Doug’s Coffee Break

When Cornelius bowed in reverence before Peter, the apostle refused the gesture, reminding him they were both just men. Peter’s visit to a Gentile home broke major cultural taboos, but his recent vision had made it clear—God’s message of inclusion left no room for calling anyone unclean.

In this episode, we explore Peter’s divinely arranged meeting with Cornelius’ messengers and the early steps toward a groundbreaking moment for the Gentile mission. Witness the careful unfolding of God’s plan as Peter moves from hesitation to hospitality, setting the stage for a transformative encounter.

Peter’s rooftop vision challenged his lifelong understanding of purity. As he resisted God’s command three times, the Lord taught him a crucial truth: what God declares clean must not be called impure. Peter’s personal struggles mirrored a deeper transformation soon to unfold in the early Church.

Cornelius sends trusted men to summon Peter, acting swiftly on divine instruction. As Peter engages in his regular rhythm of prayer, a rooftop vision awaits—one that will challenge centuries of tradition and open new doors for the early church.

The miracle of Dorcas’s resurrection leads directly into one of the most groundbreaking moments in Acts: the gospel’s extension to the Gentiles. As Peter stays in Joppa, a Roman centurion named Cornelius receives a divine vision—setting up an encounter that will reshape the early church’s mission. This episode explores how divine timing, cultural tension, and prophetic fulfillment all come together in Acts 10.

Peter’s miracle in Joppa—the raising of Dorcas—was a powerful moment in early church history. More than just a resurrection, it marked a shift in Peter’s ministry, preparing him for a broader mission to the Gentiles. This story highlights early Christian faith, cultural tensions, and divine strategy in expanding the gospel.

Peter’s ministry picks up momentum as he travels to Lydda, where a miraculous healing sparks a wave of new believers. Set on the edge of the fertile Sharon plain, this moment marks a turning point—the gospel is beginning to reach a broader, more Gentile audience. We trace the steps of Peter, the echoes of Philip, and the growing movement of faith along the Judean coast.

After Saul's fiery debates nearly cost him his life, the early church hustled him out of Jerusalem and into a quieter chapter in Tarsus—an ancient, intellectual hub. With the threat gone, the church enjoyed a rare season of peace and growth. Luke closes this section of Acts with a pause in the action—but all signs point to a gospel about to go global.

After his dramatic conversion, Saul’s preaching in Damascus made him the target of a deadly plot—forcing an escape that mirrored the irony of his transformation. Acts 9:23–30 traces how early believers like Barnabas played a key role in integrating Saul into the Christian community, despite deep fears rooted in his past.

In this episode, we dive into Saul’s stunning transformation just days after his Damascus road encounter. From blind and broken to boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, Saul’s rapid shift leaves his audience—and us—astounded. What changed? And why did it matter so much?