Study of the Congregation Book, Week 6 to May 12, 2024, Chapter 9, paragraphs 8-16, Responses.

Congregation Book Study, May 6-12, 2024, Chapter 9, paragraphs 8-16, Responses.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 9 paras. 8-16.

“Peter was bewildered” (Acts 10:9-23a)

8, 9. What did the holy spirit reveal to Peter, and how did he react?

The holy spirit revealed to Peter that he would go with Cornelius' messengers without hesitation, since God had sent him. Peter reacted by obeying the order without hesitation, demonstrating his willingness to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Despite his initial doubts, Peter had to go with Cornelius' messengers despite the dietary restrictions of Jewish law, as we see in Acts chapter 10 verses 9 to 16. Peter had had a vision in which he was shown animals considered unclean according to the Mosaic law, but he was instructed not to consider unclean what God had cleansed. This vision prepared Peter to receive the revelation of the Holy Spirit who ordered him to go with the men without hesitation, since God had sent them. 

The holy spirit now revealed to Peter what was going to happen in the future, that he was going to go with Cornelius' messengers despite the Jewish laws. For example, regarding the fact that it was forbidden to eat impure foods, well now Jehovah had told him that he could eat, so this had something symbolic that was later presented to Peter, but after the vision he received he accepted, obeyed the order and He adapted to the will of God, which was now to preach to someone who in this case for the Jews had not done so because they considered them uncircumcised. 

This story shows the importance of obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit even when this obedience may challenge established beliefs or traditions. By following the guidance of the spirit, Peter was able to play a crucial role in the spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles demonstrating the inclusive and universal nature of the Kingdom of God. 

10. How does Jehovah guide his people, and what would we do well to ask?

Jehovah guides his people by gradually revealing his will through the Holy Spirit. This is reflected in Proverbs chapter 4 verse 18 where the light of God is compared to the dawn that shines brighter and brighter.

Furthermore, in Matthew chapter 24 verse 45 Jesus spoke of the faithful and prudent slave to whom God entrusted the responsibility of spiritually feeding his people. Therefore, when changes occur in the understanding of scripture or in practices within the organization, it is important to remember that these changes are guided by the holy spirit and reflect the will of God, at which time we must ask ourselves: Do we accept We welcome the guidance of the Holy Spirit or do we resist? Obviously the correct attitude is to be willing to follow Divine direction, trusting that Jehovah guides his people in a loving and wise way.

“He commanded that they be baptized” (Acts 10:23b-48)

11, 12. What did Peter do when he arrived in Caesarea, and what had he learned?

Upon arrival at Caesarean section Peter made a radical decision by entering Cornelius' house with an uncircumcised Gentile, something he would have previously considered unthinkable due to the restrictions of Jewish law. However, Peter explained to those present that God had shown him that he should not consider anyone impure or defiled, regardless of their ethnic origin.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This experience was fundamental for Peter, since he understood that the vision of impure foods was not only about what things to eat, but also about not considering any person impure, including the Gentiles. Upon entering Cornelius' house, Peter was greeted with great enthusiasm by those present who were eager to hear the message that God had for them through him. Peter began his speech by highlighting God's impartiality.

Upon arriving at Caesarean section, Peter entered Cornelius's house, an act that would have previously seemed unthinkable to him due to Jewish laws regarding purity and dealings with Gentiles. Peter had learned that God is not partial and that he accepts all who fear him and do what is right, regardless of their nationality or race. He understood this when he entered Cornelius' house and received the revelation that he should not call anyone defiled or impure.

13, 14. a) Why was the conversion of Cornelius and other Gentiles in the year 36 so important? 

The conversion of Cornelius and other Gentiles in the year 36 was extremely important, because it marked a turning point in the expansion of the work and understanding of the transparency of the Kingdom of God, it was the first time that the Holy Spirit was poured out on Gentiles. before his baptism, which showed that God accepted all people regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Also, it was of utmost importance, because it marked a significant change in the way the acceptance of Gentiles in the Christian community was understood. This conversion demonstrated that God is no respecter of persons and that Gentiles could also be part of God's people, thus breaking down previous cultural and religious barriers.

This experience led Peter to recognize that Gentiles could also be disciples of Jesus and receive salvation, as a result the door was opened for everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, to have the opportunity to be part of the Kingdom of God. 

13, 14. b) Why should we not judge anyone by appearances?

In Romans chapter 2 verse 11 we clearly see that God is not partial and his desire is for all people to be saved. The story of Cornelius's conversion teaches us that God's grace extends to all people, regardless of their race, skin color or nationality.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

As preachers of the Kingdom of God, our responsibility and duty is to bring the message of the Kingdom to all people, recognizing the equality and dignity of each individual before God. Judging others by their appearance goes against the principle of love and acceptance that Jesus taught us. 

Judging someone by their appearance contradicts the principles of equality and justice that promote the kingdom of God. By recognizing that God is no respecter of persons If he desires the salvation of all. We must refrain from judging others by their external appearance. Instead, we should focus on preaching, regardless of ethnicity, skin color, or religion, to fulfill our responsibility to be witnesses of Jehovah's love and mercy.

We should not judge anyone by appearances, because God does not exclude people and his will is for all kinds of people to be saved. For this reason, our mission is to preach to everyone regardless of their external appearance.

15, 16. Why did some disciples of Jewish origin begin to criticize Peter, and what explanations did he give them?

The disciples of Jewish origin criticized Peter, because they were scandalized because he had entered the house of circumcised men and ate with them. These disciples considered obeying the Mosaic law which included circumcision. It was an essential requirement for acceptance by God, for them the idea that Gentiles could be disciples of Christ without complying with these practices was difficult to accept, since they were rooted in Jewish traditions and teachings.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Peter gave them four explanations to show that their action was in line with God's will. First, he mentioned the vision he had received from God in which he was shown unclean animals and was ordered not to consider impure what God had cleansed. Second. Peter pointed out that God had given him a specific order through the holy spirit. To go with the messengers of Cornelius the Third, he mentioned the visit of an angel to Cornelius, which confirmed the divine will in the matter and finally highlighted that the Gentiles had received the holy spirit. which evidenced God's approval of them.

Peter concluded his argument with a rhetorical question: If God was giving the Gentiles the same gift of the Holy Spirit that he had given to the Jews who believed in Jesus Christ, who was he to oppose God's will.

Some disciples of Jewish origin criticized Peter because he entered the house of uncircumcised Gentiles and ate with them, which was against Jewish laws. Peter explained to them that God had guided him through a vision, an order from the spirit, the visit of an angel Cornelius and the fact that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, showed him that he should not submit to the will of God.