Grace Without Favoritism
RLC Home Group Handout | September 20th, 2026
Jesus Stories; “Grace without Favoritism” Acts 10-11
Recap
In Acts 10–11, we see Jesus breaking down the barriers that separate people through the good news of his grace. As God prepares Cornelius to hear the gospel, he confronts Peter’s assumptions about whom he should welcome and associate with. We are challenged to recognize our own “those people”—the people we avoid, dismiss, or assume would never respond to Jesus. Peter’s message reminds us that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins, regardless of nationality, culture, or background. As the Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit and the church recognizes God’s work, we see a family forming across former boundaries. That family’s love becomes tangible when the believers in Antioch send relief to their brothers and sisters in Judea. Having received the same grace, we are called to move toward others with the gospel, welcome one another, and express our unity through practical love and generosity.
References
Genesis 12:1–3 — God’s promise to bless all peoples through Abraham.
Acts 10:28–35 — God confronts Peter’s prejudice and teaches him that he shows no favoritism.
Acts 10:36–43 — Jesus is Lord of all, and everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.
Acts 10:44–48 — God gives the Holy Spirit to Gentile believers, confirming their welcome into his people.
Acts 11:27–30 — The disciples in Antioch express their unity with believers in Judea through practical generosity.
“Jesus breaks down dividing walls by confronting our prejudices, giving grace without favoritism, and forming a family that loves across boundaries."
Discussion Questions
Head
Is there anything that stood out or spoke to you in this week’s sermon?
How does God prepare both Cornelius and Peter for their encounter? What does this reveal about God’s role in bringing people to faith?
Why might Peter’s response, “No, Lord!” have seemed reasonable to him? What was God teaching him that he had not yet understood?
How does Peter respond to the believers who criticize him? What can we learn from his approach?
Heart
Who are “those people” for you… the people you instinctively avoid, dismiss, or struggle to imagine sharing a meal with? What shapes that response?
Peter’s assumptions were deeply connected to his upbringing. When has Scripture challenged something you had always assumed was right?
Are you more likely to believe someone is beyond God’s grace or that they need to become more like you before they belong? How does this passage challenge you?
How do you respond when God works in someone whose background, personality, or culture makes you uncomfortable?
Hands
Who is one person you can begin praying for this week whom you have previously written off as unlikely to respond to Jesus?
What concrete step could you take toward someone you ordinarily avoid; a conversation, an invitation, or a willingness to listen?
Following the example of Antioch, what practical need could our Home Group meet together that would express our love for the wider family of God? (Perhaps your local purpose or global partner)