HomeSS 3Christian Religious StudiesPeter’s Mission to the Gentiles – Miracles, Vision, and Conversion

Peter’s Mission to the Gentiles – Miracles, Vision, and Conversion

Christian Religious Studies SS 3 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 3

Mission to the Gentiles (II)

Lesson Details

  • Subject: Christian Religious Studies
  • Class: SS 3
  • Term: Second Term
  • Week: 3
  • Age: 15 – 18 years
  • Topic: Mission to the Gentiles (II)
  • Sub-topics:
    1. Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa – Acts 9:32-42
    2. Peter and the Gentile Converts – Acts 10:1-48, 11:1-18
  • Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Describe Peter’s ministry in Lydda and Joppa.
  2. Explain how Peter’s encounter with Cornelius led to the spread of the gospel to Gentiles.
  3. Discuss the significance of Peter’s vision and its impact on Christian evangelism.
  4. Analyze the reaction of the Jewish Christians to the conversion of Gentiles.
  5. Identify the role of Peter in God’s plan for salvation for all people.

Keywords

  • Gentiles – Non-Jews who were previously not part of God’s covenant people.
  • Conversion – A change in belief, particularly turning to Christianity.
  • Vision – A supernatural revelation from God.
  • Baptism – A Christian rite symbolizing purification and admission into the faith.
  • Evangelism – The act of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Set Induction

The teacher starts by asking:

  • Have you ever witnessed someone change their belief system?
  • What do you think about people from different cultures accepting the same religion?

The teacher then introduces the lesson by explaining that, before this event, Christianity was mainly for Jews, but God had a plan to extend salvation to all people.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have prior knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection and His command to preach the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Learning Resources and Materials

  1. The Holy Bible (Acts 9:32-42; Acts 10:1-48; Acts 11:1-18)
  2. Pictures or illustrations of Peter’s vision
  3. Flashcards highlighting key points

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously learned about Saul’s conversion, showing how God could transform even the most unlikely individuals. This lesson continues the theme of God’s salvation being extended beyond the Jews to the Gentiles.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking: Understanding the significance of Peter’s vision and the inclusion of Gentiles in Christianity.
  • Communication: Discussing the implications of Peter’s ministry.
  • Collaboration: Group discussions on the universality of salvation.

Reference Books

  1. The Holy Bible (Acts 9:32-42; Acts 10:1-48; Acts 11:1-18)
  2. Lagos State Scheme of Work
  3. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Martins I. Amaechi

Instructional Materials

  • Bible
  • Chart illustrating Peter’s vision
  • Flashcards with discussion questions

Lesson Content

1. Peter’s Ministry in Lydda and Joppa – Acts 9:32-42

As Peter traveled, he performed miracles that demonstrated the power of God.

Miracles in Lydda (Acts 9:32-35)

  1. Peter healed Aeneas, a paralyzed man who had been bedridden for eight years.
  2. Peter said, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and roll up your mat.”
  3. Aeneas immediately got up, and many people in Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord.

Miracle in Joppa (Acts 9:36-42)

  1. In Joppa, there was a woman named Tabitha (Dorcas) who was known for her kindness and charity.
  2. She became ill and died. The believers washed her body and placed it in an upstairs room.
  3. They sent for Peter, who was in Lydda.
  4. Peter prayed and said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes and sat up.
  5. The news of her resurrection spread, and many believed in the Lord.

Significance of These Miracles

  • They strengthened the faith of the early believers.
  • They led to many conversions in both towns.
  • They showed that Jesus’ power to heal and raise the dead continued through His disciples.

2. Peter and the Gentile Converts – Acts 10:1-48, 11:1-18

Cornelius’ Vision (Acts 10:1-8)

  1. Cornelius was a Roman centurion in Caesarea who feared God.
  2. He saw an angel in a vision telling him to send men to Joppa to bring Peter.

Peter’s Vision (Acts 10:9-23)

  1. As Cornelius’ men were coming, Peter had a vision of a sheet filled with unclean animals.
  2. A voice said, “Kill and eat.” Peter refused, saying he had never eaten anything unclean.
  3. The voice replied, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
  4. This happened three times, and Peter was confused about its meaning.

Peter Meets Cornelius (Acts 10:24-48)

  1. Cornelius explained his vision to Peter.
  2. Peter then understood that God accepts all people, not just Jews.
  3. Peter preached to Cornelius and his household about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
  4. While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles, and they spoke in tongues.
  5. Peter then baptized them in the name of Jesus.

Reaction of the Jewish Christians (Acts 11:1-18)

  1. Some Jewish Christians criticized Peter for associating with Gentiles.
  2. Peter explained his vision and how the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles.
  3. They then realized that salvation was for all people, not just Jews.

Significance of Peter’s Vision and the Conversion of Gentiles

  1. It showed that God accepts all people, regardless of race or nationality.
  2. It marked a major shift in Christianity, expanding the gospel beyond the Jews.
  3. It emphasized that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not Jewish laws.
  4. It paved the way for Paul’s missionary work among the Gentiles.
  5. It fulfilled Jesus’ command to preach to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Evaluation

Fill in the blanks (choose a, b, c, or d):

  1. Aeneas had been bedridden for ______ years before Peter healed him.
    a) Five
    b) Eight
    c) Ten
    d) Twelve
  2. Peter raised ______ from the dead in Joppa.
    a) Lydia
    b) Tabitha
    c) Martha
    d) Priscilla
  3. Cornelius was a ______ in the Roman army.
    a) General
    b) Commander
    c) Centurion
    d) Soldier
  4. Peter’s vision showed him a sheet filled with ______.
    a) Fish
    b) Clean animals
    c) Unclean animals
    d) Birds
  5. The Gentiles received the Holy Spirit before they were ______.
    a) Baptized
    b) Anointed
    c) Sent away
    d) Taught by Peter

Class Activity Discussion – FAQs

  1. Who was Aeneas, and what happened to him?
    • A paralyzed man healed by Peter in Lydda.
  2. Who was Cornelius?
    • A Roman centurion who feared God.
  3. What did Peter’s vision mean?
    • That God had accepted Gentiles into His kingdom.
  4. How did Cornelius and his household receive the Holy Spirit?
    • While Peter was preaching.
  5. Why was Peter criticized by the Jewish Christians?
    • For associating with Gentiles.

Conclusion

Peter’s ministry in Lydda and Joppa and his encounter with Cornelius demonstrated that God’s salvation was for all people.

Mission to the Gentiles – Saul’s Conversion and Its Significance

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