Overcoming Internal Barriers: The 'Conversion' of Ananias and Peter in Acts 9–10

Abstract

While external barriers such as language, culture, and worldview are often recognized by the church in its mission, the invisible, but very real internal barriers which exist in the hearts of the members, are often overlooked. The story in Acts 10 which has often been called "The conversion of Cornelius" could just as well be known as "The conversion of Peter." The study will use
this pericope and the parallel narrative of Saul and Ananias in Acts 9 in order to uncover the hidden internal barriers and make recommendations for the present witness of the church.

Key Words: barriers, Acts 1:8, external, internal, Ananias, Peter, conversion, Acts 9–10