Cornelius is an impressive, pious man, but he needs to be converted. Conversion start with God, requires humility, proceeds via the Word, and ends with God. 

Back to Peter in the Book of Acts as he being prepared (one step at a time) to encounter Gentiles. Peter now heads into Lydda and Joppa to heal both Aeneas and Tabitha. Oh, to be in the room where it happens!

After his baptism, Paul's life is a bit of mystery, but by piecing together his writings from Galatians 1 and 2Corinthians 11 and 12, we find a remarkable connection to Jesus. 

A "dried tree no more", this African Finance Minister finds God in a most unlikely manner and place. 

After Stephen's stoning scatters the believers, they first encounter Samaritans who receive the Gospel of Jesus. 

An excursus on the Holy Spirit referenced these Scriptures: John 7:38-39, John 3:3-5, Titus 3:5, Acts 2:38, Judges 15:14, 1Chronicles 12:18, Ezekiel 11:5, Psalm 51:11, 1Samuel 19:23-24

From busboy to courageous catalyst for world missions, Stephen preaches a brilliant and bold sermon in crucible of contention, that is, the Sanhedrin. While Stephen reminds the Sanhedrin that they are "Just Like Your Fathers", he is unmistakably "Just Like Your Jesus."

Acts 6:1-15 reveals a community that responds to growing pains with unity and love

We need a hero. Peter preached about our Hero and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Sanhedrin speculated about self-proclaimed yet failed Heroes, including Theudas and later Judas the Galilean. Our Hero has not failed us. Our Hero cannot fail. Thus, in Him we cannot fail.

While Barnabas provides a beautiful example of a believer on whom was "great grace", Ananias and Sapphira contrast his Authenticity of Great Grace with the Duplicity of Dys-grace. Authenticity vs Duplicity; Generosity vs Complicity.