Unstoppable Agreement

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Review

Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read: Acts 11:1-18

1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

1. One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

The Charge:

• Where and how did the news of Peter’s visit to Cornelius  spread?
• Who was in the circumcision party?
• What did they accuse Peter of doing?

The Defense:

• Why did the Christians in Jerusalem contend with, criticize, oppose, find fault with Peter?
• Did Peter use past credentials to defend his actions?
• Why did Peter take six Jews with him to Caesarea? What was their role?
• Before Peter arrived, was Cornelius a good man or a wicked man?
• Before Peter arrived, was Cornelius saved?
• What did Peter mean when he said Cornelius’ experience was the same as us at the beginning?

Unity:

• Describe Peter’s attitude as he responded to his critics.
• What personal testimony did Peter share to justify his visit to Cornelius?
• What did Peter quote from Jesus to justify his visit to Cornelius?
• What else did Peter share to justify his visit to Cornelius (see v.12)?
• What caused Peter’s critics to glorify God in verse 18?

Application:

• Have your actions or ministry ever been misunderstood or criticized? 
• What is your attitude when you are criticized? 
• How do you defend sharing the good news of Jesus? 
• Which brings unity, listening to gossip and rumors about someone else or listening as that person explains their actions?

Next Week…

Unstoppable Expansion Acts 11:19-30