June 2023
Previously in Acts, we've seen abundant evidence of the Holy Spirit's power. In this passage, the Spirit continues to push the believers outward through Peter and Barnabas. We'll see unexpected people coming to know God, the ability of anyone to change, and the Spirit's interest in using all sorts of people.
Read 11:1-3
News of the Gentiles coming to faith reaches home. Peter is not welcomed back with, "Nice work! Great job winning souls!" Instead, the Jewish believers criticize him, saying "What are you doing!?" They are having trouble getting past the rules imparted to them since childhood. Maybe we have similar experiences. Young couples often have conflicts with their spouses due to differences in family of origin. You grew up doing Christmas a certain way and expect that's how it is done... until you realize your wife has completely different expectations. There are things we take for granted, values we thought everyone had, which are turned upside down as we understand God's priorities better.
Read 11:4-18
Peter reiterates his vision, the Holy Spirit's command, and Cornelius's open attitude. The Gentile reception of the Spirit mirrors Pentecost. This seems intentional, to show the Gentiles have the Spirit every bit as much as the Jewish disciples. This puts all people on equal ground, something Paul later calls out in Galatians 3:28.1 Why would Luke spend two chapters on the same story? It must be important. The Spirit wants to save all people. This plan was divisive to the original audience. While non-Jews receiving Christ is not controversial today, we may unwittingly put Christianity in a box in other ways. Consider if there is anyone you think is beyond saving.
Peter's explanation is well received. While we can look to passages in the Old Testament and see salvation of all peoples was part of God's plan, this was a big shift for the disciples. They were raised post-exile with a fierce emphasis on the Jewish people to remain separate. Failure to follow the laws had caused the temple destruction and exile. They did not want a repeat of this and so became strongly attached to the law. Their childhood had reinforced this constantly. Yet, by the first century the law had been twisted and misunderstood. We see Jesus engaging this again and again. It's a credit to the disciples they were able to recognize things were changing. The Spirit had a different plan from their human expectations. How were they able to determine this? How would anyone realize the they way we are raised is wrong?
DQ. How do we recognize differences between what the Spirit wants and our own expectations? (fruits of spirit; biblical priories vs ours; based on traditions or solid interpretation; common sense vs bible; personal opinion or something objective)
The first century Christians had to have their spiritual prejudices overturned. In our culture, we have our own misconceptions. We need to be sure we know what God is doing, or wants to do, rather than presume it conforms to our expectations. Be sure you know God's plan is not just your own.
In the next part of the chapter Luke pivots, picking back up from Acts 8 and the great persecution in Jerusalem.
Read 11:19-26
The believers spread and win an increasingly diverse types of people. Barnabas goes to Antioch and verifies Peter's experience. The Gentiles are every bit as Christian as the Jews. In fact, Luke notes Antioch is where the term Christian is first used. After this, Antioch becomes and important church in the New Testament times. Paul, who originally thought Christians were distorting God's message to the Jews, has changed so much he becomes a key worker to the Gentiles. This is a fulfillment of Acts 9:15 where God told Ananias, Paul would be his chosen instrument to the Gentiles and all Israel. Paul and Barnabas have new roles.
For those of us in adult ministry, after being used to youth ministries, it's good to note all the disciples are doing adult ministry. They are grown men and women, reaching their peers, people with families in various cities. Paul has had a radical redirection in midlife. We know from our vantage point, he still has his most useful days in front of him. This is a common biblical theme. Joseph, Moses, Abraham, and Paul were all more effective late in life than in their physical prime. Do we give ourselves that opportunity? Or do we presume our best days are behind us and now is the time to tread water?
DQ. What would you do differently if you thought your most effective days were ahead? (prepare; look for opportunities; keep pure; hone knowledge/skills; inquire with God)
Most of us have a lot going on. What if Paul or Barnabas had said, "We can't go. Our kids are sick. We're tired. We've got a lot of plans this year." They would have missed out! Jesus warns us about the cares of the world overwhelming us in the Parable of the Sower: "The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced." The truth of God, the seed, come into our life to heal us and exhort us to act. But this message can be lost in the anxiety of life and its busyness. Do you want to have a significant life? Don't let busyness ruin your chances!
Yet, our responsibilities are greatest at midlife. The earthly concerns like food, clothing, kids, health cannot be completely stopped. What are we to do?
DQ. How do we go beyond keeping our heads above water and continue to grow spiritually?
One way is a disciplined life. If our kids are wild and our sleep is crazy, how do we expect to be energized? Some routine and regularity may vastly improve our capacity, resulting in better sleep, calmer kids, and more energy. Another is to sow to the Spirit. Initiate with God and talk to him about your worries. Read the word to renew our vision and our minds. Step out to serve someone even if you can't do a lot. This recharges your joy and sense of purpose. Get active where the Spirit is moving. Help ministries where the Spirit is changing lives! Don't give up at the first sign of trouble after we decide to step out for God.
Contemplate: what can I do this week to allow God to prepare me for what he has in my future?
1. Galatians 3:28: There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.