BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
BRBC Bible Study Series - The Apostle Peter
Bible Study #6: Peter’s Vision
Main Passage:
Acts 10:9–23
Purpose of the Study
This study explores Peter’s vision in Acts 10, examining how God challenged prejudice, expanded the mission of the church, and revealed that the gospel is for all people.
Opening Prayer
“Lord God, open our hearts to Your purposes. Break down prejudice and help us see people as You see them. Amen.”
1. Read the Passage
· Read Acts 10:9–23 carefully, noting Peter’s confusion and God’s repeated instruction.
Questions
· Why was Peter shocked by the vision?
· What barriers was God breaking down?
· What does this reveal about the gospel?
2. Context and Summary
· Peter sees a vision of unclean animals and hears God say: “What God has made clean, do not call common.”
· God prepares Peter to welcome Gentiles into the people of God through faith in Christ.
OT Connections
· Genesis 12:3 - Blessing for all nations through Abraham.
· Isaiah 49:6 - Salvation reaching the ends of the earth.
· Leviticus 11 - Jewish food laws and holiness distinctions.
NT Connections
· Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus.
· Ephesians 2:13–18 - Christ breaking dividing walls.
· Revelation 7:9 - Every tribe and nation worshipping Christ.
Questions
· What prejudices or assumptions can hinder the church today?
· Why is unity in Christ so powerful?
· How does this passage challenge comfort zones?
3. Key Themes and Reflections
· God Shows No Partiality The gospel is for every people and nation.
· God Changes Our Thinking Peter had to unlearn deeply rooted assumptions.
· Irenaeus wrote: “The glory of God is man fully alive.”
· The Church Must Cross Boundaries God continually pushes His people outward in mission.
· Lesslie Newbigin wrote: “The church exists for the sake of those who are not yet its members.”
Questions
· What barriers still divide people today?
· How can churches become more welcoming?
· What uncomfortable changes might God ask of us?
4. A Word to the Church
For BRBC
· Are we welcoming to outsiders and newcomers?
· Are there invisible barriers within church culture?
· Do we truly believe the gospel is for everyone?
Challenge
A church focused only inwardly forgets God’s heart for the nations.
Questions
· How can BRBC reach more people in Horsham?
· Are there groups we unintentionally overlook?
· How can we better reflect Revelation 7:9?
5. Practical Action
· Pray for someone from a different background or culture.
· Welcome someone new intentionally at church.
· Support mission work locally and globally.
· Ask God to reveal hidden prejudice in your heart.
Areas for Prayer
· Unity within the church.
· Global mission and missionaries.
· Salvation across cultures and nations.
· Greater love and openness within BRBC.
Closing Scripture Meditation
Acts 10:15 “What God has made clean, do not call common.”
Final Prayer
“Lord, enlarge our hearts for Your mission. Help BRBC welcome all whom You are calling and proclaim the gospel without barriers or prejudice. Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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