Peter and Cornelius — God Shows No Favoritism
Scripture: Acts 10:1-48
Theme: The Gospel is for every nation and every person
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
This Sunday school lesson introduces little ones to the idea that God loves everyone, no matter where they come from or what they look like. The story follows Peter, who was told by God to visit a man named Cornelius, a Gentile (a person who isn’t Jewish) who loved God and did what was right. Peter was surprised at first, but after visiting, he saw that God accepted Cornelius just the same as the Jewish people, showing that God’s love and kindness are for all. The lesson helps children understand that Jesus came to save everyone, no exceptions, and that no one is left out because of race or background. The key verse, Acts 10:34-35, teaches that God doesn’t pick favorites, He loves everyone who trusts Him and does good things. For little kids, this means that Jesus wants to be friends with Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
One day, a man named Cornelius was a good and God-fearing man. He lived in the city of Caesarea, where he had many servants and friends. He was a very rich man and prayed often to God, asking Him to show mercy to everyone who feared Him, no matter what country they came from.
That night, an angel of the Lord stood before Cornelius. The angel said, ‘Cornelius! You have done the right thing by asking for God’s blessing on your friends and family. Now prepare your heart because God wants to show you something important!’ Cornelius was amazed and wondered what the angel meant.
The next morning, Cornelius sent men to ask Peter about what he should do. Peter met them at the house where he was staying, but he did not know why they were there. ‘You must have come from God,’ he said, ‘because you are the ones who have been sent to ask about these things.
Cornelius and his friends told Peter how they had heard that God had chosen Gentiles, people who are not Jewish, to be saved. ‘We prayed to God for this,’ they said. Peter looked at them and saw that they were all very kind and honest men.
Peter then remembered what God had told him long ago: ‘You will not call this man blessed or say, “Who is he?” for I have appointed him over Gentiles and kings to tell them about me.’ He added, ‘They are the ones God has chosen to show kindness to, not just Jews.’
The next day, Peter left with the men and went to Cornelius’s house. When he arrived, he saw a big crowd of people there, and they were all very surprised to see him. Cornelius and his family bowed down to him in respect, but Peter told them, ‘Do not stand there! I am here to talk to you!’
Activities
Coloring Page: God’s Big Family
Supplies: Coloring paper, Crayons/markers, Printed template (optional)
- 1. Print or draw a simple image of a diverse group of people (e.g., a big heart with people of different backgrounds inside).
- 2. Give each child coloring paper and crayons/markers to color their own version of ‘God’s Big Family’.
- 3. Ask them to color everyone in the heart the same color or different colors to show God’s love for all.
Story Stones: ‘Everyone Belongs’
Supplies: Sand or clay, Paints, Stone or smooth round object, Pictures/words written or drawn
- 1. Collect smooth stones and paint or draw simple pictures/words like ‘Cornelius’ (Gentile), ‘Peter’ (Jew), or ‘Love’.
- 2. Let dry and use them to retell the story of Acts 10 in a playful way.
- 3. Discuss: ‘Who do you think God loves? Can you think of someone in your class/family who might feel left out?’
Acting Out the Vision
Supplies: Stuffed animals/toys, Blanket fort (optional), Props like a scroll or tent (for Cornelius)
- 1. Assign roles: One child is Peter, another is Cornelius, and others can be angels or other characters.
- 2. Act out the moment when the angel appeared to Cornelius and Peter went to his house.
- 3. End with a prayer: ‘God, help us to welcome everyone in our classroom/family!’
Discussion Questions
- Who was Cornelius? Why was he surprised when Peter came to visit him?
- How did God show that everyone can believe in Him? (Think about the angels and the food given to the disciples.)
- If God loves everyone, why do you think some people might feel left out or not welcome?
- What can we do to make sure everyone in our classroom/family feels loved and welcome?
- Draw a picture of someone you think God loves, just like He loves you!
Prayer Focus
Thank God for the people in Acts 10 who opened their hearts to welcome others. Ask God to help us love and include everyone, just like He loves us.
Missions Spotlight
The story of Cornelius reminds us that God’s love is for everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. Just like Peter and Cornelius, we can share God’s love with others by welcoming people in our community, school, or family.
To the Cross
God loved Cornelius and all people, even those who were far away. The cross shows that Jesus came to save everyone, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, boys and girls, so we are all family in God’s big heart!
Family Take-Home
In Acts 10, God gave a big surprise to Peter and Cornelius: He showed that everyone, even Gentiles, can believe in Him. God loves all people, and we can share His love by welcoming others in our homes and communities.