PETER AND CORNELIUS

Objectives:

1. Students should be able to tell the story of Peter and his vision.
2. Students should know the meaning of the words “Jew” and “Gentile”.
3. Students should be able to understand the importance of the baptism of a Gentile and the conclusion Peter drew from the descent of the Holy Spirit immediately.

Possible Lesson Plan:

1. Open with prayer.
2. Read the story in Acts 10. Discuss the meaning of the word, “Jew”, and say it a few times. Remind the students about the story of Abraham (or reread it) and how God chose this people. For what purpose? To prepare for Jesus, the Messiah. The Jewish people called all other people “Gentiles” and did not associate with them. Can the students recall any instances when Jesus did talk to a non-Jew, or even perform a miracle? (the Samaritan woman at the well, the Roman centurion’s servant) . Remind them also (or reread) that God gave a strict law to Moses that included which animals were “clean” and which “unclean”. “Unclean” animals were not allowed to be eaten, just as we do not eat meat during Great Lent. Review the definition of clean: animals that have divided hooves and chew cud and sea creatures with fins and scales. Look at pictures of animals to see the hooves and fins and scales; bring pictures of animals (or a book from the library) to class as a reference for the next activity.

3.   Have the students choose from those below clean and unclean and look at pictures and discuss their eating habits to make your decision. You could use stickers and a sheet of construction paper divided into two columns; let the students put the correct side of the paper.

Clean                                                                    Unclean

Cow          Salmon                                                Pig                   Shrimp             Frog

Lamb         Bluefish                                               Rabbit             Oyster             Turtle

Goat          Deer                                                    Dog                 Crab                Bear                                                          

4. Play a learning game: Quotations – Have the students identify the speaker:

“Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.”

“Rise, Peter, kill and eat.”

“I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

“Behold, three men are seeking you.”

“I am he whom you seek.”

“Stand up; I myself am also a man.”

“I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come.”

“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.”

“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized..?

5.    Make Peter’s dream on a sheet: Take a handkerchief or other piece of white fabric or a piece of a sheet. Glue to it stickers of “unclean” animals or even animal crackers. Tie a string to each corner so it can be raised and lowered as you retell the story. No sheet? How about a coffee filter, using pipe cleaners for the corners? Or even a paper plate…

6.   Close with prayer: Lord help me to love everyone this week with Your love.