Scripture Passage:  Acts 11

Prejudice can be seen in the areas of racism, cultural, education, elitism, disability, age, and etc. In Acts 11 Peter experienced prejudice among the brethren and the apostles when he had shared the good news about Christ with a Gentile named Cornelius.

Three Important Lessons About Prejudic

1. A Change in Perception  Acts 11:9

God had shown Peter that all men are equal in His sight. In Acts 11: 9 says, “But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.”  Peter needed to be willing to see this and put aside his prejudices. At this time in history, there were prejudices between the Jews and the Gentiles.

At times we need to step out of our comfort zone to change our perception.

2. A Change of Reception Acts 11:17

Peter put aside his prejudices and realized that God had chosen the Gentiles to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 11:17  says, “If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” Peter was willing to receive what God had shown him.

Setting aside our prejudices can open the door to be a part of what God is doing.

3. A Change of Identity  Acts 11:18

The apostles and the brethren realized that the Gentiles were part of the family of Jesus Christ and received the same repentance as the Jewish believers. Acts 11:18 says, “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Believers are made up of all different kinds of people groups.

Today, we have our first identity as a Christian; however, we are also to enjoy our diversity.

Remember: Men looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.

Discussion Questions:

• Has God revealed any prejudices in your life?

• Has God challenged you stepped out of your comfort zone to change your perception?

• Has God changed your perception of a situation or a people group based on a prejudice?

• Due to culture, what things you do celebrate in your family?