STP Study Guide for April 23, 2024

STP Study Guide for April 23, 2024

Stand Up

“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵ but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. ³⁶ You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. ⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ ‘Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ ⁴⁸ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.”—Acts 10:34-38, 44-48 NIV

As we continue our study on “Turning the World Upside Down,” we find Peter visiting the Roman Centurian, Cornelius, in Caesarea. Cornelius and his family were devout believers in God. In a vision, a messenger of God told him to send for Peter to come to his house. Peter had a dream and the Holy Spirit told him to go with the men to Caesarea. Upon arriving and talking with Cornelius, Peter realized that God was showing him that the Good News of Jesus Christ should be shared with the Gentiles.

Thank You, Lord, for including us Gentiles in Your kingdom…Amen.

St. Paul UMC Worship Service; 9:00am Sunday; 495 St. Paul Cemetery Rd., Dover, AR 72837

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Today’s Memory Verse: “The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.”—Acts 10:45 NIV

Welcome the Holy Spirit…Blessings and Prayers…