Mission to the Gentiles | Jamb Christian Religious Studies

Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-30; 22:4-21; 26:9-18)

1. Saul was a devout Pharisee and a fierce persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:3).
2. Saul obtained letters from the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2).
3. On his way to Damascus, Saul was struck by a bright light and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:3-4).
4. Saul was blinded by the encounter and could not see for three days (Acts 9:8-9).
5. Jesus’ words to Saul highlighted that persecuting Christians was the same as persecuting Christ (Acts 9:5).
6. Jesus instructed Saul to go to the city and wait for further instructions (Acts 9:6).
7. Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, was instructed by God to visit Saul (Acts 9:10-12).
8. Ananias laid hands on Saul, restoring his sight, and he was baptized (Acts 9:17-18).
9. Saul immediately began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, to the amazement of the people (Acts 9:20-21).
10. Saul's conversion marked a dramatic turnaround from persecutor to proclaimer of the gospel.
11. Saul’s baptism signified his acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.
12. His initial preaching in Damascus led to growing opposition from the Jews (Acts 9:22-23).
13. Saul narrowly escaped death in Damascus after being lowered in a basket from the city wall (Acts 9:24-25).
14. Saul’s conversion was validated by the apostles in Jerusalem, though they initially feared him (Acts 9:26-27).
15. Barnabas vouched for Saul, highlighting his radical transformation (Acts 9:27).
16. Saul was persecuted in Jerusalem but was sent to Tarsus for his safety (Acts 9:29-30).
17. The conversion of Saul represents the power of God to transform even the fiercest enemy of the Church into a powerful advocate.
18. Saul’s conversion was a pivotal moment in the expansion of Christianity to the Gentiles.
19. Saul’s zeal for persecuting Christians was mirrored by his later zeal for preaching the gospel.
20. In his testimony before King Agrippa, Saul recounts his encounter with Jesus and his calling to be a witness to the Gentiles (Acts 26:12-18).
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Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)

21. Cornelius was a Roman centurion, a devout man who feared God and gave generously to the poor (Acts 10:1-2).
22. Cornelius had a vision in which an angel instructed him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-6).
23. Peter also had a vision of a sheet with unclean animals and was told not to call anything impure that God had made clean (Acts 10:9-16).
24. Peter’s vision prepared him to accept Gentiles as part of God’s plan of salvation (Acts 10:15).
25. Cornelius sent for Peter, and Peter went to Caesarea, where he preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:17-24).
26. Upon hearing Peter’s message, Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-45).
27. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Gentiles confirmed that God had granted them repentance and life (Acts 10:46-47).
28. Peter ordered that Cornelius and his household be baptized, signifying their full acceptance into the Christian faith (Acts 10:48).
29. The conversion of Cornelius marked the first instance of a Gentile receiving the Holy Spirit, signifying the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvation plan.
30. Peter’s experience in Caesarea broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles in the early Church.
31. The conversion of Cornelius demonstrated that God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34-35).
32. The event highlighted the Church’s growing recognition that the gospel was intended for all people, not just Jews.
33. Cornelius’ conversion is a pivotal moment in the early Church, showcasing the expansion of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries.
34. The conversion of Cornelius led to the wider acceptance of Gentile believers in the Christian community.
35. The vision that Peter received challenged the traditional Jewish view of purity and cleanliness, paving the way for Gentile inclusion.
36. Cornelius’ household became the first group of Gentiles to be baptized into the Christian faith.
37. Peter defended the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church during his report to the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 11:1-18).
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The Commissioning and Mission of Paul (Acts 13; 14:1-20)

38. Paul’s missionary journeys were central to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
39. In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas for a special mission (Acts 13:2-3).
40. Paul and Barnabas traveled to Cyprus, preaching in synagogues and performing miracles (Acts 13:4-12).
41. In Antioch in Pisidia, Paul preached to both Jews and Gentiles, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Acts 13:13-41).
42. The message of salvation through Jesus was met with both acceptance and opposition (Acts 13:42-50).
43. In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas continued to preach, despite attempts by some to stone them (Acts 14:1-7).
44. In Lystra, Paul healed a lame man, leading the people to mistakenly think he and Barnabas were gods (Acts 14:8-18).
45. Paul and Barnabas corrected the people, urging them to turn to the living God (Acts 14:15-17).
46. Despite their preaching, Paul was stoned and left for dead in Lystra, but he miraculously survived (Acts 14:19-20).
47. Paul’s resilience in the face of persecution demonstrates his commitment to spreading the gospel.
48. The mission of Paul and Barnabas expanded to many cities, establishing churches and strengthening believers (Acts 14:21-23).
49. The missionary journeys of Paul laid the foundation for many early Christian communities in the Gentile world.
50. Paul’s mission focused on preaching salvation through Jesus Christ and establishing strong local churches.
51. Paul’s preaching in various cities often led to both conversions and violent opposition.
52. Paul’s letters, written during his journeys, provided guidance and encouragement to the churches he founded.
53. The commissioning of Paul marked the beginning of the Church’s mission to the Gentiles.
54. The opposition Paul faced was a reflection of the challenge of spreading a new faith in the Roman Empire.
55. Paul’s work, particularly among the Gentiles, fulfilled the commission Jesus gave to His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
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The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-21)

56. The Council of Jerusalem was convened to address the question of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish laws, particularly circumcision (Acts 15:1-2).
57. The issue arose because some Jewish Christians were teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:5).
58. Peter argued that Gentiles should not be burdened with the law, as they had received the Holy Spirit just like the Jews (Acts 15:7-11).
59. James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, supported Peter’s argument and proposed a resolution (Acts 15:13-21).
60. The Council agreed that Gentiles should not be required to follow the full Mosaic law but should abstain from certain practices (Acts 15:28-29).
61. The letter from the Jerusalem Council outlined the decision, which was sent to Gentile believers (Acts 15:30-35).
62. The main decision at the Council was that Gentiles could be accepted into the Church without becoming Jews first.
63. The Council of Jerusalem was a turning point in the early Church, confirming the inclusive nature of the gospel.
64. The decision helped prevent a split in the Church and affirmed the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers.
65. The Council’s decision laid the groundwork for the Church’s expansion throughout the Gentile world.
66. The Council addressed the tension between Jewish tradition and the new Christian faith, promoting unity and understanding.
67. Paul and Barnabas shared the news of the Council’s decision, bringing great joy to the Gentile believers (Acts 15:30-32).
68. The Council of Jerusalem demonstrated the role of the apostles and elders in guiding the early Church.
69. The decision at the Council highlighted the importance of doctrinal unity in the early Christian community.
70. The Council’s ruling helped resolve a critical issue that could have hindered the mission to the Gentiles.
71. The Council’s decision reflected the leadership of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early Church.
72. Paul’s role in the Council of Jerusalem was pivotal, as he advocated for the acceptance of Gentiles without the requirement of circumcision (Gal. 2:1-10).
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Compare the Conversions of Saul and Cornelius

73. Saul’s conversion was a dramatic, personal encounter with the risen Christ, while Cornelius' conversion was marked by a vision and the ministry of Peter.
74. Saul’s conversion occurred on the road to Damascus, while Cornelius’ conversion happened in his home in Caesarea.
75. Saul’s conversion was immediate and followed by a radical transformation in his life, while Cornelius’ conversion was gradual and linked to his household.
76. Saul was a persecutor of Christians, while Cornelius was a devout Gentile who feared God but had not yet accepted Jesus.
77. Both conversions were pivotal moments in the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles.
78. Saul’s conversion led to his missionary work, primarily among the Gentiles, while Cornelius’ conversion marked the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church.
79. Both conversions were accompanied by a clear demonstration of God’s intervention and the confirmation of the Holy Spirit.
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Analyse the Commissioning and Mission of Paul

80. Paul’s commissioning by the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of his missionary journeys (Acts 13:2-3).
81. Paul’s mission was focused on preaching to the Gentiles and establishing Christian communities.
82. His ministry was characterized by resilience in the face of persecution and opposition.
83. Paul’s mission was marked by a strong emphasis on preaching salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
84. The Holy Spirit guided Paul’s decisions, including where to preach and whom to meet (Acts 16:6-10).
85. Paul’s letters to the churches were an important part of his mission, providing teaching, encouragement, and correction.
86. Paul’s mission faced many challenges, including imprisonment, beatings, and rejection, yet he remained committed to spreading the gospel.
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Examine the Main Decisions at the Council of Jerusalem

87. The decision that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised was a key outcome of the Council (Acts 15:19-20).
88. The Council decreed that Gentiles should abstain from idolatry, fornication, eating blood, and consuming strangled animals (Acts 15:20).
89. The ruling affirmed that salvation comes through grace, not adherence to the Mosaic law.
90. The decision helped solidify the unity of the Church by resolving tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers.
91. The Council also confirmed the authority of the apostles and elders in guiding doctrinal matters.
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Identify the Personalities Involved at the Council of Jerusalem

92. Peter played a crucial role in advocating for the acceptance of Gentiles without circumcision (Acts 15:7-11).
93. James, the brother of Jesus, led the Council and proposed the final decision (Acts 15:13-21).
94. Paul and Barnabas were instrumental in presenting the case for Gentile inclusion (Acts 15:12).
95. The apostles and elders of the Jerusalem Church participated in the deliberations and decision-making (Acts 15:6).
96. The Pharisees who had become Christians argued for the necessity of circumcision (Acts 15:5).
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Examine the Relevance of the Main Decisions at the Council of Jerusalem

97. The decisions at the Council ensured that Gentiles could be part of the Christian community without first becoming Jews.
98. The Council’s ruling prevented a schism within the Church and promoted unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.
99. The decision helped clarify the relationship between Jewish customs and the Christian faith.
100. The ruling affirmed the gospel’s universal message, emphasizing that salvation is for all, not just the Jews.
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Assess Paul’s Role in the Mission to the Gentiles

101. Paul was the primary apostle to the Gentiles, dedicating much of his life to spreading the gospel beyond the Jewish community.
102. Paul’s missionary journeys laid the foundation for many early Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire.
103. Paul’s theological writings continue to shape Christian doctrine, particularly regarding salvation and justification by faith.
104. Paul’s bold preaching in cities such as Ephesus, Corinth, and Philippi made a lasting impact on the spread of Christianity.
105. Paul’s approach to mission included preaching, establishing churches, and nurturing believers through letters.
106. Paul’s resilience in the face of persecution demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the mission to the Gentiles.
107. Paul’s teachings on grace and faith were central to the acceptance of Gentiles into the Church.
108. Paul’s experiences with opposition and suffering became a model for Christian perseverance and faith.
109. Paul’s inclusion of Gentiles in the Church revolutionized the early Christian movement and expanded its reach.
110. Paul’s ministry showcased the power of God to transform lives, turning a former persecutor into a passionate evangelist.
111. Paul’s collaboration with Barnabas and other companions helped strengthen the missionary work and its impact.
112. Paul’s role in the early Church was pivotal in bridging cultural gaps and uniting Jewish and Gentile believers.
113. Paul’s unwavering commitment to the mission to the Gentiles fulfilled the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
114. Paul’s letters to Gentile churches continue to be an important theological resource for Christians today.
115. Paul’s influence in spreading Christianity to the Gentile world established him as a key figure in Christian history.
116. Paul’s role in the mission to the Gentiles emphasized the inclusive nature of the Christian faith.
117. Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles demonstrated that the gospel was not limited by cultural, ethnic, or geographical boundaries.
118. Paul’s efforts in missionary work helped to expand the Christian faith throughout the Roman Empire.
119. Paul’s strategy of reaching both Jews and Gentiles laid the groundwork for the future global expansion of Christianity.
120. Paul’s courage in facing persecution and adversity for the sake of the gospel remains an inspiration for Christians worldwide.

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