...On Second Thought
April 29-May 5
I highly recommend that you read or listen to Dr. Jack Levison's commentary by following this link:
Be sure to spend some time with the Questions for Further Reflection at the bottom of the commentary. You'll find new questions there each week.
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Peter & Cornelius – God’s Work of Integrating Jews
& Gentiles in the Church
Acts 10:1 – 11:18
God-given vision changes the church. Cornelius, a gentile (Roman military
commander) in the Mediterranean coastal city of Caesarea*, has a vision. Peter, the lead apostle of the church, also
has a vision while on the coastal town of Joppa. God brings them together at Cornelius’
home. Long story short – God speaks
clearly to the leadership of the church that the good news is not only for
Jews, but also for gentiles (non-Jews).
In 10:34-43, there’s Peter preaching the good news about Jesus
again. As the gentiles respond in faith,
God pours out the gift of the Holy Spirit on them. This is a first! Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit…who would
have predicted this?! In chapter 11,
Peter explains to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem what happened…and they
embrace the change.
- God-given visions had a huge part to play in this episode. What is your experience of having visions? How do you know if a vision is from God?
- As crazy as it sounds, what happened in this episode is the reason those of us who are not Jews can be part of the church! What kind of experience do you have with Christians who are also Jewish (sometimes called Messianic Christians)? What do you appreciate most about the Jewish heritage of the church?
- Some people interpret this passage to be the scriptural support for full inclusion and approval of all kinds of groups in the church, notably in relation to sexual orientation. What do you think of this approach? How do you interpret the meaning of this story for the church today?
Acts 11:19-30
Antioch is the first place Jesus’ followers were called “Christians.” The church there was one of the first
integrated churches, including both Jews and Greeks. It was here that Saul and Barnabas became ministry
partners and taught the church for a year in what turned out to be a training
ground for their future missionary travels.
The Antioch church cares for the believers in Judea who suffer through a
famine. God cares for the poor members
of his family through the gifts of others in the church.
- What do you think about being known as a “Christian.” Is it a title you are comfortable with people knowing/using? Why or why not?
- God trains those he calls into his service. Share an experience that God used to prepare you for what was to come. Looking back, did you know what God was up to? How much faith and hope did it take? What might God be preparing you for right now?
- How does (or how might) God use your gifts to help poor believers in your church? In the world-wide church?
Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison – Surprise!
Acts 12
King Herod is on the war path against the Jesus people
(he doesn’t have long until he meets his demise). Peter is arrested and placed in prison, but
God sends an angel to free him from his chains and open every prison door. The believers were gathered together and
praying for his release, but they were in for a surprise - God had answered their prayer! The episode with the servant Rhoda borders on
the comedic – forgetting to open the door, leaving Peter standing there while
trying unsuccessfully to convince those gathered that he was right there. When we pray, we shouldn’t be surprised to
see God actually answer them!
- Rhoda is a humble servant, but she plays a big role in this story and gets mentioned by name. Can you identify with her servant ministry? Name some of the people whose service to the Lord benefits you, but who rarely get name recognition; praise God for them!
- What chains and gates are holding you back from fully experiencing the promises of God or serving God’s purposes? How might it help to pray for God’s freedom? Like the believers prayed for Peter, take some time to pray for church leaders who face difficult trials.
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