind I believe that not only did God do it for emphasis, as to make sure the receiver (in this case, Peter) knew the revelation being given to him but also to stress the importance of the revelation.
2. Read Acts 10:18–36, 44 and answer the following questions:
· When Peter clearly understood the meaning of the vision, what did he
declare?
Peter declared that God is “No respecter of persons” and that anyone that “feareth” (or respects and loves) God and “worketh righteousness is accepted with him”. God doesn't care about the things that people on earth care about. He loves everyone regardless of their social status, how much money they make, what kind of lifestyle they live, their race, etc.
Peter declared that God is “No respecter of persons” and that anyone that “feareth” (or respects and loves) God and “worketh righteousness is accepted with him”. God doesn't care about the things that people on earth care about. He loves everyone regardless of their social status, how much money they make, what kind of lifestyle they live, their race, etc.
· How did the Holy Ghost assist the Jewish Saints in understanding that
the blessings of the gospel were to be available to all people at that time?
The Holy Ghost fell upon the Gentiles and the Jewish Saints “heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” (Acts 10:45-46)
The Holy Ghost fell upon the Gentiles and the Jewish Saints “heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” (Acts 10:45-46)
My Thoughts
On the Vision of Peter:
This revelation given to Peter, to me, is one of the most important revelations
given. It shows that there is no one who is above another. No one is loved more
by God than another. God loves everyone, and he proves this by giving the
revelation to Peter that the gospel should be given to all men. It also shows
to me that you never know who will accept the Gospel.
On the entire
reading:
I got a lot out of the reading but the greatest message I received was the
message that we should never judge a person’s heart by their outward appearance
or lifestyle and also that we shouldn't be afraid to share our testimony to
those around us. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts or share the gospel
just because someone doesn't look like they will accept it. In Acts Chapter 8
we learn of a man name Simon who
“...used sorcery, and bewitched the
people of Samaria,
giving out that himself was some great one.”
Acts 8:9
Acts 8:9
However, when the apostle Philip comes into town teaching the Gospel,
Simon himself believed in his teachings, the scripture that talks about it is
one of my favorites is says
“Then Simon himself believe also:
and when he was
baptized, he continued with Philip, and
wondered,
beholding the miracles and signs
which were done.”
Acts 8:13
Acts 8:13
If I were to be honest with myself, if I had seen Simon and met him, I
don’t think I would want to share the Gospel with him, I believe I would think
he would want nothing to do with it. However, I would have been proven very
wrong. Throughout the reading this week, this was the message that I got most
of all. That God loves everyone, and that no matter the kind of person they
might seem to be it is important to share the gospel, and teach and live the
teachings of Christ.
You never know who will listen, or who will make a difference in the lives of others.
You never know who will listen, or who will make a difference in the lives of others.
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