Acts 13: 43-52
43 When the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken by Paul. 46 Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we are now turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord; and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers. 49 Thus the word of the Lord spread throughout the region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their region. 51 So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them, and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
The pattern is now established for the work of Paul and Barnabas. They enter a community and start their work in the synagogue. If they are opposed in the synagogue they then move to the greater community. The gospel is shared with the Jews and converts first. The new news is that if it is rejected there, then it is shared with the whole community.
The early church is face with opposition on many fronts. The fact that there is opposition does not limit the proclamation of Jesus. In fact it moves the church to new communities and to people that were not part of the original thinking of the apostles.
The Gentiles are now being received into the church. Paul and Barnabas now see that they are called to be a light to the Gentiles. This pattern will continue with increasing opposition from the leaders of the synagogues. The Christian movement is not intentionally leaving the synagogue, it is being forced out.
The movement still sees itself connected to the story of Israel, but it also sees its call to reach out to the whole world.
Reflection questions:
1. Note the tension between the proclamation of the gospel and the personal jealousy of the leaders of the synagogue. What role does your personal feelings play in reading and interpreting the scriptures?
2. How does opposition affect your witness? Silence it? Move it in new directions?
3. The early church faced opposition, today we see apathy more often than opposition, how is the response to apathy different than the response to opposition?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
October 30
Acts 13: 13-42
13 Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." 16 So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. 21 Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. 22 When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.' 23 Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; 24 before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.' 26 "My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27 Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. 28 Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. 29 When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead; 31 and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' 34 As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, 'I will give you the holy promises made to David.' 35 Therefore he has also said in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.' 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; 37 but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; 39 by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 41 'Look, you scoffers! Be amazed and perish, for in your days I am doing a work, a work that you will never believe, even if someone tells you.'" 42 As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath.
Paul’s practice of working first in the synagogue continues. His message matches the essentials of the message that Peter and Stephen have shared in prior sermons. God is at work through the people of Israel. They consistently rebel so God sends the prophets. Jesus is the promised savior who was rejected by the leaders. God raised him from the dead and through him the forgiveness of sins is for everyone who believes.
The message assumes that the hearers know the covenant story of the Bible. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant. God is still and work and the admonition of the prophets now need to be heard in light of all that God has done.
Too often we read the story of Jesus limited to our own context. It may be impossible to read this story any other way. For those steeped in the history of God’s law and promises, Jesus becomes the hinge pin holding it all together. That is Paul’s point. God will forgive sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is not by vainly trying to keep the law, it is in Jesus that life and salvation is to be found.
Reflection questions:
1. How might Paul respond to those who want us to know of their good works and their good life?
2. How does knowing that in Jesus your sins are forgiven affect your willingness or ability to do good?
3. How do you respond to the comment that God chose the people of Israel?
13 Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent them a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it." 16 So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak: "You Israelites, and others who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. 18 For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 After he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 for about four hundred fifty years. After that he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. 21 Then they asked for a king; and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years. 22 When he had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him he said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after my heart, who will carry out all my wishes.' 23 Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised; 24 before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet.' 26 "My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27 Because the residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did not recognize him or understand the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath, they fulfilled those words by condemning him. 28 Even though they found no cause for a sentence of death, they asked Pilate to have him killed. 29 When they had carried out everything that was written about him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead; 31 and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, and they are now his witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' 34 As to his raising him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, 'I will give you the holy promises made to David.' 35 Therefore he has also said in another psalm, 'You will not let your Holy One experience corruption.' 36 For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, died, was laid beside his ancestors, and experienced corruption; 37 but he whom God raised up experienced no corruption. 38 Let it be known to you therefore, my brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you; 39 by this Jesus everyone who believes is set free from all those sins from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, that what the prophets said does not happen to you: 41 'Look, you scoffers! Be amazed and perish, for in your days I am doing a work, a work that you will never believe, even if someone tells you.'" 42 As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people urged them to speak about these things again the next sabbath.
Paul’s practice of working first in the synagogue continues. His message matches the essentials of the message that Peter and Stephen have shared in prior sermons. God is at work through the people of Israel. They consistently rebel so God sends the prophets. Jesus is the promised savior who was rejected by the leaders. God raised him from the dead and through him the forgiveness of sins is for everyone who believes.
The message assumes that the hearers know the covenant story of the Bible. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant. God is still and work and the admonition of the prophets now need to be heard in light of all that God has done.
Too often we read the story of Jesus limited to our own context. It may be impossible to read this story any other way. For those steeped in the history of God’s law and promises, Jesus becomes the hinge pin holding it all together. That is Paul’s point. God will forgive sin through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is not by vainly trying to keep the law, it is in Jesus that life and salvation is to be found.
Reflection questions:
1. How might Paul respond to those who want us to know of their good works and their good life?
2. How does knowing that in Jesus your sins are forgiven affect your willingness or ability to do good?
3. How do you respond to the comment that God chose the people of Israel?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
October 29
Acts 12:25 – 13:12
25 Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark.
1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they met a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now listen-- the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind for a while, unable to see the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he went about groping for someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
The first missionary begins with the church discerning the call to Paul and Barnabas. The pattern of both individual and communal discernment has its roots in the early life of the church. It is important that individuals discern the gift of God which enables them to know the call to service. It is also important the church also confirm and support that call. The community is in prayer about this effort and the community sends the apostles out to serve.
Paul and Barnabas begin their mission work in the synagogues. The temple authorities may be persecuting the church in Jerusalem, but in these extended territories it is the synagogue that is the first focus of their proclamation. We have lost some of this understanding of mission. We understand the importance to reach out to other cultures with the gospel. It is often our local neighborhood that is neglected in the church’s outreach.
Bar-Jesus or “son of Jesus” is a fake. His opposition was a hindrance to Sergius Paulus ability to hear the word. Paul’s rebuke demonstrates the power of the gospel. The magician’s attempts to oppose the gospel are the result of his blindness to what God is doing. As a result he is now both spiritually and physically blind.
Reflection questions:
1. What role does the community of faith have in indentifying and calling the gifts of the Spirit in you into action?
2. How have you experienced the Spirit’s call? The call of the church community?
3. Paul identifies false prophet as making crooked the straight paths of the Lord. How might the church today make the simple gospel more complicated?
25 Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark.
1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they met a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But the magician Elymas (for that is the translation of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now listen-- the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind for a while, unable to see the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he went about groping for someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.
The first missionary begins with the church discerning the call to Paul and Barnabas. The pattern of both individual and communal discernment has its roots in the early life of the church. It is important that individuals discern the gift of God which enables them to know the call to service. It is also important the church also confirm and support that call. The community is in prayer about this effort and the community sends the apostles out to serve.
Paul and Barnabas begin their mission work in the synagogues. The temple authorities may be persecuting the church in Jerusalem, but in these extended territories it is the synagogue that is the first focus of their proclamation. We have lost some of this understanding of mission. We understand the importance to reach out to other cultures with the gospel. It is often our local neighborhood that is neglected in the church’s outreach.
Bar-Jesus or “son of Jesus” is a fake. His opposition was a hindrance to Sergius Paulus ability to hear the word. Paul’s rebuke demonstrates the power of the gospel. The magician’s attempts to oppose the gospel are the result of his blindness to what God is doing. As a result he is now both spiritually and physically blind.
Reflection questions:
1. What role does the community of faith have in indentifying and calling the gifts of the Spirit in you into action?
2. How have you experienced the Spirit’s call? The call of the church community?
3. Paul identifies false prophet as making crooked the straight paths of the Lord. How might the church today make the simple gospel more complicated?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
October 28
Acts 12: 20-24
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. 22 The people kept shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!" 23 And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents.
In the end Herod is judged. His political schemes failed in the end. Even as he is being hailed as being divine, he is judged. The people of Tyre and Sidon had suffered under the tyranny of Herod. They used the methods available to them. You appease and flatter a politician gone mad. That is what they do. Their flattery is not the final word on the subject.
Herod may speak like God. The fact is that his content does not glorify God. He is accountable to God for his reign and the decisions that he made. God’s often repeated preference for the poor and the oppressed is now visited on him. His robes, position on the platform and the flattery of the crowd do not replace his responsibility to serve God and the people over whom God has placed him.
Luther argued that civil rulers are responsible to God for the way in which they exercise their vocations. This “left hand” kingdom, as Luther called it, is ultimately responsible to God for the way in which rulers use their authority. The idea of government and good order is the gift of God for the care of creation and the protection of God’s people. When rulers oppress and favor the rich over the poor, God take offense.
Herod’s sin is not just that he has killed James or that he ignored Tyre and Sidon. His sin is that he does not give glory to God. In the end, he is a human who faces the reality of death. His divine attributes are not his. He, like all people, is accountable to God.
Reflections questions:
1. What role does the government official play in God’s reign over creation?
2. Does our separation of church and state make this text meaningless? Why? Why not?
3. How does the statement of verse 24 connect to this story?
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. 22 The people kept shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!" 23 And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents.
In the end Herod is judged. His political schemes failed in the end. Even as he is being hailed as being divine, he is judged. The people of Tyre and Sidon had suffered under the tyranny of Herod. They used the methods available to them. You appease and flatter a politician gone mad. That is what they do. Their flattery is not the final word on the subject.
Herod may speak like God. The fact is that his content does not glorify God. He is accountable to God for his reign and the decisions that he made. God’s often repeated preference for the poor and the oppressed is now visited on him. His robes, position on the platform and the flattery of the crowd do not replace his responsibility to serve God and the people over whom God has placed him.
Luther argued that civil rulers are responsible to God for the way in which they exercise their vocations. This “left hand” kingdom, as Luther called it, is ultimately responsible to God for the way in which rulers use their authority. The idea of government and good order is the gift of God for the care of creation and the protection of God’s people. When rulers oppress and favor the rich over the poor, God take offense.
Herod’s sin is not just that he has killed James or that he ignored Tyre and Sidon. His sin is that he does not give glory to God. In the end, he is a human who faces the reality of death. His divine attributes are not his. He, like all people, is accountable to God.
Reflections questions:
1. What role does the government official play in God’s reign over creation?
2. Does our separation of church and state make this text meaningless? Why? Why not?
3. How does the statement of verse 24 connect to this story?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
October 27
Acts 12:1-19
About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. 3 After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) 4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. 6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9 Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel's help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." 12 As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the gate, they saw him and were amazed. 17 He motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, "Tell this to James and to the believers." Then he left and went to another place. 18 When morning came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
The church in Jerusalem is now facing opposition from the religious authorities and now the civil authorities. Herod is known to Luke’s hearers as the one who had put John the Baptist to death. He conspired with Pilate in the death of Jesus. He is more of a political operative than great leader. The death of James is seen as being politically positive, so he acts by imprisoning Peter.
The fact that it comes during the Passover Festival, Feast of Unleavened Bread, is worth noting. This festival of God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage to slavery is now celebrated by Peter in bondage. God acts yet again to deliver the people of God. Even as the church is praying for Peter, he is freed.
Even Peter is at a loss to describe what happened. It seemed like it was a dream. He is escorted from prison and appears at the door of a house where the believers are gathered. The church now moves from a reality where public proclamation is possible to a place where things are said and done in secret. Jesus will be proclaimed, but not necessarily in public places.
Peter goes north to Caesarea. The guards are executed, for political types need scapegoats. The gospel will be proclaimed. The realities of the reception now change. The movement of the gospel has gone from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and now we move to the rest of the world.
Reflection questions:
1. How does adversity work to the church’s advantage?
2. The church is surprised when their prayers on Peter’s behalf are answered by his appearance. How are the answers to our prayers often surprises that we did not expect?
3. How does the political events of the world affect the church?
About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. 3 After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the festival of Unleavened Bread.) 4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. 6 The very night before Herod was going to bring him out, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt and put on your sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." 9 Peter went out and followed him; he did not realize that what was happening with the angel's help was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." 12 As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she insisted that it was so. They said, "It is his angel." 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the gate, they saw him and were amazed. 17 He motioned to them with his hand to be silent, and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, "Tell this to James and to the believers." Then he left and went to another place. 18 When morning came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 When Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he examined the guards and ordered them to be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.
The church in Jerusalem is now facing opposition from the religious authorities and now the civil authorities. Herod is known to Luke’s hearers as the one who had put John the Baptist to death. He conspired with Pilate in the death of Jesus. He is more of a political operative than great leader. The death of James is seen as being politically positive, so he acts by imprisoning Peter.
The fact that it comes during the Passover Festival, Feast of Unleavened Bread, is worth noting. This festival of God’s deliverance of Israel from bondage to slavery is now celebrated by Peter in bondage. God acts yet again to deliver the people of God. Even as the church is praying for Peter, he is freed.
Even Peter is at a loss to describe what happened. It seemed like it was a dream. He is escorted from prison and appears at the door of a house where the believers are gathered. The church now moves from a reality where public proclamation is possible to a place where things are said and done in secret. Jesus will be proclaimed, but not necessarily in public places.
Peter goes north to Caesarea. The guards are executed, for political types need scapegoats. The gospel will be proclaimed. The realities of the reception now change. The movement of the gospel has gone from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and now we move to the rest of the world.
Reflection questions:
1. How does adversity work to the church’s advantage?
2. The church is surprised when their prayers on Peter’s behalf are answered by his appearance. How are the answers to our prayers often surprises that we did not expect?
3. How does the political events of the world affect the church?
Monday, October 26, 2009
October 26
Acts 11: 19-30
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. 20 But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians." 27 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29 The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30 this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
The death of Stephen scattered the church. Rather than being an obstacle to the spread of the gospel, this event served to move the church out of Jerusalem to the known world. The spread of the gospel comes to Antioch through unnamed disciples. The result is people respond with faith and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem hear of this.
We are so used to planned church growth that these stories of spontaneous growth catch us by surprise. The fact is that this type of church planting is still going on today. In Africa we are seeing explosive growth in the church. “Trained evangelists” are a regular part of the church’s mission effort. We also see minority communities in this country coming together to worship and witness long before the organized church recognizes their existence.
So Barnabas is sent north to see what is happening. His response is to find Saul and to establish what will become a very important missionary team. This activity leads to a new name for this community. They are now Christians. The slow separation from the synagogue is continuing.
I find it interesting that this missionary church is also quick to respond to human need. The church in Antioch will help support the believers in Judea. There is a hunger appeal in the early church. Interesting it is in the newly established congregation supporting the “mother church”. Supporting one another in time of need is a mark of the church.
Reflection questions:
1. How could we identify and encourage the evangelists among us?
2. What new models of church and congregation does this story suggest?
3. What role does the “bearing the burdens” of others play in the church?
19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. 20 But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called "Christians." 27 At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. 29 The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; 30 this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
The death of Stephen scattered the church. Rather than being an obstacle to the spread of the gospel, this event served to move the church out of Jerusalem to the known world. The spread of the gospel comes to Antioch through unnamed disciples. The result is people respond with faith and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem hear of this.
We are so used to planned church growth that these stories of spontaneous growth catch us by surprise. The fact is that this type of church planting is still going on today. In Africa we are seeing explosive growth in the church. “Trained evangelists” are a regular part of the church’s mission effort. We also see minority communities in this country coming together to worship and witness long before the organized church recognizes their existence.
So Barnabas is sent north to see what is happening. His response is to find Saul and to establish what will become a very important missionary team. This activity leads to a new name for this community. They are now Christians. The slow separation from the synagogue is continuing.
I find it interesting that this missionary church is also quick to respond to human need. The church in Antioch will help support the believers in Judea. There is a hunger appeal in the early church. Interesting it is in the newly established congregation supporting the “mother church”. Supporting one another in time of need is a mark of the church.
Reflection questions:
1. How could we identify and encourage the evangelists among us?
2. What new models of church and congregation does this story suggest?
3. What role does the “bearing the burdens” of others play in the church?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
October 24
Acts 11: 1-18
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' 8 But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 But a second time the voice answered from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."
The fact that Gentiles are baptized is not an uncontroversial reality in the church. The church is in many ways just an extension of the synagogue in these early days. Welcoming Gentile believers into the church will affect this relationship with the synagogue. This is reported as an easy decision, but it had ramifications.
Peter is questioned for having table fellowship with uncircumcised men. His response is his vision and the fact that God was at work among them. The question of welcome is not about the church’s welcome, it is about God’s welcome. God is obviously giving gifts to the uncircumcised. So if the gift of faith is given to them how could Peter prevent baptism?
The church was the minority community at the time it was written. The perspective of the church changes when it becomes the dominate religion. Our questions are more often directed at telling who is in the dominate church and who is outside. Since the reformation it has been a regular activity of separating from other Christians who are not like us. Note that this is not a factor in the Acts story. The question is do they have the gift of faith. If the answer is yes, then who are we to hinder God?
Reflection questions:
1. What are the requirements for us to engage in table fellowship?
2. Is confessing Jesus as Lord sufficient for our welcome into our church?
3. Are we open to those who have been outside the church being welcomed simply by their confession of faith?
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3 saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" 4 Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6 As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' 8 But I replied, 'By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 But a second time the voice answered from heaven, 'What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' 10 This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11 At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14 he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" 18 When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."
The fact that Gentiles are baptized is not an uncontroversial reality in the church. The church is in many ways just an extension of the synagogue in these early days. Welcoming Gentile believers into the church will affect this relationship with the synagogue. This is reported as an easy decision, but it had ramifications.
Peter is questioned for having table fellowship with uncircumcised men. His response is his vision and the fact that God was at work among them. The question of welcome is not about the church’s welcome, it is about God’s welcome. God is obviously giving gifts to the uncircumcised. So if the gift of faith is given to them how could Peter prevent baptism?
The church was the minority community at the time it was written. The perspective of the church changes when it becomes the dominate religion. Our questions are more often directed at telling who is in the dominate church and who is outside. Since the reformation it has been a regular activity of separating from other Christians who are not like us. Note that this is not a factor in the Acts story. The question is do they have the gift of faith. If the answer is yes, then who are we to hinder God?
Reflection questions:
1. What are the requirements for us to engage in table fellowship?
2. Is confessing Jesus as Lord sufficient for our welcome into our church?
3. Are we open to those who have been outside the church being welcomed simply by their confession of faith?
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