When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His Resurrection, He commanded them to spread the gospel to all the world (see Matthew 28:19–20). Previously the gospel had been shared mainly with the Jews, and Peter and the other disciples continued to focus their missionary efforts on them. Cornelius, a Gentile who loved God and sought His guidance, was directed through a heavenly messenger to seek out the Apostle Peter. At the same time, Peter had a vision that helped him better understand how Heavenly Father feels about all His children. This lesson can help you view other people more as Heavenly Father and Jesus view them.
Becoming more like Christ. Help students see the connection between living the gospel and becoming more like Jesus Christ. “Becoming is a process of change in the character and very nature of the student. It comes through the redeeming and strengthening power of Jesus Christ” (Kim B. Clark, “Deep Learning and Joy in the Lord” [address given at the Seminaries and Institutes of Religion annual training broadcast], June 13, 2017, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Student preparation: Invite students to pay attention to how they view and treat the people around them and why they act this way. Ask them to be ready to share a few insights from their observations.
What do you see?
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Clouds in a sunny sky
Look at the clouds (either outside or in this picture) and describe what you see.
Why might two people look at the same clouds but see different things?
Why might two people look at another person and see that person differently?
What do you know about how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ see each of us?
Invite students to share their observations and insights if they completed the student preparation activity.
As you study, remember that how you view people might sometimes differ from how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ view them. Allow the Holy Ghost to guide you on what you may need to do to more fully align your views with Heavenly Father’s and Jesus Christ’s views.
Peter teaches Cornelius, a Gentile
Up to this point in New Testament times, the gospel had been preached, with a few exceptions, exclusively to Jews, as directed by the Savior (see Matthew 10:5–6). There were a few members of Christ’s Church who were Gentiles (non-Jews) by birth, but they had already converted to Judaism before following Christ. However, the Savior told His disciples that after the Holy Ghost came upon them, they would preach the gospel “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In Acts 10 we read about a significant change in the way the Church operated that would facilitate this.
Read Acts 10:1–8 to learn about Cornelius. Look for indications of how Heavenly Father viewed him.
What did you learn about Cornelius from these verses?
What did you find that indicates how Heavenly Father felt about Cornelius?
As Cornelius’s men were traveling to find the Apostle Peter, the Lord was teaching Peter about how He views all people. Read Acts 10:9–16 and draw a picture of what you think Peter’s vision may have looked like.
Students could draw individual pictures, or one student could draw the vision on the board. Keep the drawing time brief so students will have sufficient time for the rest of the lesson.
Invite students to share what they drew. Consider inviting students to share their thoughts about what the vision might mean.
Why was Peter concerned about what he was instructed to do in the vision?
Peter grew up as a Jew, following the commandments and traditions of the law of Moses. This law contained strict requirements on what people could and could not eat (see Leviticus 11). Animals that the Jews were allowed to eat were called “clean,” while animals that God forbade the Jews to eat were called “unclean.”
Peter did not initially understand the full meaning of the vision. As he pondered it, the men sent by Cornelius arrived. The Spirit told Peter to go with these men to the home of Cornelius (see Acts 10:17–20).
Consider sharing statements from the “Commentary and Background Information” section as needed during this discussion.
Write in your study journal what it means to you that “God is no respecter of persons.”
How do you think Heavenly Father’s revelation changed Peter’s heart and perspective? How could understanding this revelation change the hearts of people today?
Invite volunteers to share what they wrote.
When Peter understood that God wanted the gospel to be taught to all people, he preached the message of Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his family and friends (see Acts 10:36–43).
How do you think the life and mission of Jesus Christ demonstrate God’s love for all people?
How could remembering how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ value all people influence how you see and treat others?
What can you do to seek Heavenly Father’s help to see others as He does?
While Peter testified of Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost came upon Cornelius and his household. Peter then invited them to be baptized (see Acts 10:44–48). God’s revelation to Peter changed the practices of the Church, and the gospel began to be preached to all people.
Students could complete the following activity in their study journals. Consider also inviting students to share with their families what they have learned from this lesson.
Think about how the world or your country, neighborhood, school, or family would be different if all of Heavenly Father’s children viewed each other the way He views us.
Select one of these environments. Explain what differences you might see if people in this environment saw others the way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ see them.
Commentary and Background Information
Who will Jesus Christ accept into His Church and kingdom?
President Russell M. Nelson explained:
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President Russell M. Nelson
Each of us has a divine potential because each is a child of God. Each is equal in His eyes. The implications of this truth are profound. Brothers and sisters, please listen carefully to what I am about to say. God does not love one race more than another. His doctrine on this matter is clear. He invites all to come unto Him, “black and white, bond and free, male and female” [2 Nephi 26:33].
I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin.
(Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94)
Acts 10:45. What does “gift of the Holy Ghost” mean?
In Acts 10:45, the phrase “gift of the Holy Ghost” refers to the power of the Holy Ghost, which had come upon these Gentiles. This is different from the gift of the Holy Ghost which we receive through the ordinance of confirmation after baptism (see Acts 8:14–17; see also Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 97).
How did Peter’s vision change Church practice?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:
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Elder D. Todd Christofferson
By this experience and revelation to Peter, the Lord modified the practice of the Church and revealed a more complete doctrinal understanding to His disciples. And so the preaching of the gospel expanded to encompass all mankind.
(D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 88)
What similarities does Peter’s vision have to the revelation to extend the priesthood to all worthy male Church members?
The following resources may be helpful if you wish to understand more about the 1978 revelation in which Heavenly Father extended priesthood ordination to all worthy male Church members:
Consider inviting students to read Acts 10:38 and think about how the Savior “went about doing good” in the way that He viewed and treated others. Students could then be invited to think about what they could do to emulate the Savior in doing good.
Teach others about the Savior
When Peter taught Cornelius and those with him, he spoke first of Jesus Christ and His Atonement and then invited those he was teaching to act on these teachings by accepting ordinances (see Acts 10:35–48). Other missionaries have repeated this pattern (see Mosiah 18:1–10; Alma 18:24–39). Students could be invited to read Peter’s teachings to Cornelius and prepare their own outline of what they might share with a friend who is interested in knowing more about the gospel. They could also consider the following statement by President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency:
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President Dallin H. Oaks
As we speak to others, we need to remember that an invitation to learn more about Jesus Christ and His gospel is preferable to an invitation to learn more about our Church. We want people to be converted to the gospel. That is the great role of the Book of Mormon. Feelings about our Church follow conversion to Jesus Christ; they do not precede it. Many who are suspicious of churches nevertheless have a love for the Savior. Put first things first.