November 9

Due to computer problems during my recent attendance at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary board meeting there has been an interruption of these blogs. I hope we have the problem solved. I apologize for the disruption

Acts 16:1-12

16 Paul went on also to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him; and he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went from town to town, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in numbers daily. 6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; 8 so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. 11 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days.

We know from Paul’s letters that this relationship with Timothy will affect the whole church. As a son of a Jewish woman and a Greek father, the Jewish community would have counted him as a Jew. Ethnicity was seen as being conveyed by the person’s mother. Thus his circumcision is not a contradiction of the Jerusalem council’s decision. Timothy is observing Jewish tradition, not a condition of faith.

Paul’s ministry is at a threshold. Does he remain in Asia Minor, Turkey, or go to Asia or Europe? He experiences the Holy Spirit’s prohibition on moving into Asia. How that message is delivered in not in the story. The call to come to Europe, Macedonia is delivered in a dream. A man of Macedonia pleading for help is the answer.

Today we spend countless hours and much money studying the territory before we begin mission work. We almost assure “success” before we begin the effort. That is good stewardship of limited resources, but it also needs to be challenged that our mission is to reach out to those who need help. Paul’s movement to Greece and the European continent set the stage for the next phase of the church’s life

Reflection questions:
1. How much of our religious practice is cultural and how much is essential to the expression of the faith?
2. How do we hear the Holy Spirit directing or prohibiting our activity? How would we know?
3. Where are we being called to come and help today?