V. 24: If you notice, the meeting is not merely between Cornelius and Peter, but between Cornelius' "posse" and Peter's "posse" (if that's spelled wrong, please enjoy a good laugh at my expense). Two delegations of two different persons meet. The setting is the setting of high level negotiations.

V. 25: Following the good description of Cornelius in relationship to the Jews and the God of the Jews, the narrator reveals Cornelius' Roman/Greek character in this verse. Look back in the passage and discuss why Cornelius might interpret his experience in this fashion to make him worship Peter. What does this say about his devotion, his allegiance or faith? How does Cornelius conceive of God (or the gods)?

V. 26: Notice Peter's action, before he speaks. If you'd like, you could even act this out and see the social implications of the action. Peter brings Cornelius level with him -- quite literally. The text literally has Peter say, "I myself am a human." Why would he say this? How is he beginning to teach Cornelius? What sort of risk is involved in Peter saying this? If you notice, this takes place in the entry way, not in front of Cornelius' group.

Vv. 27-29: Compare Peter's statement with his vision earlier in the chapter. When does the significance of the vision really become clear to Peter? What does Cornelius allow Peter to see about humans? Who has changed more so far, Peter or Cornelius? Whose conversion story is this? Why? Does Peter know yet why he is there? What is God doing to Peter? What must Peter exercise in relationship to God here by his very presence with Cornelius?

Vv. 30-33: Compare Cornelius' account of his dream with its record in vv. 3-6. Does he know precisely Peter is there? Has he learned anything more in Peter's presence so far about the vision or why Peter is there? What has he learned about God? What does Cornelius want?

Seen from this perspective, the first conversion seems to be Peter's here. Why would Peter's conversion be a pre-requisite to Cornelius'? What does that tell us about the task of evangelization? What does this require from us?

Have a wonderful evening!