Acts 9:32-11:18 Reading Notes
yIn Acts 1:8, the Risen King says: “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
No backup plan. No retreat. Just ordinary people, empowered by the Spirit, sent with good news. This isn’t just their story. It’s ours. The Ascended Jesus is still at work, by his Spirit, through his people, in his world.
These short reading notes are designed to accompany our BURN YOUR BOATS teaching series in the Book of Acts.
Follow these reading notes on the Bible app:
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Full Sermon:
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Day 1: Acts 9:32–43
As Peter travels, Aeneas is healed, and Tabitha is raised from the dead. These miracles are signs that Jesus is alive, still at work, and drawing people to Himself. Many “turned to the Lord.”
Pray that your life and our church would point others to Jesus’ living power.
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Day 2: Acts 10:1–23a
God is at work on both sides. Cornelius, a devout Gentile, is told to seek Peter. Peter’s vision overturns his categories of “clean” and “unclean.” Before the gospel crosses cultures, Peter must see that no one is beyond God’s welcome.
Ask God to change the way you see people so you’re ready to cross boundaries for the gospel.
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Day 3: Acts 10:23b–48
Peter enters Cornelius’ home and proclaims Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and universal lordship. Forgiveness is for “everyone who believes.” While Peter speaks, the Spirit falls on the Gentiles as at Pentecost. They are baptised into Christ’s people.
Thank God that His grace reached even us, and pray for more to believe and be baptised.
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Day 4: Acts 11:1–18
Some criticise Peter for eating with Gentiles. But he recounts the vision, the Spirit’s gift, and God’s clear initiative. The church glorifies God: “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Pray for joy when God brings in unlikely people, and for humility not to hinder His mission.
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Day 5: Acts 1:8
This is what Jesus promised: the Spirit empowering witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Cornelius’ household is a decisive breakthrough in that plan.
Ask God to send you across one boundary this week to speak of Jesus.
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VISION PRAYER
Father God, by your grace, enable our church to be a city of refuge within the city of Brisbane. Empower me this week, by your Spirit, to offer one person the refuge, security, and hope found in Christ Jesus. Amen.