Introduction: Briefly mention what the movement of Peter from Lydda to Joppa has done and how the church has been prepared for a major redemptive-historical threshold to be crossed.

The surprise of Peter and the circumcised believers

• Explain: What did Judaism teach about Gentile converts and the nations worshipping the Lord?

• Explain: What did Gentile converts need to do to become part of God’s people under the old covenant?

• Explain: What is the big surprise regarding the conversion of Cornelius?

• Apply: What did the early church fail to fully appreciate about membership in God’s church?

• Explain/Apply: What does Peter mean when he says that God does not show favouritism? How does this apply to the context of Cornelius?

• Apply: Are there two peoples of God? Who are those who belong to God today?

The end of old covenant purity law

• Explain: What change is there in terms of how people will come to join God’s church when the old covenant is compared to the new covenant?

• Explain: What were the purification laws? How do we know that they have come to an end?

• Explain/Apply: What are the implications for Christian believers in the early church and today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to do what we are unable to do in and of ourselves. Thank you that he came to cleanse us so that we can look forward to life in your presence. Thank you that he submitted in full to all the requirements of your law, rendering the obedience that merits your favour, and that we can share in that obedience through faith. Thank you that we can be part of your church even if we have no genetic link with Abraham, and that we have freedom to serve you in all the places where you put us and call us to worship. Please help us by your Spirit to remain a catholic church. May we not impose barriers beyond what Scripture requires and may we be eager to see your truth shared with all people. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.